More than 150 people gathered to form the shape of an enormous wind turbine in front of the European Parliament in Brussels (Belgium) yesterday to highlight the need for support for community renewable energy. The ‘People’s Windmill’ aims to send the message that citizen and community-controlled renewables should be at the heart of European energy policy.

Community energy projects exist in a variety of forms across the continent. One such example is that of Culemborg (The Netherlands), a small town which raised €1.2 million in a record-breaking crowd-funding effort to purchase and run a wind turbine. 6,000 shares in the project were sold for €200 each, attracting 1,700 small investors from across the country. There are also examples such as solar villages in Spain, and community energy saving schemes in the Czech Republic.

Upcoming decisions on European targets for emissions, renewables and energy efficiency for 2030 will determine and shape success in ending dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change. However, the success of many cities in curbing emissions shows that local action is the most effective way to make a difference. Several other ‘People’s Windmills’ took place across Europe this week, in Austria, Georgia, Spain, and the UK.

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