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Sid2
 
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2011-12-20 12:53:26


Wildpoldsried produces 321 percent more energy than it needs and is generating $5.7 million in annual revenue — a remarkable accomplishment for a modest farming community that has been able to invest in new municipal infrastructure without going into debt.

Wildpoldsried has received numerous national and international awards for its conservation and renewable energy initiatives known as Klimaschutz (climate protection). The council is hosting tours to teach other village councils how to start their own Klimaschutz program. Wildpoldsried expects its Eco-Energy Tourism to be introduced to the region by next year. Biogas, solar and windmill tours, environmental education, renewables education, sustainability, nature, business and regional tourist sites (such as the Neuschwanstein Castle) will all be part of this multiday experience. In turn, they also hope that new ideas, new technology and new businesses continue to develop within the community.

“After the Fukushima disaster, Mayor Zengerle has been busier than ever,” says Mögele. “He has gone to Romania, Berlin and the Black Sea Region to talk to European economic and energy groups. What people find so amazing about our story is that no project was a burden of the community. Every decision the Village Council made was based on the financial feasibility and profitability of the project. Our terms are for six years, and we don’t want the next council to have to budget for our debt. If a project could be financed in six years or less we felt it was worth doing.”


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Sid2
 
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2011-12-20 13:00:24


It’s no surprise that the country that has kicked butt at the Solar Decathlon competition (to produce energy positive solar houses) year after year is the home to such a productive energy-efficient village. The village’s green initiative first started in 1997 when the village council decided that it should build new industries, keep initiatives local, bring in new revenue, and create no debt. Over the past 14 years, the community has equipped nine new community buildings with solar panels, built four biogas digesters (with a fifth in construction now) and installed seven windmills with two more on the way. In the village itself, 190 private households have solar panels while the district also benefits from three small hydro power plants, ecological flood control, and a natural waste water system.

All of these green systems means that despite only having a population of 2,600, Wildpoldsried produces 321 percent more energy than it needs – and it’s generating 4.0 million Euro (US $5.7 million) in annual revenue by selling it back to the national grid. It is no surprise to learn that small businesses have developed in the village specifically to provide services to the renewable energy installations.

Over the years the village’s green goals have been so successful that they have even crafted a mission statement — WIR–2020, Wildpoldsried Innovativ Richtungsweisend (Wildpoldsried Innovative Leadership). The village council hopes that it will inspire citizens to do their part for the environment and create green jobs and businesses for the local area.


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Supernumerary
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2012-02-10 13:25:02

That is awesome, now if I could only talk my HOA into something like that...LOLz.
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