Osterland energy project in Gotland

   Spearheading a local energy system in Gotland, Sweden

Austerland Energi is an ambitious and holistic project in a rural area of 142 kms, 900 inhabitants and 369 households. The project has two main aims: benefitting the climate by switching to local solar, wind & biofuel energy and creating biochar carbon sinks; and supporting households and the local area. The story of Austerland Energi was part of the reason the Swedish government chose to make the island of Gotland Sweden’s first fossil-fuel free region. The project has completed a €40,000 18-month LEADER feasibility study and is poised to apply for implementation funds.

Achievements to date include

• Many educational activities and meetings to get businesses, farmers and community on board.

• A Local Economic Resource Analysis

• A detailed survey and assessment of current energy use

• A scenario for a fossil fuel-free energy system that is robust, integrated and smart. It includes

• • an optimum energy mix of wind, solar and biofuels;

• • energy storage options;

• • car pooling and electric car charging points;

• • new forms of cooperation, tariffs, regulations;

• • biochar as carbon sink and soil enhancement;

• • solar powered desalination plant;