(Citizen-driven) renewable energy cooperatives in Germany Cover Image

(Obywatelskie) spółdzielnie energetyczne w Niemczech
(Citizen-driven) renewable energy cooperatives in Germany

Author(s): Eva-Maria Thierjung
Subject(s): Energy and Environmental Studies, Environmental and Energy policy, Law on Economics, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Wydziału Zarządzania Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: energy transition in Germany; (citizen-driven) energy cooperatives in Germany;

Summary/Abstract: The subject of this article is the role of energy cooperatives, especially citizen-driven energy cooperatives, in the context of Germany’s energy transition (so-called Energiewende). In the first place, this article develops a precise definition of the term energy transition, followed by a short presentation of the current situation of energy cooperatives, embedded in the historical background of cooperatives. This is followed by an outline of the current legal framework for energy cooperatives in Germany as well as their internal operating structures, based on the so-called cooperative principles. Thereby, the author points out the direct link between these principles and the positive development of energy cooperatives in Germany, emphasizing their social dimension. What follows is a presentation of the possible ways to categorize energy cooperatives, and a more detailed description of the three forms of energy cooperatives most common in Germany. The article concludes with an evaluation of the socio-economic potential of these communities.

  • Issue Year: 10/2021
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 41-50
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: Polish