Leading from the Niche: Insights from a Strategic Dialogue of Renewable Energy Cooperatives in The Netherlands

Proka, Antonia; Loorbach, Derk; Hisschemöller, M.

doi:10.3390/su10114106

Cited by 21 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Last, but not least, the novelty of this research work is about the thorough analysis of existing big data on REScoops' activity that were acquired and the clarification of various behavioral characteristics of REScoops' members. As a result, after the statistical analysis of these big data, crucial gaps in the existing literature were filled, if someone takes in mind past research works, such as [26][27][28][29][30], which did not utilize such big data to draw their conclusions regarding REScoops and the efficiency of their initiatives.…”

Section: )mentioning

confidence: 99%

How Much Energy Efficient are Renewable Energy Sources Cooperatives’ Initiatives?

2020

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In this paper is provided a systematic, in-depth, behavioral analysis of renewable energy sources cooperatives' members. The analysis proved that in, on hand, there was a noticeable difference in the portion of affection of each proposed intervention on the actual energy consumption, which may be to even ten times more in some cases, and on the other hand, the difference in energy consumption between the analyzed groups was noticeable as well. So, implementing energy efficiency interventions of various types, such as technical support, special tariffs, energy generation schemes, and smart meters, seems to lead to substantial energy reductions to even more than 10%, cumulatively, and reduces the environmental footprint. Additionally, the majority of energy efficiency interventions applied by the renewable energy sources cooperatives are proved to be effective in achieving their primary goal, sensitizing members, and leading them to a more efficient energy consumption behavior ("greener"). The results of the analysis showed that each proposed intervention had played a different but nonetheless significant role in the diminishing of the energy consumption of the members and that there was a noticeable difference in energy consumption between the analyzed groups. The results of the analysis demonstrated more than 22 GWh totally in green consumption, and almost 4500 tons of CO 2 saved.Energies 2020, 13, 1136 2 of 22 REScoops started to form in the European Union several years ago, offering to their members the opportunity to purchase green energy, such as renewably generated electricity, at reasonable prices. Besides, they were able to become autonomous and independent concerning energy availability. Last, but not least, their members could interact democratically with other members and co-decide the cooperative's future [7,8].Furthermore, REScoops offer to discrete populations and companies the opportunity to become renewable power producers and to actively participate in cooperative energy consumption [9,10]. Additionally, REScoops suggest the established framework in order to implicate citizens with social, political, and nevertheless, financial features of RES distribution [11,12]. Last, but not least, there are several cases where REScoops enhance the effort of other systems relevant to RES systems, such as intelligent transportation one [13].As observed, the members of the contributing REScoops altered their behavior, reducing their final energy consumption, and invested money in order to produce green energy through RES [14,15]. Within the frame of the H2020 REScoop Plus Project, a better understanding is considered, and REScoops fostered this behavioral change employing the actions mentioned above. Energy consumers' dynamic contribution to conservation activities, and in self-production processes as well, seems to be the primary way to meet the European Commission's targets for near-zero carbon footprint, 100% green energy consumption, and energy democracy. As the transition to RES is primarily enforced politi...

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Section: )mentioning

confidence: 99%

How Much Energy Efficient are Renewable Energy Sources Cooperatives’ Initiatives?

2020

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“…Planko et al show that end-users are scarcely represented in the system-building networks that are active in the development of the Dutch smart grid sector [8]. Yet, times are changing with the increase of local energy initiatives [9], which increasingly broaden their activities that aim to further influence the direction and pace of the energy transition [10]. Potentially, local energy initiatives can extend their role from energy generation to performing active functions within the smart grid.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Participatory Experimentation with Energy Law: Digging in a ‘Regulatory Sandbox’ for Local Energy Initiatives in the Netherlands

2020

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To facilitate energy transition, regulators have devised ‘regulatory sandboxes’ to create a participatory experimentation environment for exploring revision of energy law in several countries. These sandboxes allow for a two-way regulatory dialogue between an experimenter and an approachable regulator to innovate regulation and enable new socio-technical arrangements. However, these experiments do not take place in a vacuum but need to be formulated and implemented in a multi-actor, polycentric decision-making system through collaboration with the regulator but also energy sector incumbents, such as the distribution system operator. Therefore, we are exploring new roles and power division changes in the energy sector as a result of such a regulatory sandbox. We researched the Dutch executive order ‘experiments decentralized, sustainable electricity production’ (EDSEP) that invites homeowners’ associations and energy cooperatives to propose projects that are prohibited by extant regulation. Local experimenters can, for instance, organise peer-to-peer supply and determine their own tariffs for energy transport in order to localize, democratize, and decentralize energy provision. Theoretically, we rely on Ostrom’s concept of polycentricity to study the dynamics between actors that are involved in and engaging with the participatory experiments. Empirically, we examine four approved EDSEP experiments through interviews and document analysis. Our conclusions focus on the potential and limitations of bottom-up, participatory innovation in a polycentric system. The most important lessons are that a more holistic approach to experimentation, inter-actor alignment, providing more incentives, and expert and financial support would benefit bottom-up participatory innovation.

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“…The joining of cooperative efforts to achieve mutual gains is also the subject of the study by Proka, Loorbach, and Hisschemöller (2018), focusing on the Netherlands. Brisbois (2020) observes the impact of energy cooperatives on political power dynamics, demonstrating the increased capacity of cooperatives to influence and how this has led to political victories.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

EMPOWERING BRAZIL'S ENERGY COOPERATIVES: CREATING A FEDERATION AND FOSTERING SDGs

Villanueva,

Catapan,

Lousada

2024

jlsdgr

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Objective: This study examines the potential of establishing an energy cooperative federation in Brazil. Initially, challenges faced by cooperatives are identified, such as cultural resistance, lack of understanding about distributed generation, and financial difficulties. Theoretical Framework: Accelerating the global energy transition is necessary due to the effects of climate change, which presents a challenge for governments as they must balance conflicting agendas. Energy cooperatives have the potential to promote renewable energies and sustainable urban development and are increasingly growing in Brazil. By promoting unity, knowledge sharing, and collective advocacy, the federation can enhance the cooperatives' efficiency, influence, and resilience. This initiative aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Method: Online interviews with management teams of Brazilian energy cooperatives and relevant organizations were conducted in 2023 to gather data on the sector's opportunities, challenges, and barriers. Data triangulation with literature provided a comprehensive view, leading to an analysis of key issues and a proposal to strengthen the sector.Results and Discussion: The main difficulties and solutions include: imbalances in relationships with utilities (discussion of legislation and regulation), disputes over taxation (revision of fees), difficulty obtaining resources (facilitated access to financing), high bureaucracy (simplification of processes), and public unfamiliarity (educational programs). Originality/Value: The proposed federation could act as a transformative force, promoting positive changes and shaping a more sustainable and democratic energy landscape in Brazil. Through robust governance structures, transparent practices, and active member engagement, this federation can catalyze innovation, promote equitable access to renewable energy, foster inclusive economic development, and position cooperatives as critical players in achieving sustainable development goals.

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Leading from the Niche: Insights from a Strategic Dialogue of Renewable Energy Cooperatives in The Netherlands

Cited by 21 publications

References 36 publications

How Much Energy Efficient are Renewable Energy Sources Cooperatives’ Initiatives?

How Much Energy Efficient are Renewable Energy Sources Cooperatives’ Initiatives?

Participatory Experimentation with Energy Law: Digging in a ‘Regulatory Sandbox’ for Local Energy Initiatives in the Netherlands

EMPOWERING BRAZIL'S ENERGY COOPERATIVES: CREATING A FEDERATION AND FOSTERING SDGs

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