Lunch & Learn seminar with Johanna Liljenfeldt

An “Eldsjäl” (literally “Fire soul”) is a Nordic concept that refers to a passionate and driven person who, through their character, skills, networks or vision, has the capacity to engage people and realize projects to the betterment of an organization or a community. Such individuals are often integral for initiating and leading different forms of development projects. This is not least true for the success of so called “energy communities” (EU’s recent policy push for non-commercial energy initiatives organized by local communities) where enthusiastic local leaders often “light the fires” that starts energy transition processes.

However, there are also potential challenges here, such as risks of burn out or burning too brightly (creating passivity among others in a community). Is it sustainable then that local energy transitions often rely on the work of eldsjälar?