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Samso- The Renewable Energy Island Of Denmark

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Clear Thinking, Investment and Cooperation

Welcome to Samso, an island off the coast of Denmark. Here is an example of something so remarkable: a community pulling together, investing together, and succeeding at becoming completely energy independent.

In 1998 they had a bold plan to switch to renewable energy. The civic leaders hit the road and convinced 450 island residents to invest in wind power. The farmers liked the idea of making money on the power they could sell back to the grid, as there is plenty of wind on the island.

They formed a cooperative and put up 2 windmills. Private investors put up another 5. These windmills produce more electricity than the island consumed, and they recouped their investment completely within a few years.

Meet an electrician who installed his own wind turbine. He powers his whole house, an electric car and again, because of selling energy back to the grid -- his $30,000 wind turbine will have paid for itself in just 5 years. He can look forward to a lifetime of no energy bills, and needs no gas for the car.

When the islanders decided to install 10 offshore windmills, they produced so much power that Samso was now completely carbon neutral.

"We would rather buy our energy from our neighbor or another investor on the island than we would pay (suppliers in) The Middle East or an oil company. We just like the money to stay on the island." says a resident.

This is truly a fascinating example of clear thinking and cooperation -- spread the word!

--Bibi Farber

This video was produced by World Focus