Successes of Community Wind Projects

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Community wind energy projects are gaining popularity as a way to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, while also promoting local ownership and economic development. These projects are typically owned and operated by a group of individuals, a cooperative, a municipality, or a non-profit organization, and aim to generate electricity for local use, often through a power purchase agreement with a local utility. Let’s explore some examples and success stories of community wind energy projects, and highlight their potential as a tool for achieving a sustainable energy future.

What are Community Wind Energy Projects?

Community wind energy projects are small to medium-scale wind power facilities that are owned and operated by a group of individuals, a cooperative, a municipality, or a non-profit organization. These projects aim to generate electricity for local use, often through a power purchase agreement with a local utility. They are typically located in rural or semi-rural areas, where wind resources are abundant and land is available at a reasonable cost.

One of the main advantages of community wind energy projects is that they promote local ownership and economic development. By involving local stakeholders in the planning, financing, and operation of the project, they can create jobs, generate income, and keep the benefits of renewable energy production within the community.

Community wind energy projects can also have environmental benefits, as they displace fossil fuel-based electricity generation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They can also help increase energy security and resilience by providing a local source of power that is not dependent on distant or vulnerable transmission lines.

Success Stories of Community Wind Energy Projects

Hull Wind 1:

• The Hull Wind 1 project, located in Hull, Massachusetts, was the first community-owned wind turbine in the United States. The 660-kW turbine was installed in 2001 and is owned by the town of Hull. It generates approximately 1.7 million kWh of electricity per year, which is sold to the local utility through a power purchase agreement. The project has been a success both in terms of economic and environmental benefits, and has inspired other communities to pursue similar projects.

Danish Wind Turbine Owners’ Association:

• The Danish Wind Turbine Owners’ Association (DWEA) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of small-scale wind turbine owners in Denmark. The association was founded in 1978 and has grown to include over 40,000 members who collectively own more than 90% of the small wind turbines in the country.
• The DWEA provides its members with technical support, legal advice, and advocacy on issues related to wind energy policy and regulation. It has been instrumental in promoting the growth of small-scale wind energy in Denmark, and has helped create a culture of local ownership and participation in renewable energy production.

Westmill Wind Farm:

• The Westmill Wind Farm, located in Oxfordshire, England, is a community-owned wind power facility that was commissioned in 2008. The project consists of five 1.3-MW turbines and is owned by a cooperative that includes over 2,000 members. The cooperative raised £4 million ($5.6 million) through a public share offering to finance the project, and also secured a £14 million ($19.6 million) loan from a local bank.
• The project generates approximately 15 GWh of electricity per year, which is sold to the local utility through a power purchase agreement. The Westmill Wind Farm has been a financial success, with the cooperative paying dividends to its members every year since 2011. It has also been a model for other community wind energy projects in the UK and beyond.

Overview

Community wind energy projects represent a promising pathway to a sustainable energy future. These projects have the potential to promote local ownership and economic development, increase energy security and resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The success stories and examples presented in this article demonstrate the potential of community wind energy projects to create value for local communities and contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

However, there are also challenges and barriers that need to be addressed, such as securing financing, navigating regulatory frameworks, and addressing potential conflicts with local stakeholders. Despite these challenges, the growing interest in community wind energy projects and the development of supportive policies and programs are positive signs that these projects can play an important role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future. By empowering communities to take ownership of their energy future, we can create a more democratic, decentralized, and resilient energy system that benefits everyone.

Related Links:

• Nrel.gov