Energy Cooperatives in EU Countries: Organizational and Operational Experience

Abstract

The article analyzes the current state, features of functioning, and prospects for the development of energy cooperatives in the countries of the European Union. Their role is substantiated as an important institutional element of decentralized energy, combining economic, social, and environmental functions and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals. The purpose of the study is to generalize the experience of functioning of energy cooperatives in EU countries, to identify key development trends, and to assess the possibilities of adapting relevant models to the conditions of Ukraine.

The methodological basis of the study is a systemic approach, methods of comparative analysis and generalization, as well as SWOT analysis, which made it possible to comprehensively assess the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the development of energy cooperatives. The study analyzes the practices of leading EU countries, in particular Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and France, which demonstrate diverse models of organizing cooperative energy based on active citizen participation and support from the state and local authorities.

It has been established that energy cooperatives contribute to increasing the level of energy independence of communities, promote the development of renewable energy sources, reduce “energy poverty,” and foster the formation of social capital. The results of the SWOT analysis indicate the presence of significant potential of the cooperative model under conditions of the energy transition; at the same time, a number of limitations have been identified, related to financial, institutional, and technical barriers, as well as dependence on the regulatory environment.

It is proven that the key success factors of energy cooperatives include effective interaction with local authorities, state support in the form of incentive mechanisms, as well as a high level of trust and citizen engagement. At the same time, the need to improve the regulatory and institutional framework to ensure the successful development of cooperative energy is emphasized.

It is substantiated that for Ukraine the development of energy cooperatives is of strategic importance, as it contributes to the decentralization of energy, enhancement of energy security, and restoration of energy infrastructure. The adaptation of European experience, taking into account national specifics, opens opportunities for the formation of an effective model of cooperative energy and sustainable development of territorial communities.