Electricity bill shock has become a distant problem for residents in Soren Hermansen's hometown in Denmark. It is far more likely they will receive a cheque in the mail for their power on Samso Island.

The island is carbon neutral and runs on renewable energy, with power and profits flowing back into the community.

Renewable energy advocate Soren Hermansen - "conservative in thinking but progressive in development". Credit:Penny Stephens

Now Mr Hermansen travels the world championing community-owned power generation methods.

Most recently he was in Victoria discussing with local communities how they can harness the power of the sun, wind and other renewable sources.