“ We enabled a strategy , and once we had tackled the legal issues we got project partners on board and attracted funds ,” Mertens explains .

The Netherlands became the prime location for this new and experimental project , as it was one of few places in the world that would legally allow it . As far as Mertens is aware , the only other locations actively practicing this kind of energy trading are Auckland , New Zealand , and New York City , US . One of Enervalis ’ greatest challenges was receiving approval from European governments , which Bax & Company was able to obtain within the Dutch legal system . It took two months in total to understand the legal framework in which the system could work and four months to apply for an exemption of the current electricity law , followed by a two-month review period for the government to make its decision of approval . Once the exemption was approved , the project then needed a more specific settlement .

“ There were two reasons why we chose Eemnes ,” says Mertens . “ The first reason was that the housing association we found willing to support this project had dwellings

Tonnes of CO2 saved per year per 250 participants

in this particular region . The second reason was that the municipality of Eemnes is really invested in innovation and sustainability , and due to its smaller size , these kinds of innovative projects are able to happen . Finally , the town is also practically located for this project . It ’ s quite geographically isolated , and dwellings are connected to the same electricity network level which is a requirement for an exemption approval .”

Mertens explains that the main challenge involved with unconventional projects like this one centres on the politics surrounding

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