Chapter Introduction

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CHAPTER 23

SUN, WIND, WATER, AND EARTH ENERGY

FUELED BY THE SUN

A tiny island makes big strides with renewable energy

Playing soccer under the shade of wind turbines on Samsø Island, Denmark, the first island in the world with 100% renewable energy. Collectively, Samsø’s land-based turbines produce about 26 million kilowatt-hours a year, enough to meet the island’s demands for electricity.
Alessandro Grassani/Invision/Aurora Photos

CORE MESSAGE

In order to become a sustainable society, we need to transition to reliable, renewable energy sources with acceptable environmental and social impacts. No single energy source can replace fossil fuels. Instead, a variety of methods, selected to meet the needs of the population, and availability of local energy sources, will help communities shift to sustainable energy use. Fortunately, we have many good options already at our disposal, with other new methods currently in research and development.

AFTER READING THIS CHAPTER, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING GUIDING QUESTIONS

  • 1 What are the characteristics of a sustainable energy source, and what role does renewable energy play in terms of global energy production?

  • 2 How do wind and solar power technologies capture energy? What are the advantages and disadvantages of wind and solar power, and how does each compare to fossil fuels in terms of true costs?

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  • 3 In what ways can we harness geothermal energy and the power of water? What are some of the trade-offs associated with each of these resources?

  • 4 What roles do conservation and energy efficiency play in helping us meet our energy needs sustainably?

  • 5 What combination of actions did Samsø take to become an energy-positive island? What is the take-home message to other communities that might want to reduce their use of fossil fuels?

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On a typical cold, misty January day in Denmark in 2003, many of the 4,100 residents of a small island gathered together at the beach. Everyone, including the mayor, strained their eyes to see the faint outline of several structures, each over 30 stories tall, located more than 3 kilometers offshore.

Nestled in the crook of Denmark’s mainland, Samsø is home to a small, windswept community of Danish farmers known for their sweet strawberries and tender early potatoes. It is a quiet and serene place. Yet it has been the site of a dramatic revolution—a community transformation that made headlines around the world.

The transformation began a new chapter on that cold day in 2003. The mayor pushed a button, and the offshore structures slowly creaked to life. Through the gray mist and rain, people could gradually see the massive blades begin to rotate, converting the power of wind into energy. It was a landmark day in Samsø’s ambitious attempt to become the greenest, cleanest, and most energy-independent place on Earth.

“That was a very big moment,” recalls Søren Hermansen, a Samsø resident who was key in getting the community behind the project. “Nobody really thought it would happen when we started.”