ReALIS Erasmus+

Resilient and Adaptive, Local, Innovative Systems

The ReALISe training course, held in September 2022, was the third installment in a series initiated by The Northern Lights, focusing on encouraging local resilience and sustainable energy practices for rural and remote communities. Building on the themes of its predecessors, E+ Permetre and A.CLIMAT.é, the course equipped participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to develop sustainable energy solutions tailored to their unique contexts.

Participants engaged in hands-on projects, including the installation of solar panels, a micro-methanization system for energy generation from decomposition, and a Jan Pan water heating system powered by compost heat. The training emphasized a collaborative design approach, empowering youth workers to take control of their communities' energy needs while adhering to sustainability principles.

The interdisciplinary facilitation team included Jean-Philippe Valla, an engineer-turned-farmer specializing in off-grid living and tool-making; Alexandros Filippidis, an expert in renewable energy systems and cooperative solutions; and Hervé Michniewics, a master craftsman in metalwork and construction. Together, they guided participants through building practical tools and systems while introducing methods for climate adaptation and participatory design.

ReALISe provided an inspiring framework for creating energy sovereignty, fostering collaboration, and enabling communities to address the challenges of a changing world with resilience and innovation.