The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
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In this article we’ll explore what the CBAM is, why it’s been created, and what importers need to know ahead of its introduction.
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Are Energy Self Sufficient Villages an Example to Follow?
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As estimates claim that nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050, the world is scrambling to prepare for this population boom – especially in the midst of climate change where finite resources, even in urban areas, can be sparse.
However, not every place in the world is having this issue – with small villages such as Almócita in Spain, have shown that energy self sufficient villages may be onto something that the rest of us can follow.
In this article, we’ll explain what energy self sufficient villages are, how we can learn from them, but also – how they may not be an effective role-model in the long-term.
What are energy self-sufficient villages?
Energy self-sufficient villages refer to communities that generate all or most of their own energy – allowing them to function without relying on an external third-party energy source.
💡Think of energy self-sufficient villages in the same vein as a restaurant that grows all of its own produce, bakes its own bread, and makes its own spices – this means that the restaurant would survive even if one of their food suppliers were to cut them short. The same goes for energy self-sufficient villages.
“ In contrast to the idea of a 'two-speed' Spain, Francisco García, mayor of Almócita, shows how digitalization and energy transition can promote new sustainable ways of life in villages. – (Roman Oliver.) ”
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How do energy self-sufficient villages work?
Energy self-sufficient villages work by utilizing renewable energy sources such as from solar farms, wind turbines, and even biomass to produce electricity and heat and ensure energy independence from traditional energy grids.
Key Features of Energy Self-Sufficient Villages
- Renewable Energy Sources – Energy self-sufficient villages use solar power, wind farms, and even hydropower to power all of their operations as opposed to relying on fossil fuels.
- Energy Storage Systems – Batteries or other storage solutions are often used by energy self-sufficient villages to allow access to power reserves for when their usual renewable energy sources are less fruitful than usual – such as the city of Almócita in Spain that use solar energy, and may experience a dip in power when it rains.
- Efficient Energy Design – These energy self-sufficient villages don’t only seek to use renewable energy sources, but opt to design their buildings for optimal energy efficiency – such as by ensuring that insulation is installed to avoid burning through their energy reserves for luxuries like central heating or air conditioning.
- Localized Grid Systems – More rural places in the world, such as cities along the Eastern Cape of South Africa, are often not even connected to the main power grid available – and instead opt for microgrids, which allow these villages to distribute their own power independently. This can prove especially useful for cities in South Africa that want to optimize their energy use in the midst of load shedding.
- Sustainable Community Practices – Residents of energy self-sufficient villages aren’t only used to the use of renewable energy – but are also used to other green living practices,, such as by using public transportation instead of cars, composting, or following the principles of climate smart farming.
Examples of Energy Self-Sufficient Villages
- Feldheim, Germany – This German city, only an hour drive outside of Berlin, has set up over 55 wind turbines and its own biogas and solar plants to generate 100% of their own electricity.
- Tōyama, Japan – Serving as a role model for urban sustainable development, Tõyama has over 400,000 residents, and is still able to use micro-hydropower and solar energy to sustain itself.
- Güssing, Austria – This small town in southeast Austria has become known for their powerhouse renewable energy generation – using biomass and solar energy to generate 14,000 megawatt hours of power per year.
“ This was a dead-end town and now we're the center of attention. It seems like every week we read about new jobs from renewable energy. – (Maria Hofer, a lifelong resident of Güssing). ”
👉 Overall, energy self-sufficient villages are able to cultivate and use their own sources of energy – allowing them to remain proficient and productive without relying on a third-party energy source.
Why are energy self-sufficient villages important?
Energy self-sufficient villages are important as they demonstrate how alternative energy sources can be used to not only reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, but that we can live without them completely.
💡Think of energy self-sufficient villages in the same vein of plant-based milks, which rose to prominence around a decade ago. Now, traditional cow’s milk is down 42% of what it was a century ago – with most people opting for plant-based milk in their coffee orders. The same way that people could have never envisioned drinking coffee without cow’s milk is the same way that much of the world post the Industrial Revolution could have never imagined functioning without finite energy resources.
“ It was amazing to see the economic activities that were triggered by the provision of electricity alone. When we came here for the first time, there was very little economic activity in this little community. A lot of the trade was actually barter…. Now, four years down the line, we were taken aback by the changes. For example, there is a local carpenter who is able to make chairs and tables through renewable green electricity to provide and sell them. – (Tshibvumo Sikhwivhilu, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lamo Solar.) ”
Here are some additional reasons why energy self-sufficient villages are important:
- Reduce Emissions Worldwide – Energy self-sufficient villages show us that it’s more than possible to reduce our current dependency on fossil fuels without compromising on our daily lifestyle – such as in shown with Tōyama, Japan.
- Mitigate Effects of Climate Change – As energy self-sufficient villages help to lower our carbon footprint, it can have a direct impact on avoiding the worst effects of climate change – such as by reducing the risk of future wildfires like the recent ones in Los Angeles.
- Development of a Clean Energy Economy – Energy self-sufficient villages demonstrate how it’s more than possible to thrive economically while also leaning into growth and innovation in terms of sustainability. This could help inspire our own global economy to decarbonize and propel us towards the needed development of a clean energy economy.
👉 Ultimately, energy self-sufficient villages are important as they reveal what is possible for other cities and regions around the world to achieve in terms of emission reductions and newfound long-term sustainability.
What are the pros and cons of energy self-sufficient villages?
Energy self-sufficient villages do an excellent job at mitigating the use of fossil fuels while inspiring other regions of the world to do the same, but can be challenging to initially implement and ensure the community is willing to adapt.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of energy self-sufficient villages:
Pros of Energy Self-Sufficient Villages
- Energy Independence – Cities or regions that become energy self-sufficient don’t have to rely on energy grids for power.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint – Energy self-sufficient villages can help to significantly reduce GHG emissions.
- Cost Savings – Although the initial investment can be expensive, renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels in the long-term.
- Economic Growth – Cities such as Güssing in Austria have exploded with job opportunities as a result of their efforts to produce renewable energy.
- Boosts Overall Sustainability – Energy self-sufficient villages ultimately promote the benefits of utilizing renewable energy resources and circular economy practices.
Cons of Energy Self-Sufficient Villages
- High Initial Costs – Setting up renewable energy infrastructure such as solar panels, wind turbines, storage batteries can all prove costly and challenging for many areas, especially rural and smaller communities, to pay upfront. In addition to this, it can be expensive to buy batteries and other energy storage systems – both of which are necessary to be fully energy self-sufficient from a power grid.
- Weather Fluctuations – The main issue with relying on renewable energy as a resource is that having consistent sun or wind is vital for systems such as solar panels or wind turbines to effectively harvest and convert the resources into energy. This ties back into the need for batteries and sufficient storage systems, which can prove expensive.
- Land Use – Wind farms, solar arrays, and biomass plants all require large amounts of land to harness substantial amounts of energy – which could be unavailable, indirectly impact surrounding biodiversity, or even contribute to deforestation.
- Community Willingness to Adapt – Villagers in energy self-sufficient communities may need to adjust their lifestyle to accommodate for the region’s income of energy and ensure they do not fall dependent on a nearby power grid. This may require adhering to the principles of green living or seeking to optimize their individual or household energy usage.
What can we learn from energy self-sufficient villages?
Overall, energy self-sufficient villages show us that it is possible to live off of renewable energy sources entirely – ultimately making a difference in GHG emissions and avoiding the consequences of consuming finite resources.
Energy self-sufficient villages can serve as a blueprint for other cities looking to reduce their emissions, ensure greater energy security, and implement long-term sustainability.
👉 However, while inspirational, we should also learn from energy self-sufficient villages that it requires ample planning, financial resources, and a willingness from the surrounding community to adjust to cultivate a truly energy self-sufficient village.
Luckily, with both the use of technology and government aid – both of these resources can help regions looking to adopt the principles of energy self-sufficient villages easier.
Are energy self-sufficient villages the answer in the midst of climate change?
It may be improbable to expect all cities to become 100% energy self-sufficient, but working towards the model provided by energy self-sufficient villages is already a more than effective start and shows we can all implement at least one sustainable protocol in even the most urban of areas.
The table below will break down how energy self-sufficient villages help avoid plastic waste, electricity consumption and reduce transportation emissions – and other viable ways to support these causes without moving to or starting an energy self-sufficient village.
| How Energy Self-Sufficient Villages Help | Alternative Solutions for Big Cities |
|---|---|
| Avoiding Plastic Waste: Villages often use local markets and refill stations, avoiding plastic-packaged goods. | Alternative: Shop at zero-waste stores, bring reusable bags and containers, and support brands with sustainable packaging. |
| Reducing Electricity Consumption: Use of renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, and micro-hydro systems. | Alternative: Switch to a renewable energy provider, install solar panels where possible, and use energy-efficient appliances. |
| Lowering Transportation Emissions: Villages rely on local resources, reducing the need for long-distance transport. | Alternative: Use public transit, bike, walk, or opt for electric vehicles and carpooling to cut down on emissions. |
| Composting & Waste Reduction: Organic waste is composted, reducing landfill contributions. | Alternative: Compost at home, use city composting programs, and minimize food waste by meal planning. |
| Local & Sustainable Food Production: Energy self-sufficient villages grow their own food, reducing reliance on imports. | Alternative: Support local farmers' markets, join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), or grow herbs and vegetables at home. |
| Eco-Friendly Water Use: Villages use rainwater collection and natural filtration. | Alternative: Install water-saving devices, use rain barrels, and choose low-water-consumption appliances. |
Overall, energy self-sufficient villages illustrate how it is possible to survive off of independently harvested energy without needing to rely on a local energy grid – but it may not be as effective for large metropolitan areas.
Regardless, energy self-sufficient villages still demonstrate that we can do more to up our renewable energy game, decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, and ultimately aid in the fight against climate change.
What About Greenly?
If reading this article on energy self-sufficient villages has inspired you to consider your company’s own carbon footprint, Greenly can help.
At Greenly we can help you to assess your company’s carbon footprint, and then give you the tools you need to cut down on emissions. We offer a free demo for you to better understand our platform and all that it has to offer – including assistance on how to reduce emissions, optimize energy efficiency, and more to help you get started on your climate journey.
Learn more about Greenly’s carbon management platform here.
Sources
Agood https://www.agood.com/pages/eco-friendly-quotes?srsltid=AfmBOooKIg8pju7FGZ4dEkdYPF6sHTqyh3wjs_VnBc2fA7-ZxkWMJWS6
EPA https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/fast-facts-transportation-greenhouse-gas-emissions
WRI https://www.wri.org/technical-perspectives/decarbonizing-freight-how-us-policies-and-investments-are-reducing-emissions
Techcrunch https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/26/2025-will-likely-be-another-brutal-year-of-failed-startups-data-suggests/
Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/allbusiness/2014/02/10/50-inspirational-quotes-for-startups-and-entrepreneurs/
Sustainable Tech Partner https://sustainabletechpartner.com/news/carbon-accounting-software-startup-greenly-launches-partner-enablement-software-services/
Startup Savant https://startupsavant.com/startups-to-watch/environmental
NY Times https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/31/business/economy/biden-infrastructure-plan.html
Time https://time.com/7172590/megan-oconnor/
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