Communities Leading The Way

Locally owned and inspired renewable energy installations promise to make a profound impact for future generations. They reduce greenhouse emissions, they stimulate economic growth at a local level, and they empower communities with a sense of energy security and independence.

Community ownership of renewable energy is a very exciting global phenomenon. Beginning in Denmark in the early eighties, renewable energy co-operatives have become an increasingly important feature of the fight against climate change. All over Europe, the USA, and now Australia, communities are leading the way by creating their own renewable energy sources from wind, solar and biogas.

At the launch of the Hepburn Wind Share Offer in July 2008, guest speaker Professor John Thwaites, Former Victorian Deputy Premier and Chairman of Monash Sustainability Institute, argued strongly for communities taking action to safeguard their energy future and contribute to the fight against climate change. He reinforced his view that governments alone will not solve our energy and climate change challenges, and that it will be up to communities, working with business and governments, to take the initiative.

Future Energy is the company behind the Hepburn Wind community wind farm project, and we are actively working with several other community groups who are keen to pursue their own renewable energy concepts.

If you are part of a community action group that wants to know more about renewable energy and whether a community owned renewable energy facility is feasible in your community, please contact us. We’ll try to help.