Report: Energy Co-operatives in Poland - Social Conditions for their Establishment.
About this good practice
The development of energy cooperatives in Poland faces many challenges, ranging from formal and legal issues to a lack of knowledge and advisory support for local initiatives. BoMiasto, an association with experience of working with local community leaders, has produced a report that addresses these issues and gives a voice to practitioners. The document is based on interviews with people involved in setting up cooperatives and organisations supporting grassroots energy transition. It identifies specific legal, administrative and communication barriers hindering the development of energy cooperatives in Poland, as well as recommendations for systemic and local action.
This practice is analytical and advocacy oriented - it provides knowledge for policy makers, but also inspires activists and local governments to take joint action. The report has been published, widely promoted on social media and used in advocacy activities, including contacts with government and local authorities.
The main stakeholders are representatives of social organisations, local government officials, local leaders and institutions implementing community energy support programmes. The beneficiaries are individuals and communities interested in setting up energy cooperatives and decision-makers looking for real data and solutions.
Resources needed
Two people from the association were involved in the work: a coordinator and a graphic designer, two researchers and interviewees.
Evidence of success
The report was promoted by the BoMiasto association on social media and through a press release sent to the media. It was also shared with organisations working on just transition, including Polska Zielona Sieć (Polish Green Network). It was used in advocacy work as a source of knowledge about the barriers and needs of energy cooperatives.
Potential for learning or transfer
The BoMiasto report has high transferability potential because it addresses common legal, institutional and social barriers that hinder the development of community energy across Poland. It can be used by organisations and local governments in other regions as a starting point for diagnosing local needs and formulating policy recommendations. A key factor for successful transfer is the involvement of local leaders and social organisations, who can adapt the content of the report to their own circumstances. It can also serve as training material for institutions implementing renewable energy and community energy support programmes.
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