On 13th ,14th and 15th of November, REScoop.eu participated in the Lochem Energy Acceleration Days in The Netherlands. The interesting 3 days program included workshops, masterclasses, excursions and debates around the topic of local energy cooperatives.

125 experienced pioneers from Belgium, Germany, France, Wales, Ireland and the Netherlands shared knowledge and expertise and showcased a variety of energy cooperative initiatives. Participants consisted of a broad range of energy actors including members of local cooperatives, farmers and citizens, entrepreneurs, policy makers, academic partners and representatives from associations. The audience contributed actively to the program by sharing their own opinions and experiences.

Lochem Energie, member of REScoop.eu and organiser of the conference, compiled an intensive and highly interesting program that not only involved the practical exchange of knowledge and experiences but also created a platform for building partnerships and gaining inspiration.

Participants got an impression of the various things energy cooperatives are working on in practice, such as wind energy, hydropower, solar parks, electric car-sharing and the use of biomass. On top of that, a big variety of topics was discussed during the 3 days, such as renewable energy installations, communication tools for engagement, energy savings, relationship building with governments, and much more.

There was a thematic focus on farmers and citizens as this is the cornerstone of the ECCO project. The number of initiatives by citizens and farmers to jointly generate local sustainable energy is slowly but surely increasing. The event showcased that farmers can strengthen citizen energy communities in rural areas to play a pivotal role in accelerating the energy transition. Nevertheless the start-up of these initiatives still faces several obstacles. Bringing together starters and more established cooperatives is an important first step. And this is exactly what the event did!

REScoop.eu went back home with a lot of enthusiasm, new ideas and contacts, again fully convinced that collaboration is key for scaling up the energy transition!

The Lochem Energy Acceleration Days are organised in collaboration with the INTERREG ECCO project. The positive effects of the project’s activities are possible thanks to financial support from the European Regional Development Fund provided by the Interreg North-West Europe programme.