Grassroots Innovation in Regional Niches

The best way to turn global temperatures down is by reducing our emissions of carbon into the atmosphere. Shifting from generating energy using fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas), to creating power using the earth’s renewable sources of sunlight, wind and tidal power is the best starting point.

The growth of renewable energy systems is building momentum in Australia. A new economy is emerging as we discover better ways to capture, store and deliver renewable power. The effects of this technological shift are widespread. The (r)evolution to renewables is creating new jobs. Over the next few decades, the design of our houses, our work practices, and our transport systems will evolve in response. This is an exciting time of growth and invention.

Energy transitions open opportunities to think differently about the ways we live together:

  • Placemaking - planning and infrastructure
  • Energy efficiency - home and town design
  • Jobs (re-skilling, education and training)
  • Public engagement processesGovernance - participation and leadership

Our Social Research

Early in 2024, the Ned Foundation's Transitions Working Group designed a ‘listening and learning’ initiative. We talked to people involved in grassroots social and technological transitions. The Yackandandah case study shows a small regional community benefitting as they adopted renewable powered systems over a 10-year period. Yackandandah is a mature example of a bespoke transition process.

Every community will have a different story of people working together as they adapt to social and technological change. We are curious to see how transition unfolds in larger regional communities. In the next case studies we will explore these questions:

  • How have the more vulnerable community members been supported to participate in this energy transition?
  • How can communities continue their local conversations to take action now that state governments are accelerating the transition to renewable energy?
  • What are the patterns of change common to each of the case studies?

Through a series of practical and community-based stories we hope to bring the adventure of energy transitions alive, and to inspire Australian communities into action. The Working Group can see an opportunity for community, government and industry to work better together. By sharing these stories the Transitions initiative may help like-minded communities to connect and follow a clearer path to a more sustainable living.