Sustainable Democratic Energy for Ireland and Europe
A case for renewables and participation
by Dan Boyle
The EU has embarked on a significant reduction in CO₂ by 2020 and a switch to CO₂-free energy by 2050. This will require a massive expansion of Europe’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Such infrastructure is potentially very invasive to local communities. Developing community support for such projects through participative democracy and community involvement is a major challenge that needs to be met if the switch to renewable energy is to take place.