The role of municipalities in developing energy cooperatives

Municipalities – although often underestimated – are one of the most important players in Poland’s energy transition. They are the ones who manage the local space, infrastructure and have direct contact with the inhabitants. As a result, they can play a key role in the development of energy cooperatives and other forms of local civic energy.

Why are municipalities so important?

They are the ones who know best where the roofs of schools, community centres or sports halls are available on which to install photovoltaic panels

They have contact with local leaders – farmers, entrepreneurs, community activists – who can become members of the energy cooperative

Have land at their disposal that can be used for the construction of RES installations, such as solar power plants or biogas plants

Have local energy strategies and plan investments in heating, transport and public infrastructure

Worth remembering The municipality can not only be the initiator, but also a full member of the energy cooperative - then it not only makes an organisational contribution, but can also generate energy for its own buildings (offices, schools, health centres).

Facts and figures

the municipality can obtain funding from the EU or KPO for setting up and developing an energy cooperative
can also conduct information and education campaigns among the inhabitants - this is important, as energy awareness is the first step towards action
cooperation of municipalities with grid operators, NGOs and technical universities increases the chances of project success

Did you know? In many Western European countries, local authorities are the natural leaders of energy cooperatives. In Germany, more than 40% of RES installations are owned by citizens and local authorities! Poland is starting to follow this path - an example is the municipalities in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, which are actively involved in the development of energy communities.

A practical example

The Raszyn municipality has initiated the creation of an energy cooperative that includes several dozen public and private buildings. Energy produced from photovoltaic panels on the roofs of schools and offices is fed into the grid and residents pay lower bills. This model is becoming an inspiration for other local authorities.

A municipality is not just an office – it is space, people and opportunities. The more local authorities engage in energy transition processes, the faster and more effectively our energy landscape will change. It is worth starting with small steps: diagnosing needs, talking to residents, pilot projects and looking for partners. The municipality as the leader of an energy cooperative? Yes – it’s happening and it works!

Worth knowing One of the main problems municipalities face is the lack of clear connection procedures and limited influence over the development of local electricity infrastructure. It still happens that despite their readiness to invest - the grid operator refuses to connect RES installations for economic or technical reasons.