How to Organize, Finance, and Launch
Local energy Projects
Greg Pahl
Chelsea Green Publishing
Bad news comes in the form of climate change and peak oil; the good news comes in the form of communities empowering themselves with small, usually cooperative renewable energy projects. Greg Pahl, an expert on a variety of renewable energy sources from solar to wind power; to lesser known geothermal, biomass and biogas, to the best known hydro-electric, focuses on communities who have taken these projects on a smaller scale and with successful results.
Power from the People, mirrors both the Transition Town and the Occupy movements in that these communities are not waiting for large corporations and government to bring us renewable energy on a large scale. Instead, these community leaders (including local politicians such as mayors), have decided to keep their energy facilities and supplies local (as opposed to buying energy from other states or overseas). While none of these technologies alone can replace fossil fuels on a grand scale, a combination of conservation of resources, and keeping the energy sources at the local level creates sustainable communities. Meaning, each region becomes responsible for their own energy needs through the use of whichever renewable energy works best in their region. For instance, according to Pahl, solar power works best in the American Southwest and wind power in the West and Midwest.
Throughout the book, the author visits successful communities from Vermont to Washington State and Oregon to the grain belt in the Midwest. He delves into the hurdles a community faces as they take back their power locally, from government red (green) tape to raising the funds to pay for solar panels, wind turbines and other necessary structures. The author walks readers through the steps while giving real world examples.
While this isn't the most entertaining read, I think we all need to familiar ourselves with local resiliency and renewable energy technologies. This book is a good place as any to start.
http://www.chelseagreen.com