Empowering Communities through Community Ownership of Renewable Energy Technologies with Examples from Around the World

Year 2024, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 261 - 280, 29.07.2024

Göktürk Kalkan

https://doi.org/10.30692/sisad.1454348

Abstract

This study examines how local communities can play an active role in renewable energy projects and how these processes can empower communities. Community ownership involves individuals directly participating in the production of clean energy, collectively managing and owning local renewable energy resources. Beyond environmental imperatives, this approach aims to promote sustainable development, enhance energy security, and support the transition to a low-carbon future. Various renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydroelectric power, provide opportunities to stimulate local economic growth and contribute to environmental protection. The community ownership model operates on fundamental principles of participatory decision-making, local involvement, and equitable distribution of benefits. This model democratizes energy production, enabling social and economic strengthening of local communities. However, transitioning to this model brings challenges such as financing, regulatory barriers, and technical knowledge. Appropriate support mechanisms and cooperative models play a critical role in overcoming these challenges, ensuring the successful implementation of projects. This approach grants communities greater control over energy production, maximizing both environmental and socioeconomic benefits of transitioning to sustainable energy.

Keywords

Renewable Energy, Community Ownership, Cooperatives

DÜNYA’DAKİ ÖRNEK UYGULAMALARI İLE YENİLENEBİLİR ENERJİ TEKNOLOJİLERİNİN TOPLULUK SAHİPLİĞİ YOLUYLA TOPLULUKLARI GÜÇLENDİRMESİ

Abstract

Bu çalışma, yerel toplulukların yenilenebilir enerji projelerinde nasıl aktif rol alabileceğini ve bu süreçte toplulukların nasıl güçlendirilebileceğini incelemektedir. Topluluk sahipliği, bireylerin temiz enerji üretimine doğrudan katılarak, yerel olarak yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarını kolektif bir şekilde yönetme ve sahiplenme sürecidir. Bu yaklaşım, çevresel zorunlulukların ötesinde, sürdürülebilir kalkınmayı teşvik ederken enerji güvenliğini artırmayı ve düşük karbonlu bir geleceğe geçişi desteklemeyi amaçlar. Güneş, rüzgâr, biyokütle, jeotermal ve hidroelektrik gibi çeşitli yenilenebilir enerji kaynakları, yerel ekonomik büyümeyi teşvik etme ve çevresel korumaya katkı sağlama fırsatları sunar. Topluluk sahipliği modeli, katılımcı karar alma, yerel katılım ve elde edilen faydaların adil bir şekilde dağıtılması gibi temel ilkelerle hareket eder. Bu model, enerji üretimini demokratikleştirerek yerel toplulukların sosyal ve ekonomik olarak güçlenmesine olanak tanır. Ancak bu modele geçiş, finansman, düzenleyici engeller ve teknik bilgi gibi zorlukları beraberinde getirir. Uygun destek mekanizmaları ve kooperatif modelleri, bu zorlukların üstesinden gelmekte kritik rol oynayarak projelerin başarılı bir şekilde yürütülmesini sağlar. Bu yaklaşım, toplulukların enerji üretimi üzerinde daha fazla kontrol sahibi olmalarını sağlayarak sürdürülebilir enerjiye geçişin hem çevresel hem de sosyoekonomik faydalarını maksimize eder.

Keywords

Yenilenebilir Enerji, Topluluk Sahipliği, Kooperatifçilik

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