As critical UN climate negotiations continue in Glasgow, community power campaigners are demanding EU leaders unleash the enormous potential of community energy
Critical COP26 talks are moving ahead in Glasgow, yet the world is still nowhere near the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Indeed, we will struggle to meet the 1.5°C target, while supporting a just energy transition and tackling energy poverty, without a big rise in community energy.
Community energy can play a significant role in combatting the climate crisis, ending the fossil fuel age, and accelerating the energy transition in a fair, just and inclusive way. It can help tackle energy poverty, and build public support for renewables.
The statement by the Community Power Coalition calls on EU leaders to act on the potential of community energy as part of the solution in the climate negotiations. The coalition demands:
- Sound policies and actions to ensure participation of citizens in the energy transition;
- Immediate financial support for a massive renewable deployment with citizen and municipalities participation;
- Investment in deep renovation programmes for energy poor households.
“We believe that a decentralised and 100% renewable energy system is both possible and necessary – while our energy demand must decrease. It’s time to put citizens at the heart of our energy transition”, says the coalition.
