By Anders Lorenzen, in Thisted, Denmark
The areas where renewable energy projects enjoy the broadest public support are co-operative projects or projects in which the local community is offered more benefits and decision-making powers in those projects.
The largest council in Thy, Denmark—one of the country’s leading counties for the deployment of wind power—used direct democracy to decide on a host of renewable energy projects.
In Thy citizens become decision makers
To decide on the outcome of eight renewable energy projects, the council located in the region’s capital, Thisted, decided to let the people decide via local referendums.
The outcome showed overwhelming support for renewable energy, as the local population gave the green light to four or 50% of the projects.
Two wind power projects and two solar projects won the referendum with 60%, 61%, 64%, and 67%, respectively.
The model enacted by the Thisted Council has been dubbed the Thy Model.
The question that Thisted Council asked its citizens was whether they thought the council should proceed with those projects and initiate an environmental evaluation—a key step in the planning process.
Mayor of Thisted: Proud that we can coexist side by side
The Mayor of Thisted, Niels Jorgen Pedersen, said: “I’m delighted that we in Thy, through dialogue and togetherness, can identify locations where locals, solar, and wind projects can coexist side by side—this was our dream when we created the Thy Model.”
He believes it is a winning model to include citizens and the local community, listen to their feedback, and, based on that background, create better energy projects that are suited to the local context. “When our citizens can give such a clear indication of their views, receive the benefit of local ownership, secure synergies and common values to the community they’re a part of, then they can better identify themselves and feel part of the projects,” Pedersen added.
What is the Thy Model?
The core element in the Thy Model is that projects need local support before Thisted Council activates the planning process.
It was adopted after the council fought local opposition to energy projects and decided to try a new approach, one that focused on early dialogue between developer and community and listened to all voices.
Additionally, the council has established criteria for energy projects so they are most suited to the region’s geography and consider the needs of its citizens.
It is a dialogue-friendly open dialogue initiative where developers, citizens, and the community can share ideas, suggestions, and critiques and shape the conversation around the projects.
Areas that struggle with opposition to renewable energy projects could perhaps draw inspiration from the Thy Model.
Anders Lorenzen is the founding Editor of A greener life, a greener world.
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