The interest in owning and creating energy together on a local level is increasing in Sweden. However, many communities encounter challenges related to complex regulations, funding difficulties, and a lack of clear guidance. To address these issues, Uppsala University and Nordregio have developed a guide that outlines a three-step process designed to help local actors progress from concept to implementation, and proposes six recommendations to promote local ownership.
The guide “Local ownership of sustainable energy: A guide for local communities and decision-makers“ is in Swedish, funded by Energimyndigheten/Swedish Energy Agency. English version is forthcoming.
Three steps to start, implement and operate your locally owned energy project
The guide is designed to support local energy production, improving community resilience and self-sufficiency. The guide’s first step involves the core group defining their motivation, organising structures, and securing funding. In the second step, attention turns to implementation, which includes managing execution, and ensuring localisation. The final step focuses on sustaining the project long-term, which requires thorough documentation, ongoing competence development, and regular evaluations to ensure continuous improvement.
Elin Slätmo, Senior Researcher at Nordregio, notes, “Local energy projects not only support sustainability but also contribute to building resilient communities that are less vulnerable to economic fluctuations and supply disruptions.”
Case studies from the Nordic Region
The guide includes five case studies that provide insights into successful local energy projects:
- Igelbodaplatån: Focuses on local energy solutions in a residential building to reduce costs and increase energy independence. Read the case.
- Värmland: Utilises hydropower to support the local economy and clean energy production. Read the case.
- Bornholm: Engages the community in wind energy projects that promote inclusive participation and benefit sharing. Read the case.
- Gotland’s solar park: Demonstrates how local development can be integrated with energy transition initiatives. Read the case.
- Gotland’s biogas: Features a biogas project that converts waste into energy, illustrating the principles of a circular economy. Read the case.
Policy recommendations for enhancing local energy initiatives
The publication concludes with six policy recommendations for financing bodies and for decision-makers on local, regional and national levels, to support more locally owned energy projects:
- Clarifying regulations: Creating clearer guidelines for managing energy communities within existing legislative frameworks.
- Enhancing public planning cooperation: Developing mandatory strategic energy plans at municipal and regional levels that align with local community needs.
- Promoting inclusive processes: Involving local communities from the start to ensure that projects benefit all residents.
- Facilitating through governance and education: Providing energy offices, financial actors, and policymakers with the necessary information to support energy communities.
- Revising tax regulations: Adjusting tax policies to provide a fair competitive environment for small-scale energy communities.
- Fostering dialogue on energy balance: Ensuring local actors are included in discussions about the management of the energy system, particularly in terms of balancing and compensation.
Access the guide to learn more about local ownership of sustainable energy here.
