The emergence of low carbon energy autonomy in isolated communities

This study examines the concept of switching from a centralised energy supply model, which prevails in the developed world, towards a more autonomous model based on the use of low carbon technologies, from the viewpoint of isolated communities. The study begins by establishing the importance of isolated communities within the field of energy research, and examining the concept of low carbon energy autonomy. It then analyses a number of desktop case studies from across Europe, all of which have adopted (or are in the process of adopting) a highly autonomous energy supply model based on the use of low carbon technologies. The various resulting social, technical and economic impacts are then examined. This study illustrates the importance of providing high level policy to support innovative projects and encourage a broader dissemination of energy autonomy theory. The research also stresses the need for clearer routes to funding for off-grid energy projects which have great potential for utilising autonomous energy supply as a catalyst for rural socio-economic development.