Renewable Energy Production, Distribution & Conservation Creating a People s Charter for Renewable Energy
Table of Contents Renewable Energy Production, Distribution & Conservation Introduction Flagging the Issues Solutions to the Issues Technologies Duncan Stewarts Speech Conservation Distribution Motivation 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 9
Introduction Laois Environmental Action Forum (LEAF) and Claiming Our Future (COF), hosted the renewable energy event, Renewable Energy Production, Distribution and Conservation on November 9th. It was designed to encourage communities to participate in the planning of our transition away from fossil fuel. The event was based on four simple assumptions: 1. Communities must be involved 2. Renewable energy needs to be developed to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels 3. Fuel poverty needs to be addressed, guided by the principles of equality 4. Climate change must be addressed Proposals for wind farms, fracking and drilling for oil near Irish coasts have led to energy becoming a contentious and divisive issue for many. Ideas about solar power, storage and transmission abound. So many people have ideas about what we must do. We believe it is possible to have creative conversations on these subjects while focusing on the four assumptions above. The day was broken into three sessions based on three topics, energy generation, distribution, and conservation. Before each session the "experts" introduced themselves briefly, 2 minutes max, and let people know their area of expertise. This event was being independently facilitated. Most conversations were held in small groups to ensure full participation for all involved. It is hoped that this event is the start of a process where the end result we are aiming for is a people s charter to deliver to our government, showing what the people want and giving a roadmap for how progress can be made, collaboratively.
Flagging the Issues The analogy that we were all outsiders was used in order to have people exam the problems from a detached viewpoint. For this, participants imagined themselves as aliens orbiting the Earth, observing from a distance. Outlined below are issues identified by each group. Many tables identified greed as the driving force behind many of the issues we face today. Businesses are driven by profit and see the environment as the source of that profit without understanding the long- term consequences. This shortsightedness was picked up a number of other groups. People identified that politics have a short- term outlook to a long- term problem. There is no holistic vision of the current energy system. Communities need to get involved and air their grievances and be listened to. There needs to be more transparency regarding the problems associated with climate change. Simply knowing there is a problem is not enough. Action is required! There is a lack of local ownership, which may stem from the government not engaging with public regarding the problems and options available. Commercial interests and not social interests drive energy development. We persist with the use of fossil fuels rather than identifying viable options that are sustainable and long lasting. Solutions to the Issues Once the issues were identified or Flagged, viable options available were listed by each table. Some of these options or ideas are outlined below. Integrated understanding (Governance). o At a local/national and EU. Bring all sides together starting with local communities. Co- ownership of energy solutions to empower local communities. Communication and work ethic. Carbon budget for Ireland. Conserving consumption. Global solidarity against fossil fuels. Listening to communities. Stop fighting and work together. Move to cooperatives. New economy. Strive for energy independence. Close to source consumption. Projects with no environmental impact.
Technologies Next on the agenda, we discussed various technological options. Each table was assigned to discuss a certain topic/technology and people were free to join and leave tables as they pleased. The topics discussed at each table were the following: Energy Co- Operatives Eirgrid Combined Heat and Power Solar Energy Wind Energy Subsidies and Carbon Tax The Energy Co- Operative table discussed the need for community cooperatives around Ireland. There is the possibility to create local micro- grids to supply and balance energy requirements. Also discussed was how Ireland is following the UK s model, which was identified as being unsustainable for Ireland. We need to look at similar economies, such as Denmark and Austria. Ireland s Eirgrid pillons were also discussed and it was noted at this table that a systems thinking approach to renewable energy and other resource use. The table debating Combined Heat and Power identified the benefits of efficient fuel use as well as the flexibility of Sterling Engine CHP s that can run on many types of fuels. The cost of installation became an issue and CHP installations were not recommended for retrofits. With accurate sizing, a unit can be paid back within 2-3 years. Solar and wind energy were also discussed to those who wished to learn more. Questions around Wind energy s efficiency and how the industry is regulated were raised. However there was interest in community owned wind farms and with the right expertise, funding and structures, it was seen as a viable option in the Laois area. Solar energy is technically feasibility in Ireland, but with the lake of policy to stimulate the deployment of this technology will remain low. There are 10,000 installations in Ireland at present and the growth will continue to remain slow unless there is an access to capital. Finally the last table discussed subsidies and a carbon tax. The energy subsidies supporting fossil fuels were identified as inhibitors to the deployment of renewable energy technologies. These subsidies must be removed if we are to move away from dirty fuels. The carbon tax was also debated and the consensus was that there is a need for a fair carbon tax at all levels. The capital gained by these taxes must be invested in a mix of renewables, as it will not be one technology that will solve Ireland s dependence on fossil fuel imports. Participants were urged to become more active and realize that they have options.
Duncan Stewarts Speech Duncan Stewart had just 15 minutes to impart some words of wisdom and advice to all at the event. Duncan made it clear that we can no longer wait for change to happen, communities need to be the drivers. People must become organized and actively involved. In order to do this though, citizens need options, both technological and financial. Duncan reiterated the importance of immediate action and how dependent we are as an island on imported fuels. We are at the mercy of the global market and we should be striving for energy independence. Duncan s rousing speech gave hope to many of the event s guest and gave impotence to the group to continue the discussion. Conservation Following Duncan s speech, we were again divided into various tables to discuss a number of topics with our Experts. The table topics are listed below: Media s Role Aarhuis District Heating Transition Ireland and Northern Ireland Energy Monitoring and Management Air Tightness and Heat Recovery Finance and Co- Ops Insulation The role of the media in Energy conservation and renewable energy deployment was assed at one table. This group identified the need to use social media and online forums to communicate and open dialogue between environmental groups. It was suggested that people within the community could write their own stories and submit these to newspapers. As well as being more proactive with campaigning, communities should examine the potential for district heating systems. One group discussed the possibilities of such a system and how certain areas have the criteria needed for installing such a system. Another group discussed energy monitoring and management as a way to conserve consumption. During this discussion our expert outlined how through active monitoring of energy use, individuals can become more aware of wasted energy. As well as this, there is the opportunity to provide jobs at a local level. The airtightness and heat recovery table discussed methods making a dwelling more airtight and thus reduce the amount of heat loss. The key is to make people more aware of how they can make small improvements to their building envelope and save on energy consumption for space heating. One piece of advice was to use ceiling tape to prevent air escaping. This can be easily concealed by painting over. As well as the airtightness of a building, an expert on insulation formed a group to identify the options and potential pitfalls of selecting insulation. Concerns were raised over petrochemical materials for insulation and how there is a lack of funding and supply for Eco materials, such as hemp.
The table discussing the Aarhuis convention outlined the need for environmental rights in the constitution and how there should be an environmental court to prosecute those that damage the Irish environment for financial gain. The need for up skilling within the public sector was also proposed as well as improved public awareness and education. More people need to engage with the Aarhuis but this will only be possible through improved information distribution for example employing information officers and holding Aarthuis information roadshows. The final table introduced Transition Ireland and Northern Ireland (TINI) and gave an introduction into the movement and how there is a need for a network to make such a transition possible. Distribution Our next session divided up the groups again to discuss aspects of distribution and any other topic of interest to participants. The topics included: Energy Democracy Co- Operatives and Energy Eirgrid s Pylons Anaerobic digestion European Policy Smart Micro- Grids The group discussing Energy democracy examined the various problems existing within the Irish system and also how these issues could be resolved. These problems and solutions are outlined below. Various problems were identified o Opaque democracy o Governance not government o No Leadership o Pro profit ideology o Pro market bias is senior public servants o Semi- state competition is a gravy train o Appointed local government Solutions were also offered o Use existing smart grid o Re- politicizes the population o Aarhuis convention use it o Upstream participation o Redefine national interests when it comes to energy o New players in local democracy must be accountable o Challenge semi- state selfish interest o Semi state mandate to become social and not commercial o Democratise semi- states
Once again, Co- Operatives were discussed. This time, barriers related to the establishment of energy Co- Operatives were identified. Two of the most prominent barriers are related to peoples trust in such projects. People need instant success and reward otherwise there isn t much interest. People tend to retrofit their existing home, without thinking of the benefits of energy Co- Operatives. There is a need to communicate with like- minded people and establish a suitable forum to communicate and share ideas. Eirgrid s Pylons were the subject of our next group s discussion. This group were concerned with the large pylons being constructed in the Laois area. Such investment into Ireland s grid is dependent on continued economic growth and resource consumption. There should be more focus on improving energy efficiency and strategies to combat the forecasted increase in consumption should be aimed at local renewable energy projects. Anaerobic digestion (AD) was discussed within another group and had many interested participants. Issues such as investment costs, deployment potential, interest and legislation were discussed. The expert at the table made it aware that in order for AD to be successfully deployed, AD needs buy in from all the community. With the topics based around the distribution of energy, Smart micro grids was yet another topic people found interesting and applicable. There is a need for case studies to show the authorities it is possible. An energy survey is a good way to start and such works will drive the local economy by supplying badly needed employment. The group outlined the need for a fund for projects that payback in less than two years. The expert made it clear that moving forward there is a need for a community plan (3 year plan as suggested) and a forum to network between Co- ops. The final two tables examined how change might happen. The suggestions are briefly outlined below: Taxes and sanctions Need for a carbon budget o Set a limit o How will we spend it? Social justice impact assessment Direct action o Even in the absence of popular support Presentation of a convincing sustainable alternative o Climate change people talk about problems and solutions Next generation needs to be born with a conscience! More use of electronic democracy across EU Use petitions?
Motivation With such a large amount of information having to be consumed and the most dizzying amount of problems we face we decided to end the event by focusing on motivation. Groups were asked to write a few points about what motivates them and how to get motivated for the future. There were a diverse number of points made and participants want communities to lead the way with sustainable community led projects. In order for this to be achieved, there is a need for energy policies to facilitate neighbourhood projects and enable local cooperatives to form. Communities need to become empowered and need to become more involved in shaping their local energy future. Other groups focused on the energy options discussed by the experts as their motivation for the future. We need to monitor our electricity use, chop wood, set up of cooperatives, and apply pressure to bring about a change in our climate future. We need to seize the day and get behind sustainable projects. One individual alone cannot achieve an energy secure future, it will take a group focused on a common goal. But the options are out available, there just needs to be enough voices behind each project.