Relocalization: The focus on Local Renewable Energy

A new and intense focus on renewable energy is now emerging in response to the challenges of peak oil & gas and to the environmental ramifications of global over-reliance on cheap energy.

Peak Oil, the time when the extraction rate of oil reaches its highest level and thereafter declines inexorably, has been predicted by many experts to occur within this decade. Without unprecedented levels of preparation and cooperation peak oil will cause massive disruptions to essential provisioning systems such as energy, food, money, transportation, security and health care. Now there are growing fears that global natural gas may be peaking, which has profound implications for electric power generation, heating & fertilizer production. Beyond these threats, global over-reliance on cheap fossil fuel energy has disrupted the global carbon balance to such a degree that global warming has become a threat to human and eco-systemic survival.

In response, Post Carbon Institute has launched the Local Energy Farm Demonstration Project in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at the University of British Columbia. This project, part of our Relocalization Strategy, aims to dramatically reduce and eventually eliminate community dependence on fossil fuels for energy, which would ensure that after the oil (and gas) peak, public provisioning systems delivering electricity, water, sanitation, transportation, food and many other essential services would continue.  Local renewable energy systems would also dramatically reduce the CO₂ production in communities helping them to meet their Kyoto commitments and to improve local environmental conditions.

 Local Renewable Energy: Goals

• Local reliable renewable energy:

The Local Energy Farm Demonstration Project is focused on producing reliable renewable energy locally at a commercial and community scale

• ZP2 = Zero petroleum and Zero pollution

All farm inputs including work and fertilizers will be sourced as locally as possible and will strive to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in the system wherever possible. Our production methods will voluntarily meet or exceed COABC guidelines for organic farming.

• Giving back to nature:

The Local Energy Farm Demonstration Project seeks to improve the quality of the soil, water and surrounding eco-systems, provide habitat for indigenous species and improve biodiversity.  

Click here to find out about our Energy Farm Demonstration Project

Currently, there are local renewable energy projects in the works, such as The West Beacon Farm in England. The creator of this farm Tony Marmont sits on our Local Renewable Energy Advisory Panel, along with other experts in the field.  

For details on the West Beacon Farm, visit www.beaconenergy.co.uk Photographs of West Beacon energy Farm: