This video presents the reality of energy independence experienced by the people of Samsø, Denmark.
This film chronicles the success of the Danish island of Samsø in achieving energy independence through community involvement. Produced by Miljø Media, funded by European REislands and distributed by the International Network for Sustainable Energy, the film includes Samsø’s perspectives and experiences with renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Much like Martha’s Vineyard, Samsø, Denmark is an island community with a small core of year-rounders and an economy that relies on thousands of summer residents and visitors who take the ferry from the mainland to one of the island’s two ports. Like Martha’s Vineyard, much of Samsø is green, with agricultural lands and forests meeting the blue of the surrounding waters. Samsø’s residents also pay higher prices on everything from sugar to tires, the result of an economy where everything is transported to the island by ferry.
One thing residents do not worry about, however, is their energy bills. By improving the efficiency of their homes and offices, using the natural resources that are found on and around the island, and working together as a community to take ownership of their future, the residents of Samsø have secured their energy future.
Eleven onshore and 10 offshore wind turbines now generate more electricity than Samsø uses. Visitors still flock to the island to enjoy the agricultural surroundings and sparkling ocean vistas, but now the island’s tourism industry has also grown to meet the interests of a whole new kind of visitor – the one interested in seeing sustainability and renewable energy at work. The new education and conference center introduces thousands of tourists to Samsø’s energy achievements each year.
Over the past few months, the Vineyard Energy Project (VEP) has been talking to Islanders about our energy resources and has found an overwhelming desire to take control of our Island’s energy resources. Islanders have strongly supported the idea of a community-owned cooperative to generate our own power and promote energy efficiency, keeping the benefits on the Vineyard. This was underlined by the Island Plan’s vision of a more sustainable energy future.
This excerpt is part of a longer “European Renewable Energy Islands.” Permission for this excerpt was granted by Miljo Media.