Austerland Energi – energy transition for local development
A community-driven energy initiative
Östergarnslandet, a region on the eastern side of the Swedish island Gotland, is sparsely populated: Of 3,700 households, only one-third are permanent residents, and the rest are second home owners. The region is characterised by agricultural landscapes and pristine natural environments, making it a popular destination for vacations.
Here, in Östergarnslandet, the community initiative Austerland Energi was formed in 2017. The community driven and owned energy initiative seeks to lead a local energy transition through community participation, knowledge building and new energy infrastructure. As a first step, the initiative is building a community owned solar energy park.
Grounding global goals in local settings
The energy initiative focuses on local energy generation, storage, sharing, and usage, while engaging residents in shaping the future of their community. However, more than just a technical energy project, Austerland Energi represents a social and democratic endeavour that contributes to national and international energy policy goals:
"Austerland Energi is a local manifestation of the Paris Agreement"
- Project leader 1, Austerland Energi
By aligning with these broader objectives, the project aspires to deliver tangible benefits to Östergarnslandet and beyond and demonstrate how local communities can play a key part in democratising and advancing the energy transition.
How Austerland Energi got started
The Austerland Energi initiative builds on a history of successful local projects. This includes, for example, developing a water and sewage system, building a fibre network, and transforming a former school building into a community centre. These achievements have boosted the community's confidence in tackling ambitious infrastructure projects and paved the way for the new focus on sustainable energy solutions.
It was in the community centre that the first ideas for an energy project started to form, in 2017. In a step-by-step process, the initial ideas were transformed into practical plans, a formal association and a first development project:
2018-2019
A pilot study was conducted outlining a plan for a locally owned energy system that would include renewable energy production,
2020-2023
A more detailed feasibility study for selected areas was carried out, focusing on refining the project’s ideas further,
2024
Austerland Energi saw their project and vision of a more sustainable, community-based energy model come to life as their solar energy park was set up.
More than just solar panels
Austerland Energi is more than just solar panels; it is about community and ownership, drawing on the expertise and spirit of local residents to make sustainable energy a shared endeavour. The energy initiative is both collectively owned and controlled. In 2023, it was formally established as an economic association to promote the local shareholders to be active in the association. With this organisational form, the ownership and decision-making power belong to the members, which in turn is thought to encourage a more dynamic participation.
The initiative primarily targets companies, organisations and residents (both full and part-time) from the local area. Although, shares in the association are held by individuals, and not linked to their properties. The financial payback from the energy community’s solar energy park takes a bit longer compared to setting up private solar panels. However, it also requires a smaller investment and less individual know-how and time for maintenance:
"It makes it possible for everyday people and the local community to be part of this."
-Project leader 1, Austerland Energi
Embedding the project in the local community
Creating local ownership in the project has been a two-way street in listening to locals, weighing in their opinions and knowledge, and adapting to those when possible. Austerland Energi has prioritised creating an environment of participation and embedding the project in the community.
Communication and outreach activities include for example public dialogue and information meetings, local surveys, and information readily available on their website.
Additionally, engaging and being visible in the community and at different events has been beneficial as they have received valuable feedback from the locals on how the project should be implemented. It has been important to effectively inform about the project in a way that fosters interest and involvement, while understanding the community’s needs. By doing this groundwork, the project is a collaborative effort, reflecting the needs and insights of the local population.
"It is so extremely important to have open doors. [..] Because I think it's really important that people feel involved in the process."
-Project leader 2, Austerland Energi
Local expertise
Projects like Austerland Energi promote local perspectives in energy transitions, local knowledge, and local participation. The Austerland Energi project developers come from various backgrounds, which has allowed diverse points of view and an expanded contact network. The large network has been beneficial in terms of contacting experts when needed, as energy projects are complex to develop, even at grassroot level. Also, the diverse local community contributed with new perspectives, leading to suggestions that the original project team had not considered.
Why local ownership is important
The project developers argues that local ownership is positive for energy transitions. Local ownership can foster community involvement and offers benefits beyond financial gains, promoting social engagement and empowerment. Local energy projects allow communities to participate directly in societal development, cultivating a sense of shared responsibility and pride. The process educates people about energy systems and energy transitions, which in turn improves inclusion and accessibility, enabling them to demand transparency and accountability from the project.
Lessons learned in Austerland Energi
- Tactic outreach. As two-thirds of the residents in Östergranslandet are summer residents, contacting them via mail is not possible during off-season. To include their input and involvement, collecting other contact details is important.
- Have a well-considered plan. Energy community projects have to navigate many regulations, so planning and knowing when to seek external help is beneficial. Yet, flexibility is also important. If the initial plan does not work out, the project team needs to be flexible in accepting new ideas.
- Inform and involve the local community. Have a clear and realistic plan and an idea about how to communicate and discuss the project externally. Meeting deadlines fosters trust.
- Build team spirit. Focusing on building team dynamics promotes collaboration and inclusion of different viewpoints.
- Be patient. Energy transition projects take time, and while it is tempting to rush to the finish line, taking your time allows consideration of alternative ideas and thorough implementation.
Austerland Energi’s project leader Wolfgang Brunner with his DIY electric bike. The battery is powered by solar power. Below, you can watch Wolfgang Brunner describe how to establish an energy project (in Swedish).
Uppstartsfasen med Austerland Energi
