AURORA team member Zhe Zhang joined Climate Cafe, organized by the Climate Justice Group by Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke. The Climate Cafe was hosted on 3rd April at MS’s main premise in Aarhus.
At the Climate Cafe, Zhe presented Universitetets Energifællesskab F.M.B.A (UEF), as one of Aarhus’ newest energy communities. UEF was established in 2023 with 6 founding members. The association later attracted 120 members, who crowdfunded rooftop solar photovoltaic installations on 2 university buildings at Aarhus University. The installation has been producing clean energy for the buildings in Nobelparken since September 2024.
At the Climate Cafe, Zhe shared the story behind UEF: the foundation framework established through AURORA’s research, the challenges the team faced, and the strategies that were adopted to overcome these challenges. In addition, Zhe shared working steps to establish similar initiatives in Aarhus, and a list of actions we wish could take place on municipal and national levels.
After Zhe’s sharing, the participants had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss what can be done to foster similar energy community and energy cooperatives in Aarhus.
“I am glad that we can share our experience with more people,” says Zhe, “the discussion today shows the importance of knowledge sharing and exchange. Hopefully UEF will become an inspiration for others to do something similar. “
