International reporting
In Germany, the village of Feldheim in energy self-sufficiency
Audio 02:26
The village of Feldheim, 80 km south of Berlin, is supplied with 100% heating and electricity from renewable energy sources.
AFP - ODD ANDERSEN
By: Pascal Thibaut Follow
2 mins
The development of renewable energies is often one of the solutions considered when faced with the question of prices and energy dependence.
For small entities such as villages in the countryside, is autarky possible for the production of electricity?
Feldheim near Berlin, has achieved this for twelve years now.
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From our correspondent in Berlin,
Outside, the wind is blowing hard in this Fläming region south of Berlin.
Inside this 150 meter high wind turbine, you feel very little.
In this concrete tower, the ambient noise is not very pleasant, but for the village of Feldheim, it is synonymous with energy independence.
The pensioner Siegfried Kappert was born in the municipality of 200 inhabitants and worked for a long time like many in agriculture.
Today, he explains to visitors from all over the world how Feldheim got there: “
We are a model project.
We can be proud of our energy self-sufficiency.
It's worked perfectly so far.
»
The 55 wind turbines produce far more electricity than necessary.
65,000 households benefit from it in the region.
Elsewhere, wind turbines have sparked controversy over noise pollution, for animals or landscapes, but in Feldheim, resistance has been minimal, says Mayor Petra Richter: "
In the region, at the start, there were no wind turbines .
It was new for everyone, but the concept convinced and as we can see it works great.
Acceptance is great, because everyone benefits.
»
Victim of his own success
Renewable energy depends on the weather.
To ensure energy self-sufficiency in the village, a biogas plant linked to the agricultural cooperative was created.
It heats all the houses in the village and supplies them with electricity if necessary.
The inhabitants are shareholders and only pay 16 cents per kw/h compared to double on average in Germany.
“
We don't have to worry about a change of electricity supplier.
We have long-term contracts and we have great prices.
It is even more important today with the war in Ukraine
”, rejoices Petra Richter.
With the current rise in energy prices and debates over dependence on Russia, the village is a victim of its own success, says Doreen Raschemann of the information center: "
In the last few weeks, the telephone didn't stop ringing.
There are a lot of requests.
Interest has grown enormously.
»
Feldheim's model shows that in the countryside energy autonomy is possible.
But the legal framework, the infrastructure and the support of the population must allow such development.
Finally, without massive subsidies, German and European, this Feldheim model would not have seen the light of day.
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