Social democracy is not and never has been a party with a fixed body of dogmas that every member must swear by. It has a tradition of ideas shaped by more than a hundred years of theoretical debate, science & practical politics. Now this is what we refer to as Social Democracy - Regional Australia has the sunlight and the knowledge to replicate the successful move to renewable energy seen in Europe. That was the message delivered to participants at a clean energy conference in the New South Wales Hunter Valley. Jarra Hicks, director and co-founder of the Community Power Agency, says Australia could learn a lot from Germanys move to renewable energy. In Germany 46 per cent of all their renewable energy is owned by ordinary citizens, mum and dad investors, through cooperatives. Together they own wind turbines and solar panels and hydro power plants. She says a very stable policy environment has been an important factor. They have very clear rules that allow access to the grid network from communities. She said two community-owned wind farms already exist in Australia. They are owned by local people, they finance these projects and get returns on their investment, keeping money in the local economy. Ms Hicks said community owned renewable energy projects have the potential to contribute positive social, economic outcomes for regional Australia.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 06:35:10 +0000
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