Strandengen 1, 8305 Samsø
TEL.:. 87921011
CVR: 29056048
Mail: info@energiakademiet.dk
Postcard No. 1
Retellings Are the Future
The sensationalist culture erodes what makes us unique as humans, while retellings can guide us toward a meaningful future.
By Peter Fuchs
Humans are, and always have been, storytellers. Since the dawn of time, we have passed down stories about nature, love, and community. We have used drawings, songs, rhymes, and chants to remember the stories that conveyed important knowledge about the world we live in.
Then came writing, then came the internet, and the rest, as they say, is history…
Unfortunately, that history also tells of a sensationalist culture that promotes superficial narratives. This culture, thriving on quick and short-term pleasures, subjects the public to a strategic bombardment of advertisements under the motto “new is always better.” This not only encourages the overconsumption of our resources but also glorifies journalism that, in the pursuit of sensational headlines, overlooks the deeper and more complex issues.
The planet is crying out for enduring, sustainable, and resilient stories; retellings that can break the vicious cycle of superficiality and overconsumption. By delving into our cultural heritage and rediscovering old stories, we can find valuable lessons on sustainability, respect for nature, and our connections to each other.
Retellings of nature and community can bind us together as a society and create a common reference that fosters cohesion. They can bridge generations and help us understand and respect our differences. They remind us of where we come from and inspire us toward where we need to go. In a world of constant change, retellings are a stable force that can unite us.
On Samsø, we must keep these stories alive. When Samsø won the title of Denmark’s Renewable Energy Island, it was the result of bold visions and a strong community. The stories shared back then about collaboration, sustainability, and innovation are just as relevant today. By retelling these stories, we better understand ourselves and remind each other of what is possible when we stand together.
Retellings are not just an ancient method of transmission but also a crucial tool for shaping our future. By rediscovering and retelling our past stories, we find not only inspiration but also a direction to create a more sustainable and cohesive world.
Therefore, it is crucial that we dare to reuse, rebuild, and retell. Otherwise, we risk not just forgetting history—we risk forgetting ourselves.
We Revisit the Community at Folkedybet.
Folkedybet 2024 focuses on lifestyle, consumption, and resources, though perhaps not as directly as it sounds.
On the 13th and 14th of September, we present a vibrant and diverse program that is sure to offer something for everyone. See you at Strandengen!
Program & Info
Read much more about this year’s program and participants on our website. Here’s a link:
Postcards from Colleagues: Our Journey to Work
A Shared Plan for Samsø
By Søren Hermansen
There is nothing quite as nice as heading out in the dinghy and sailing down to Grydenæs to Vesborg lighthouse. With calm waters, a sunset over Svanegrund and porpoises rolling in the water surface, there couldn’t be a better place to be. For me, it’s the best way to clear out thoughts and stress in daily life where everything is vying for attention.
When standing in the dinghy and looking at Samsø, the perspective changes. With the wind turbines to the east and the landscape to the north, I am at the right place.
At the Energy Academy, we are busy — in a good way. There are many visits and exciting meetings with people who are eager to learn and share experiences with us on Samsø. Fortunately, we have a great network and thereby good opportunities for a lot of exciting work.
New people have arrived at the house. It’s nice that younger forces have joined the island, wanting to become a part of it. It creates diversity and life in the house.
In the year 2024, we are facing an expected challenge. Our finance agreement from 2019 is expiring, and therefore we are working hard to prepare for a hopefully new agreement with the parliament on the upcoming proposed national budget. Here we collaborate closely with Bornholm to lead the way as energy islands. Bornholm with a major wind turbine project, and an ambitious plan as a technological energy island, and Samsø, with many years of experience, will show how to involve the population and society in a long-term plan. Top-down – bottom-up, as it’s called.
As a supplement to our long-term work, we have together with Samsø Business Forum and Samsø Municipality been granted PLAN 22+ to create a comprehensive and spatial plan for Samsø. There are many approaches to land use: biodiversity, new energy facilities, tourism, agriculture, and afforestation. It requires rethinking our distribution and space utilization. Therefore, we will see how we can work together on a long-term plan for Samsø. When we change the perspective, new opportunities arise.
Bicycle Ride through the Heart of the Island.
by Michael Kristensen
The spring sun finally spreads its warm light over the island, and nature is in full bloom.
It is a pleasure to meet and see you cycling or driving an electric car through the beautiful landscape that connects my work route between Bakken in Tranebjerg and Samsø Energy Academy in Ballen.
Our journey to sustainability begins not only when we reach our destination, but already on the way there.
From my home on Bakken on Samsø, my day usually starts with a breath of fresh island air, plus a small ripple of the sea breeze.
On my bike ride to Samsø Energy Academy, I glide through the beautiful landscape, where nature, trees and the scent of flowers enchant my senses, with signs of an imminent harvest.
It’s like stepping into a living painting, where every brushstroke of green, yellow and blooming colours tells the story of the island’s lush life.
Along the way I greet friendly faces going about their daily business.
Local farmers working in the fields and curious tourists seeking adventure on the cycle paths. The local school children on their way to and from school.
It is here, in the meeting with people and nature, that I find inspiration for our projects at Samsø Energy Academy.
Because it is not only technology and innovation that drive us forward, but also the bond that binds us together as a society and with our surroundings.
On my arrival to Samsø Energy Academy, I am met by the architecture that merges with the landscape, and the energy that buzzes in the air.
Here, our ideas are brought to life, and the visions of a sustainable future become action.
Together, let’s continue this journey towards a greener, more liveable world.
My Journey to Work
By Mathias Switzer
Every morning begins with a bike ride through the bustling streets of Aarhus as I head towards the ferry that connects me with Samsø. It’s a routine that has a uniquely calming effect on me, even amidst the city’s noise.
As I stand on the ferry, it feels as though the day’s worries and stress vanish with the wind, while I enjoy the sight of the sunrise over the sea. And when the ferry docks at Samsø, I am greeted by the scent of sea air and the open landscape stretching out before me.
It is here, at the ferry dock, that I feel at home, even far from my apartment in Aarhus. And it is here that my daily journey to the Energy Academy begins, with a heart full of anticipation and a desire to contribute to the community and sustainable development that defines Samsø.
The telebus, driven by friendly locals, takes me on a winding route through small villages and green fields, as I enjoy the view and chat with fellow passengers. It is on these trips that I truly get to know Samsø—not just through the landscape, but through the people who call the island their home.
Finally, I arrive at the Energy Academy, feeling energized and excited. Here, I work with an amazing team on exciting projects like “Folkedybet” and “Nessie”. We tackle complex challenges in sustainable development and renewable energy. Although the tasks can be demanding, I always feel supported and inspired by my colleagues and the community we have built.
So every day, as I step onto the grounds of the Energy Academy, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful community where I can not only contribute to positive change but also experience the beauty of Samsø’s nature and community on my commute to work.
Landscape Imaginaries.
By Tea Palmelund
Two children on the back seat and off on the morning journey. There is something compositionally wonderful about succeeding with this every morning. A trivial weekday trip is not accepted. The car turns into a spaceship in outer space. Planets and meteors in the sky, while we imagine landscapes of other worlds in yellow rapeseed fields, barren seas of soil, or cottony snow. At times everything is dark, or slightly illuminated by the morning sun. Each day doesn’t resemble any other, yet the route is the same.
There is something liberating about imagining new landscapes. And it doesn’t have to be the sci-fi way. The landscape has changed many times throughout history and can still take on new forms. In his editorial, Søren Hermansen mentions a new master plan for Samsø. An opportunity to see the rural area as soft and malleable, rather than outlined and hardened. The Energy Academy is a place where we create laboratories and simulations. What does the future look like, if we draw a new map and incorporate biodiversity, agriculture, resources, forest areas, groundwater, and wild nature in new ways? And perhaps most importantly, how do we involve the community in the entire process?
We live in an age where it is said to be impossible to imagine the planet without also considering both a human and a technological layer. Therefore, the Energy Academy also moves in several dimensions. What does the digital landscape look like? It is estimated that around 5 billion people worldwide have access to the internet through digital devices. Each search or streaming performed billions of times increases our global energy consumption. We have conducted an experiment. The Common Energy Platform is a low-res and solar-powered website where a click weighs almost nothing. Here, the landscape is in low resolution and mostly black and white, and you can only experience it when the sun shines. A bit like the morning journey.
Feel and Embrace the Darkness in Denmark
By Malene Lundén
Tonight, in my home down the gravel road, with my head on the pillow, while my night lamp with 3 brightness settings decided that I could read “The Manifesto of Darkness,” Johan Eklöf confronts the fear of the dark 24-7 society.
“There used to be a clear division between night and day. Today, massive use of artificial light contributes to confusing all living beings, and now, for example, you can hear birds singing at night and into the fall.”
“And our own body rhythm has also gone out of sync to a large extent. When darkness falls, the sleep hormone melatonin is activated, helping muscles to relax and the heart to beat slower. Night lights in cities and industrial areas contribute to destroying this natural rhythm. The clearest example is when night workers are affected by diseases, partly caused by artificial light. But night lights are disturbing to all bodies.” [Johan Eklöf]
The destruction of “the ancient clock” is just one of the reasons why Johan Eklöf has written a manifesto for darkness.
Wake up on my mattress topper, wrapped in my linen nightgown. My sleep is a tribute to an alpha and omega and unfolds on Samsø’s southern tip in a natural darkness out there by the giant lamp of Vesborg lighthouse, which lights far out on a still winding gravel road. Before 8 a.m., I take a walk down to the sea with a view of Århus and Apple Island in the company of my two dogs, like a million other dog owners in Denmark.
When I return from my morning routine, before heading to work, I linger at the sight from my driveway – the view of 12 sheep with 2 to 3 lambs each, frolicking in special leaps with all four legs lifted from the ground at the same time.
I love starting the engine of my car because I don’t ride a bike or, for that matter, drive an electric car. I stop that moralizing right away. I am happy to rent a used car, as everything we’ve already produced should be used instead of embracing the culture of buying and throwing away. A huge issue in Denmark, and a blind spot as Johan Eklöf describes in his manifesto.
I love that there are no traffic lights or highways, and that I can drive to work without getting stuck in long queues. I drive through Kolby and Brundby before reaching Ballen, about 7 km with speeds ranging from 50 to 80 km per hour. I am on my way to the Energy Academy located at Strandengen 1.
From home to home
By Alexis Chatzimpiros
My footsteps must have felt very heavy on the gravel at Købmandsgården on that cold, dark and windy winter evening. I had been traveling to Samsø from my home in Brussels -an 8-hour trip- with both my mind and backpack full, and my body carrying both. I was very tired. ‘I will leave the light on for you’, Susanne had told me. And there it was, reassuring like a lighthouse. Comfortable. Moments later, I stepped into the small warm and beautifully lit ground floor apartment, which I also call home.
It’s been some years since I started commuting, roughly once a month, for a few days, and it has become a routine. I usually use tram, train, plane, train, ferry and bus in this or in reverse order. And my feet for some 10.000 steps in between. The day of the week, the temperature, the light, the colors, the landscape, the country, the esthetics, the language and sometimes even the season change throughout my commute. Yet I am not always awake to experience all of it.
Most of the time I listen to my Spotify playlist. Sometimes I am finishing up some work from the previous week, or preparing for the week ahead, always thinking of that blog post that I still did not get myself to write, taking care of lots of life administration, catching up with my partner by text, or just texting friends on social media.
I often have an overnight on the mainland. Then I get to the harbor in the morning ahead of the ferry, and I watch it approach, always on time, until it docks right in front of me. I find the simplicity of that reliability very calming. Time to board and get some breakfast now. I am almost on Samsø.
Fresh Air
By Philipp Cerny
The bike ride from Toftebjerg to the Energy Academy in Ballen on my e-cargo bike is a daily pleasure. The route takes me through the enchanting landscapes of Samsø, where every turn and every hilltop reveal new sights and experiences.
From Toftebjerg, I start my journey down the winding roads that lead me through lush fields and past picturesque farms. In spring, the fresh breeze mingles with the scent of newly cut grass and blooming fields, and the sun’s rays cast a warm glow over the landscape.
Along the way, I pass small villages and charming farm shops. It’s hard not to be tempted to stop and indulge in some homemade jam or freshly baked bread.
But the real highlight comes when I reach the so-called “mountains” of Samsø. Although, they may not compare to the Alps, the downhill gives me a feeling of pure freedom and excitement. With the wind in my hair and the view over the blue sea, it feels like I’m flying down the hill.
Finally, I reach the Energy Academy in Ballen, where my workday begins. But even when I leave the bike behind, the sense of adventure and freedom from my morning experience stays with me for the rest of the day. The bike ride isn’t just a way to get to work – it’s a journey through beauty and excitement that fills me with energy and joy.
A Journey Through Samsø’s Green Landscape
By AI, ChatGPT
On a windy late summer day, I set out from the small town of Besser, located in the heart of Samsø, towards the Samsø Energy Academy. The road meandered through a landscape that felt both tranquil and vibrant. Along the way, I could see fields stretching as far as the eye could see, with golden grain and green meadows. The distinctive rolling hills revealed the island’s geological history, shaped by the ice age glaciers. The wind rustled through the treetops, and in the distance, I could make out the wind turbines slowly turning in rhythm with the breeze.
Samsø is renowned for its stunning nature as well as its pioneering spirit in renewable energy. As I approached the Energy Academy, I passed by a series of solar panels lined up like little soldiers, soaking up the sun’s energy.
The Samsø Energy Academy, located in Ballen, embodies the island’s commitment to sustainability. Over the years, the Academy has played a crucial role in Samsø’s transformation into one of the world’s first CO2-neutral islands. Their work in promoting renewable energy solutions such as wind, solar, and biomass has made Samsø a living example of how communities can take control of their energy use and create a greener future.
The journey to the Academy reminded me of how closely nature and energy are intertwined here. On Samsø, the landscape is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the island’s journey toward sustainability. When I finally arrived, I was welcomed by a warm atmosphere where both people and nature collaborate with a shared ambition to create a cleaner, greener world.
News from the Energy Academy
Be Enriched and Moved at Folkedybet 2024.
On the 13th and 14th of September, we will present a vibrant and diverse program that is sure to offer something for everyone. See you at Strandengen!
Workshop – ISLET
7 island communities in the EU are preparing local climate plans. Capacity building in community development and engagement processes for establishing renewable energy communities.
Course – RECET
Capacity building in sustainable local development in rural municipalities and regions in northeastern Iceland and the Westfjords, Blekinge in Sweden, Postojna in Slovenia, and Menorca in Spain.
Den Fælles Energi Platform
How can we create a lightweight internet without compromising the content that needs to be communicated? We have developed a new solar-powered platform for energy communities and stakeholders working towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
www.energiplatform.solar