Abstract
Traditional energy sources, such as oil, coal and gas are subject to supply shortages and have significant environmental impacts. A range of renewable energy sources, including solar photovoltaic, geothermal, hydroelectric and wind power, have been posited as more sustainable alternatives to meet current and future energy demands. Despite its potential to deliver affordable and clean energy, the adoption of renewable energy has experienced a varied rate of support in governmental policy and uptake in electricity markets. Community renewable energy has emerged as a grassroots approach to redress this general policy failure to adopt renewable energy as a major contributor to energy supplies and to advance the transition to low-carbon energy. It represents an important shift toward an affordable, reliable, sustainable, decentralized and clean energy supply. Using an illustrative example of global good practice and innovation, this chapter critically explores the potential for community renewable energy projects to positively respond to Sustainable Development Goals #7 (affordable and clean energy), #13 (climate action) and #17 (partnerships for the goals). Australia's Hepburn Wind project is highlighted as a paradigmatic case to draw attention to the complexities and promise of introducing and scaling up community renewable energy projects.