The following are summaries from the Community Power Report, which regularly posts stories on community-based renewable energy projects talking place all around the world.
New Hawaiian law makes it easier to finance co-ops
June 29, 2016
A new Hawaiian bill allows all new types of energy projects to be financed by the state. Under Hawaiian’s Revised Statutes, “energy projects” are allowed to receive state special purpose revenue bonds. The new bill adds “publically owned energy co-operative” to that definition. According to Marco Mangelsdorf, president of the Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative, “having the state back you, (and) having the government back you reduces the liability for lenders and reduces the rates.”
Sask. renewable energy project going public
July 8, 2016
SaskWind is publicly launching its $90 million wind and solar renewable energy project to the residents of Swift Current, Saskatchewan. The proposal includes six wind turbines on 70 acres and distributed across about 2,000 acres to allow continued used of the land. The turbines would generate 25 megawatts of power. In total the project would generate enough power for 12,000 average homes. SaskWind is hoping the community will be impressed enough by the meeting to take 100% community ownership of the project. President of SaskWind, James Glennie, stated, “[The project] represents an enormous opportunity.”
Reading’s first community energy scheme launches share offer
July 8, 2016
Reading launched its first community owned renewable energy scheme and citizens are urged to invest. Councillor Liz Terry, a community energy board member, urges residents to take advantage of the opportunity and support the project. Reading residents are given priority to invest with bonds as low as £200. The money will be used to fund the installation of photovoltaic solar panels across the borough mainly on schools, places of worship, community centres and council-owned buildings.
Header image provided by Get Reading