Economy
German co-operatives lead renewable energy surge
Co-operatives in Germany are driving forward the country’s renewable energy efforts, according to a report by Energy Transition.
The study, called German Energy Transition: Arguments for a renewable energy future, outlines how some €800m from 80,000 private investors has been put towards community-based renewables projects in the country.
“It is often said that only the wealthy can make such investments; for instance, critics charge that you need to own your own home to have a solar roof”, the report says.
“But more than 90% of Germany’s energy co-operatives have already set up solar arrays, and a single share in such co-operatives costs less than €500 in two-thirds of the co-operatives – with the minimum amount less than €100 in some cases.”
But Germany continues to be a global frontrunner when it comes to clean energy co-operatives, and Sven Giegold, MEP for the country’s Green Party, said these projects can be “really proud” of the movement they have created.
A UK group led by The Co-operative and Forum for the Future recently published community energy manifesto, and met with energy secretary Ed Davey to discuss the policies needed in order to realise a “revolution” in energy ownership.
Further reading:
Manifesto published to accelerate ‘community energy revolution’
Harnessing the power of a community
Community renewables: creating sustainable wealth with values