Small Hamlet is Germany's Alternative Energy Pioneer

The German hamlet of Feldheim is the country's first to become independent of the grid. By switching completely to alternative energy sources, it may be a model for many other cities. A wind farm and solar park produce so much power that most of it is sold back into the national system. Meanwhile, biogas derived from livestock manure and agricultural wastes heats homes in the winter. According to BusinessInsider.com, the community's mini smart grid will eventually incorporate a 10 MW battery to provide 48 hours of emergency backup power, and to reduce grid fluctuations for the regional power company.

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