Denmark is creating sustainable networks of community-based energy production and distribution.
Authors: Chris Cook and Marcus Saul
As Research Fellows at the Institute for Strategy, Resilience and Security, at University College, London, Marcus Saul and Chris Cook researched and developed the Pacific Natural Grid resource resilience strategy.
One of the biggest challenges of the 21st Century is to transform the production and use of energy into non-carbon forms. The current strategy for achieving this challenge leaves power in the hands of existing energy companies, those with the greatest stake in exploiting oil and gas for profit. But there is an alternative.
In the following presentation, Chris Cook and Marcus Saul explain how Denmark has led the way in creating sustainable networks of community-based energy production and distribution. This has been transformative for Denmark, enabling it to become independent from the oil and gas industry’s dominance. But it is also transformative for communities, who are now creating their own energy economies.
The authors are also part of Island Power, a UK-based enterprise specialising in facilitating energy independence through rapid transition to renewable and resilient energy systems. Island Power has recently signed an agreement with the Government of Niue, a self-governing Pacific island.
The Niue Government’s commitment towards energy efficiency by 2025 will see Island Power in collaboration with Government authorities, introduce $750,000 investment as a first step, into Niue’s future energy systems, through the development of an energy efficient solution for a Natural Grid network installation.
The Premier of Niue, Dalton Tagelagi said:
“Today Niue: Tomorrow the Pacific! There was a clear recognition at COP 27 that conventional climate finance has reached the end of the road. Here, facing the cliff edge of climate change, perhaps the Niue Natural Grid initiative may be a first step back along the ‘road less travelled.”
Chris Cook said:
“Niue Natural Grid objectives address all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals by Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) compliant climate finance:
- Environmental – cutting fuel costs also cuts CO2 emissions
- Social – increasing capacity and addressing fuel poverty
- Governance – Niueans own and operate the Niue Natural Grid.”
Find out more about Island Power at: https://www.island-power.net and the Institute for Strategy, Resilience and Security at: https://www.isrs.org.uk
community, nature & economics, Sustainability, Denmark, Europe, Global, Slide
