Acceleration of the Energy Transition with the Local Energy Cooperative

Abstract

Although many Dutch municipalities foresee a role for local energy cooperatives, these still have a minor part in the energy transition. Now their answer to the rate at which fossil energy confronts us with problems of shortages and emissions is unsatisfactory. The cooperative path is about new forms of cooperation between volunteers, companies, governments and institutions, and may not even lead to the formal establishment of a cooperative. Encouraging people to follow this path means watching closely what is actually taking place and what is successful. Highlighting the successes gives the chance to work on the urgent acceleration of the energy transition. This text takes from the successes four steps and is a call to make use thereof. Residents, governments, institutions and companies can take these steps to accelerate the emergence and growth of local energy cooperatives.