From September 16-19, Ewa Kiełsznia from our team had the privilege of participating in an inspiring Baltic Beat study visit to Denmark, where we explored innovative approaches to renewable energy communities and circular economy practices. The trip provided invaluable insights into how community-led energy initiatives can successfully combine environmental sustainability with social cohesion and economic benefits.
Day 1: Avedøre Green City – building energy communities from the ground up
On September 17th, we visited Avedøre Green City and Energy Community Avedøre, where we learned about the fascinating history of this pioneering initiative. What struck us most was the speakers’ emphasis that successful energy cooperatives require much more than just technical infrastructure and financial savings.
The presenters made a compelling case that energy cooperatives must have strong foundations in the communities they serve. Knowledge sharing emerged as a critical success factor – the model of using cheaper, self-generated energy differs significantly from simply drawing power from the general grid, and community members need support and education to make this transition effectively.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly our visit to Zentropa Studios, the production company behind Lars von Trier’s films, which is also a member of the energy cooperative. It was inspiring to see how creative industries can integrate into and benefit from community energy solutions. In Avedøre’s case, the renewable energy comes from photovoltaic panels.
Day 2: Permatopia – closing the loop in practice
September 18th brought us to Permatopia, a village community striving to achieve the most complete circular economy possible. Here, the renewable energy source was a wind turbine, showcasing a different technological approach to community energy.
We were given a comprehensive tour of the village, including:
- Agricultural cultivation areas demonstrating permaculture principles
- Common spaces designed for community interaction
- A private home of one community member, providing insight into daily life in this innovative settlement
The visit to Permatopia illustrated how energy independence can be part of a broader vision of circular living, where waste streams become resources and community resilience is built through local self-sufficiency.
Day 3: Project partners meeting at Roskilde University
On September 19th, we bid farewell to the larger delegation of observers and continued as project partners to Roskilde University. This focused meeting allowed us to:
- Discuss the project’s development trajectory
- Plan next steps and milestones
- Consolidate the key learnings from our study visit
- Align on strategies for implementing similar approaches in our own contexts
Key takeaways
The entire visit was profoundly inspiring, offering a wealth of knowledge and practical experience. We are especially grateful to Ebo Consult for sharing their extensive expertise in supporting energy cooperatives. Their insights into the challenges and opportunities of community energy initiatives added tremendous value to our understanding.
What we learned in Denmark goes beyond technical specifications or financial models. The Danish experience shows us that successful energy communities are built on:
- Strong social foundations and community engagement
- Continuous education and knowledge sharing
- Diverse technological solutions adapted to local contexts (solar, wind, and beyond)
- Integration with broader sustainability goals, from permaculture to circular economy principles
As we return home, we carry with us not just information, but inspiration to build energy communities that are technologically sound, economically viable, and socially resilient.
This study visit was part of Baltic Beat project aimed at accelerating the transition to community-led renewable energy solutions across Europe.
Baltic Beat: Building Engagement to Accelerate Clean Energy Transitions in the South Baltic
Co-founded by the European Union, Interreg South Baltic
