Transforming vision into practice: Community workshops in Samsø, Denmark
As part of the RECET project, the Samsø team organized a series of community workshops on Samsø, focusing on collaborative and community-led approaches to the renewable energy transition. Held in August and September 2024, the workshops brought together a diverse group of local stakeholders, energy experts, policymakers, and community members. The sessions provided an open forum to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore concrete actions that can support Samsø’s long-term energy ambitions.
The programme included interactive brainstorming sessions on how locally produced renewable energy can be better integrated into everyday life on the island. Participants also took part in a panel discussion where policymakers and practitioners presented successful case studies and reflected on lessons learned from previous initiatives. A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the importance of involving younger generations in sustainability efforts, which directly inspired the development of an educational outreach initiative tailored specifically for local schools.
One of the most significant outcomes of the workshops was a shared agreement to prioritize community-driven energy projects as a cornerstone of Samsø’s future energy strategy. Ideas such as solar panel cooperatives and shared electric vehicle schemes were highlighted as practical solutions that combine climate action with local ownership and social benefits. In addition, participants identified new opportunities to better align Samsø’s local energy initiatives with broader regional objectives, as outlined in the Samsø Report.
The Samsø team is enthusiastic about how the insights and ideas generated during the workshops will help shape the next steps of the RECET project on the island. Photos and materials from the workshops are available for viewing online, along with further details in the comprehensive Samsø Report.
