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Social Aspects of Establishing Energy Cooperatives

Author

Listed:
  • Justyna Orłowska

    (Polish Green Network, Ul. Raszyńska 32/44, R. 140, 02-026 Warszawa, Poland)

  • Małgorzata Suchacka

    (Institute of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 11, 40-007 Katowice, Poland)

  • Łukasz Trembaczowski

    (Institute of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 11, 40-007 Katowice, Poland)

  • Robert Ulewicz

    (Faculty of Management, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland)

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the social conditions of the implementation of energy cooperatives in Poland as a demand-side policy tool to reduce carbon emissions. Qualitative empirical research was conducted, including interviews with members and leaders of energy cooperatives as well as experts, to assess the effectiveness of new legal regulations concerning energy cooperatives. This study shows that the negative historic connotations with cooperatives do not impede the readiness of Poles to create energy cooperatives. They are open to innovation and are willing to cooperate for energy stability, which seems to be the most important factor determining involvement in energy cooperatives. The results also highlight significant barriers for the development of energy cooperatives, such as regulatory constraints and a lack of true incentives. Energy cooperatives have the potential to popularize renewable energy sources in Poland, but their growth requires better adaptation of legal regulations and greater political support.

Suggested Citation

  • Justyna Orłowska & Małgorzata Suchacka & Łukasz Trembaczowski & Robert Ulewicz, 2024. "Social Aspects of Establishing Energy Cooperatives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:22:p:5709-:d:1521406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Capellán-Pérez, Iñigo & Campos-Celador, Álvaro & Terés-Zubiaga, Jon, 2018. "Renewable Energy Cooperatives as an instrument towards the energy transition in Spain," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 215-229.
    2. Taran Fæhn & Cathrine Hagem & Lars Lindholt & Ståle Mæland & Knut Einar Rosendahl, 2017. "Climate Policies in a Fossil Fuel Producing Country: Demand versus Supply Side Policies," The Energy Journal, , vol. 38(1), pages 77-102, January.
    3. Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Burke, Matthew & Baker, Lucy & Kotikalapudi, Chaitanya Kumar & Wlokas, Holle, 2017. "New frontiers and conceptual frameworks for energy justice," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 677-691.
    4. Antonia Proka & Derk Loorbach & Matthijs Hisschemöller, 2018. "Leading from the Niche: Insights from a Strategic Dialogue of Renewable Energy Cooperatives in The Netherlands," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-21, November.
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