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The
following are some examples of possible projects that a renewable energy
cooperative can be involved in. The technology, location and scale can vary and
a feasibility analysis will have to be performed on any proposed project to
evaluate its economic, environmental and social values.
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The
southern tip of the Arava as well as some locations in the Negev have good wind
resources which can be exploited to produce electricity by using wind turbines.
Wind turbines are now the most competitive renewable energy technology apart
from big hydroelectric projects and their environmental effects are minimal. A
renewable energy cooperative can develop such a project while representing local
communities’ interest in sustainable development by allowing and encouraging
local ownership of shares in the project. Such a project will most likely sell
the generated electricity and the profit will be divided between the
shareholders.
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 Solar
energy is the most abundant source of energy in Israel. One of the most advanced
technologies to utilize the sun’s heat to generate electricity was developed
in Israel and has proved itself in the large scale solar thermal power plant in
California. The technology is based on parabolic mirrors that concentrate the
sun’s heat which is then used to generate electricity. Solel, which holds the
right for the technology wants to build the first large scale solar thermal
power plant in Israel. A renewable energy cooperative can help develop this
initiative by directly investing in it and by creating public support.
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Photovoltaic
cells convert light directly into electricity. This technology has no moving
parts, it is very flexible, and can be installed almost anywhere. A renewable
energy cooperative can develop and install a photovoltaic system on the roof of
a factory or an office building and sell the generated electricity to the
owners/tenants.
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Biodiesel is the name of
a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources
like plants and used cooking oil. Biodiesel contains no petroleum but it can be
used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications.
Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable
resources, it is biodegradable, CO2 neutral, and has lower emissions
compared to petroleum diesel. A renewable energy cooperative can produce
Biodiesel and distribute it among its members to be used for heating and
transportation.
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Energy conservation projects can offer very good returns on investment while
at the same time reducing emissions associated with generating the energy which
was not used. A rural community for example can invest in energy efficient
climate control technologies in their public facilities or in their homes to
lower their energy needs and the associated costs.
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