Social Aspects of Establishing Energy Cooperatives

Justyna Orłowska, Małgorzata Suchacka, Łukasz Trembaczowski and Robert Ulewicz ()
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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

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-20

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.

Keywords: energy cooperative; social conditions; energy transition; renewable energy; carbon emission reduction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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