Renewable  Energy  –  Production,  Distribution  &  Conservation    

Creating  a  People’s  Charter  for  Renewable  Energy  

Table  of  Contents  

Renewable  Energy  –  Production,  Distribution  &  Conservation    Introduction   3  Flagging  the  Issues   4  Solutions  to  the  Issues   4  Technologies   5  Duncan  Stewarts  Speech   6  Conservation   6  Distribution   7  Motivation   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.