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How a small town reclaimed its grid and sparked a community revolution

Aditya Chakrabortty

February 28, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Germany, Wolfhagen

In Wolfhagen, Germany, one man led the quest to take back the electricity supply into the hands of the public. By entering a lengthy negotiation with E.ON, one of the biggest energy companies in the world, Martin Rühl demonstrated that public ownership of utilities would save residents money and empower them, as well. The small German town is now using its extra funding to explore renewable energy, acting as a leader for municipalities across Europe.

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Fed up with high rates, a Colorado city considers ditching its utility and relying on the sun

Jason Margolis

February 26, 2018 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Pueblo, Colorado

Residents in Pueblo, Colorado pay some of the highest electricity rates despite being one of the lowest-income cities in the state. In an attempt to become independent of the corporate utility company that determines the price of energy, the community is working to become powered by 100 percent renewable energy and convince local government to implement a city-run utility.

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Offshore wind projects breathe life into struggling UK ports

Chris Bentley

February 14, 2018 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United Kingdom, Grimsby

In the port of Grimsby in the United Kingdom, the community was struggling to thrive with very few jobs and not much of an industry. Offshore wind power has recently changed that future, however, by not only lowering the cost of energy resources, but bring jobs to the region.

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Meet the Man Bringing Cheap Renewable Energy to His Hometown

J. Gabriel Ware

January 26, 2018 |

Yes! Magazine |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

To combat energy cost inequality while also helping the environment, Ali Dirul started Ryter Cooperative Industries (RCI) to bring renewable energy to his hometown of Detroit. RCI is working with local partners to install solar-powered lights in low-income communities, as well as building net-zero energy homes. With the support of the city, which is investing in sustainability initiatives, RCI hopes to make energy more equitable for all.

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Hurricanes blew away Puerto Rico's power grid. Now solar power is rising to fill the void.

Daniella Cheslow

January 04, 2018 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Puerto Rico

Solar power is a great advancement for renewable energy, but traditionally relies on connecting to a grid in order to function correctly. So when hurricanes hit Puerto Rico, even those with solar panels lost access to electricity. A micro-grid offers an alternative solution, however, by relying on battery power.

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New, $1 billion program will bring rooftop solar to California renters

Katy Murphy

December 16, 2017 |

San Jose Mercury News |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Sacramento, California

Renewable energy has largely been associate with wealthier consumers, but that is changing with a new initiative that will install solar panels for apartment buildings with low-income residents. The hope is that the money saved from the solar energy panels will benefit the low income residents, while also being beneficial in fighting climate change.

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South Australia goes all out on renewables despite federal focus on coal

Bianca Nogrady

October 13, 2017 |

Ensia |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Australia

There is a push towards clean energy that battles with Australia's federal love for coal, but South Australia has made great strides to renewable energy. Thermal energy and the lithium ion battery are just two recent developments in clean energy innovation.

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The Compass, Making it Work, Making it Work: Affordable Medical Equipment in India

Angela Saini

October 01, 2017 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: India

This episodes highlights two efforts that have been put in place to provide a service poor people don’t have access to. One of those is Simpa Network, which is providing affordable electricity through solar power to people in India. The other has been dubbed “Amazon for the Poor,” which borrowed Amazon’s model to deliver products to people that live in rural parts of Kenya. So far, 50,000 people have opted to order goods.

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Clean Energy's Role in Recession Recovery

Henry Litman

September 12, 2017 |

Clean Energy Finance Forum |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

There are state differences in green investment and this can affect the economy of each, especially post-recession. Green investing can create more jobs and have an indirect impact by encouraging more business due to cheaper electric bills from greater use of renewable energy.

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Why Salt Is This Power Plant's Most Valuable Asset

Molly A. Seltzer

August 04, 2017 |

Smithsonian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, McIntosh, Alabama

One of the greatest challenges to integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid has been the issue of storage - where and how to keep power generated during off-hours (such as overnight) when demand is low. While batteries are on the rise as one solution, an Alabama power plant has discovered a natural way of storing energy until it is needed: pumping air into salt caverns.

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