Project AURORA is pioneering the development of University Energy Communities dedicated to supporting members to reduce not only their own carbon footprints through practical action, but that of the universities where they study and work.
Aarhus University is leading the way, establishing a Solar Cooperative Universitetets Energifællesskab F.M.B.A (UEF) and then negotiating an agreement with the University Authorities and the University Building Owner to install and operate rooftop solar panels to supply energy to the University. The cost is met by financing raised through crowdfunding, allowing university students and staff to invest in and financially benefit from the energy transition. The scheme delivers power for the university at competitive rates, displaces fossil fuels from the university energy supply contracts and illustrates a model other universities can follow.
“Our students at Aarhus University want to be part of the energy transition but for them, it is difficult because they do not have large savings or own a house in which to put the solar panels. This project allows them to be co-owners of the solar panels and that triggers a lot of enthusiasm and reflections on their energy consumption” says Marta Victoria, Associate Professor at Aarhus University.
The project’s installed capacity is 98 kW in total on two rooftops within the University buildings. Two different types of solar panels (bifacial and monofacial, one on each rooftop) were chosen for the installation so students and researchers could compare their performance in Danish weather. The installation adopts an east-west orientation in a delta structure and ballast system for mounting.
Linked to the AURORA Energy Tracker app, investors will shortly be able to see how much energy is being generated and offset the carbon saved from their investment against their own carbon footprint. They can use a unique labelling scheme to see how effectively they play their part to get to net zero in line with EU targets.
In addition, the renewable energy scheme is being linked to the university’s teaching curriculum, empowering a new generation of students to tackle climate change as they graduate and enter the working community.
“With over 5000 higher education institutes in Europe, we want to empower the 17.5 million students, 1.35 million educators and 1.17 million researchers in Europe to get involved and replicate our approach, not only in their own universities but in the towns and cities that surround them”. – Martin Brocklehurst, Project Communications Lead
STOP PRESS – Now connected, operational and producing power
