During my first days at Energy Academy, I already learned one of the most important and impactful lessons of my internship so far. Importance of community engagement. Energy Academy puts such a big emphasis on local people, whether it is in climate planning, supporting local businesses, or organizing events. I realized this is a secret to Samsø’s success in being a Danish renewable energy island. This was a first-hand experience I could not learn about from books. It’s not always about having the newest technology, calculating the best possible position for a wind turbine, or working with the best engineers in the world. Sometimes all you need is to sit down with your neighbors, listen to what they have to say, discuss, and find suitable solutions together.

Seeing and learning firsthand about how engaging community is key to a successful story completely changed my perspective on climate planning. This is a thing unique to Samsø and to Energy Academy. I don’t think anyone could have taught me or shown me a better example.