SF proposal on co-ownership referred for further processing

SF Aarhus proposes that Aarhus Kommune develop a new model for erecting onshore wind turbines, where the municipality takes the initial risk and ensures that the gains from the green transition also end up in residents' pockets rather than primarily with energy giants. Climate change easily becomes abstract and difficult to relate to. Although we already see the consequences at home, the worst headlines often come from countries far from Denmark. Far more concrete are the onshore wind turbines that must help address the climate crisis and improve our security of supply – but which from time to time can also be seen from the kitchen window.

When wind turbines today are planned and owned by large companies without local anchoring, the perfect recipe for local opposition is created. How do we solve the Gordian knot of the need for renewable energy and local reluctance? The answer is: co-ownership. Co-ownership as a democratic engine By giving Aarhus residents a direct stake in the projects, we create a concrete economic incentive that extends beyond the important fight for the climate.

When the blades spin, it should be felt positively in residents' wallets. That makes the green transition a shared project rather than something that can feel imposed from outside. The economic risk of large energy projects is however often an insurmountable barrier for citizen groups. This is where most residents and associations drop out, because they cannot risk millions in the development phase before the first turbine even spins.

Therefore SF proposes that Aarhus Kommune investigate the possibility of acting as developer of an onshore wind turbine project, where the municipality carries the risk for e.g. environmental surveys and lokalplan (local development plan) planning, before then transferring at least 50% of ownership to residents when the project is operational. A socially fair model To ensure a locally anchored and socially balanced energy project, it must also be investigated how a concrete model for sale of shares can be developed, based on the principle of social justice. The investigation must start from ensuring residents in the local area first rights, and that shares are offered at cost price. At the same time, models for financing and instalment arrangements must be identified that ensure green electricity becomes available to everyone regardless of personal savings.

By letting Aarhus Kommune take the heavy lift at the start, we remove the barriers that today can slow citizen-owned projects. It is common sense, good climate-