Making the Case for Renewables for Local Governments

Credit: City of Betim

Local governments worldwide have responded to the multiple challenges of climate change, energy security, and local economic development and revitalization by creating policies and programmes in renewable energy. It is the roles and responsibilities of local governments that can be a driving force for innovation and investment in their communities.

The 10 Main Reasons for Community Leaders to Use Local Renewables

  1. It's viable: renewable energy sources (RES) are mature, available and ready for use today.
  2. Gain energy autonomy: using local resources to produce energy locally establishes a solid foundation for a decentralised, secure energy supply – thereby also making communities more resilient, and less dependent on imported fossil fuels.
  3. Save money: financial benefits are inherent, both in terms of saving money and generating an income over the short- to long-term. This can be done by using energy more efficiently, and by replacing increasingly expensive fossil fuels with sustainable energy solutions, exporting energy that is not locally required.
  4. Reduce CO2: a steady transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources will reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to climate protection.
  5. Job creation: switching to Local Renewables supports local job creation and stimulates the economy.
  6. Develop sustainably: Local Renewables give an impulse to sustainable urban development, and encourage technical and social innovation.
  7. Meet national targets: local action is critical in achieving national and international targets on sustainable energy and climate protection.
  8. Strengthen the community through stakeholder engagement: Local Renewables implies the involvement of local stakeholders, using synergies to create change. The changes in behaviour through renewable energy outreach also encourage broader shifts towards sustainable living.
  9. Increase reliability: renewable energy sources are more reliable in terms of costs over time, in delivery, leading to increased energy security.
  10. Poverty alleviation: renewable energy contributes to poverty alleviation.

Many of these arguments were developed at the 2007 Local Renewables Conference.