Energy Cooperatives as an Instrument for Stimulating Distributed Renewable Energy in Poland

Katarzyna Brodzińska, Małgorzata Błażejowska, Zbigniew Brodziński, Irena Łącka and Alicja Stolarska ()
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Katarzyna Brodzińska: Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Małgorzata Błażejowska: Faculty of Economic Sciences, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-343 Koszalin, Poland
Zbigniew Brodziński: Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Irena Łącka: Faculty of Economics, West Pomeranian University of Technology, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland
Alicja Stolarska: Institute of Economics and Finance, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-26

Abstract: In Poland, the development of renewable energy primarily focuses on solar energy, especially through household prosumer installations. One emerging solution for promoting distributed renewable energy is energy cooperatives. The main aim of the research was to identify the legal and socioeconomic factors influencing the formation and growth of energy cooperatives in Poland and to provide recommendations for their development. The research, conducted in 2024, covered 47 energy cooperatives. The data gathered included information from the National Court Register (KRS), the National Support Centre for Agriculture (KOWR), and qualitative research through in-depth individual interviews using the CATI technique (computer-assisted telephone interview). The findings highlight the need to streamline legal regulations concerning energy cooperatives, particularly the dual registration system (KRS and KOWR), which delays operational start-up. They also suggest reviewing restrictions on the area and power capacity for renewable energy distribution. Proper training for cooperative managers and network operator staff is essential. Given the early stage of Poland’s energy cooperative development, ongoing monitoring is necessary. Further research will aid in creating effective tools to foster the growth of distributed renewable energy, especially through energy cooperatives.

Keywords: energy cooperatives; distributed energy; renewable energy sources; development conditions (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: 2025
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