Frequently Asked Questions
The meaning of a tandem is at the core of this project. A tandem can only move forward when the riders work in unison. In the same way our project focuses on a partnership, which takes into account each others differences, weaknesses and strengths in order to work in the same rhythm to reach the same goal. The symbolism reflects not only the collaboration between a local authority, the citizens and energy cooperatives (or starting energy communities) but also reflects the growing necessity between European regions to meaningfully collaborate and learn from each other. TANDEMS will focus on rooftop solar projects, wind power and large-scale solar projects as well as heating and renovation projects.
Energy transition is the global energy sector‘s shift from fossil-based systems of energy consumption and production (oil, natural gas, coal) to renewable energy sources (wind and solar).
A just energy transition is this process organised in a way that puts people and communities in the middle and ensures that the ones who make decisions are also affected by those decisions. Through involving citizens in every step, it ensures sustainability, social equity and a fair economic model for all. Finally, a just energy transition is one, which ensures that all members of the society can equally benefit from the transition. It takes into mind also the concequences of more vulnerable and often voiceless citizens, so that the energy transition leaves noone behind.
Energy community (EC) is a collective initiative, led by citizens, that allows members to jointly own and democratically control their energy production. Energy communities can be seen as alternative models of energy production, which favour renewable energy and value social, economic and environmental benefits over profit. EC’s increase energy efficiency, create local job opportunties and additionally are completely open and voluntary. Examples include school buildings or farm roofs equipped with solar panels, or windmills installed by residents in a village. Further, small biomass installations, heat pumps, solar thermal and district heating networks are popular technologies for some community groups.
Energy communities make use of private capital to let citizens share the benefits of the energy revolution. They increase public acceptance of energy transition by offering social, economic and environmental benefits to their communities. In order to become a member of an energy community, an individual must decide whether they want to take an active role (by setting up their own energy community) or a more passive role (by joining an existing energy community). In both cases useful resources can be accessed on Energy Communities Repository, REScoop website or Energy Community Platform.
TANDEMS addresses anyone, who has an interest in taking control of producing their own energy whether as an initiator of an energy community or as a member of one. It also provides information to those, who want to gain knowledge about the clean energy transition and renewable energy. Additionally the project collaborates with decision makers such as municipalities and existing energy communities to support them in the implementation and upkeeping of energy communities in project regions. TANDEMS creates a link between citizens and energy communities as well as energy communities and municipalities.
- SUPPORT the creation and upkeeping of multiple citizen led projects in project regions
- TRAINING local decision makers and energy cooperatives to better support the development and sustenance of energy communities.
- ENCOURAGING local citizens to participate in the clean energy transition by setting up or becoming members of local energy communities. To achieve this TANDEMS focuses on INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS in the form of locally organised events and online tools.
- INCREASING the participation of municipalities in the energy transition and the investment into citizen led, sustainable energy projects.
- DECREASE in CO2 emissions and increase in the use of renewable energy.
- REVISION of existing legal policy frameworks through bringing in suggestions for the expansion or the conversion of existing policies.
- INTRODUCTION of new business and collaboration models for the shared energy concept.
- Creation of a strong climate of collaboration and a critical engagement of all partners as well as external actors.
- Weekly inspiration session meetings for regular knowledge exchange
- Regular updates and in depth workshops between work packages to identify partners needs and develop strategies for capacity building including train the trainer workshops, which aims to advise municipalities on how they can support citizen led projects.
- 1 mini online kickoff meeting and 2 consortium meetings (M3 in Mechelen, Belgium and M8 in Burgas, Bulgaria).
- Creation of blueprint for an open collaboration model between municipalities, energy communities and citizens, which supports engagement and the formation of a strong network in partner regions.
- Finalizing first drafts of monitornig and impact evaluation tool
- All partners have decided for their pilot project for TANDEMS, many of which are at advanced stages
- Exchanges between TANDEMS and other LIFEProgramme sister projects
- Identifying cross cultural and regional legislative barriers for the development of energy communities.
- For regular posts and updates visit our social media: https://twitter.com/LifeTandems and https://www.linkedin.com/company/life-tandems/
