Challenge

© Sven Torfinn/Panos

We all need access to energy for well-being. The availability of concentrated forms of energy (notably fossil fuels) has supported technological progress and development of civilisations.

Energy use is currently dominated by fossil fuels leading to dangerous climate change. 

Many people do not have adequate and/or affordable energy. Others use it profligately.

Even taking into account the potential for energy efficiency, well-being for everyone will require increased aggregate energy use. 

Renewable energy in the form of solar, wind, water, geothermal and bio-waste (such as sewage) is plentiful. The means to concentrate and store this energy largely exist. 

However, the design, management and ownership of large-scale, centralised energy supply seems to make it impractical to provide low-carbon energy for everyone from renewables. 

On the other hand, energy decentralised systems with more community ownership could offer multiple benefits like: stronger local economies; resilience to extreme weather; stronger social networks; and greater environmental awareness.

Research questions

• Looking at design, management and ownership of energy systems - how can we harness affordable, low-carbon energy supplies for all? 
• What are the benefits of decentralised energy and energy efficiency?
• Would these approaches also encourage innovation in areas such as waste management?

Use of the research

Friends of the Earth has led the way in the UK on decentralised energy. We spearheaded a successful campaign to introduce a feed-in tariff for small-scale renewables and successful legal challenges to prevent the Government fatally weakening the financial incentive. We're now working with sister groups in Friends of the Earth International to get a global feed-in tariff so that poorer communities across the world could benefit from decentralised energy.

This research will support the campaign and inform future campaigns in related areas such as waste management.