German energy co-operatives slow down growth

New registrations of energy cooperatives in Germany fell by 60% on the year in 2014, German cooperative association DGRV said at a press conference held yesterday in Berlin.

The organization noted that only 54 new energy cooperatives were set up last year, compared to 129 in 2013, mainly due to unfavourable amendments to the Renewable Energy Act (EEG).

DGRV criticized the introduction of tendering procedures for small renewable energy projects. It said that the results of the first round of calls for ground-mounted photovoltaic plants clearly show that tenders tend to favour bigger companies and investors and thus hamper the participation of citizen cooperatives.

On the positive side, DGRV said that district heating cooperatives continue its strong growth. Over the past three years they accounted for more than 60 of 140 new companies.

According to the association, energy cooperatives in Germany have invested a total of EUR 1.67 billion (USD 1.82 bln) to date and built plants with a total capacity of 933 MW.

(EUR 1 = USD 1.089 )

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