Stimulating the development of «green» energy cooperatives as a form of business organization in the development of social infrastructure rural areas

Abstract

The issue of energy supply in our country is highly relevant and requires a comprehensive approach to its resolution within a socio-economic context. This is particularly true for rural areas, which need the development of energy market infrastructure with an emphasis on social orientation. Achieving sustainable development criteria is possible through cooperation, which allows communities to effectively address their issues through collective efforts. It have been highlighted the financial aspects that will contribute to the development of energy cooperatives, whose successful activities will influence the construction of social infrastructure in rural areas.

The aim of the article is to expand the conceptual framework and define practical priorities for ensuring the institutional conditions for the development of "green" energy cooperatives in rural communities. The article emphasizes that cooperatives, as socially oriented structures, have the potential to achieve long-term sustainability, contribute to sustainable development, and generate resilience effects for communities and territories in both business and social contexts. The focus is on the fact that the cooperative, as discussed in the article, is viewed as a socially oriented structure and should not be considered a classical enterprise.

In terms of conceptualizing the foundations of direct stimulation, were highlighted the following financial aspects: creating investment opportunities for rural areas and local economic entities; selling and transferring renewable energy (electricity sold to the grid at an increased tariff); investing in the biomethane sector; enhancing the competitiveness of green cooperatives in the energy market; their ability to generate income that remains in rural areas to meet social infrastructure needs and invest in energy efficiency; and generating additional income. It is noted that although cooperatives are important socially oriented structures, their capacity to innovate for successful operation in a competitive market has not yet been fully realized. It has been proven that despite the relevance of cooperative activities, there is still a need to implement practices for joint problem-solving within communities based on cooperation.