Energy democracy
Energy democracy – a political, economic, social and cultural concept that merges technological energy transition with strengthening of democracy and public participation. This concept is connected with an ongoing decentralization of energy systems with energy efficiency and renewable energy being used also for energy ownership transition. With new green technologies available such a transition is possible involving new actors: prosumers, renewable energy co-operatives and municipal, community-owned power stations which replace centralised, power corporations.
This concept is promoted by renewable energy business sector,[1] local communities,[2] labour unions (e.g. Global Labour Institute), think tanks (e.g. Green Institute Foundation) etc.[3]
In 2014, this concept has also been promoted by city of Boulogne-Billancourt (France). For its participation in the Bloomberg mayors challenge, the city presented an innovative vision of Energy democracy based on the reduction of the use of fossil fuels and a system of incentives to encourage citizens in reducing their energy consumption.
See also
- Community solar farm
- Community wind energy
- RAPS
- Soft energy path
- Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network