The role of the social economy in the transition of Ireland to a green economy

In most EU states, publicly owned utilities or the private sector energy tends to be generate energy. In addition, the production of energy tends to takes place in large-scale plants, using fossil fuel. These plants have... [ view full abstract ]

In most EU states, publicly owned utilities or the private sector energy tends to be generate energy. In addition, the production of energy tends to takes place in large-scale plants, using fossil fuel. These plants have contributed to the significant increase in the EU’s carbon emissions since the 1990’s. Over the last thirty years, communities and groups across Europe have formed particular legal entities (often co-operatives or companies) to generate renewable energy in order to achieve economic, environmental and social goals. This paper will review the literature pertaining to this phenomenon with regard to the motivating factors giving rise to their formation, the economic benefits that can accrue to their members, and the environmental impacts for the communities in which they are based. The review will also consider the literature with regard to the distinct organisational features of these entities, which have led to their growth across the EU. This will include focusing on the principles of co-operatives which direct how they are governed and operate. In particular, the literature indicates that the principles underpinning co-operatives contribute to a more ethical standard of generating energy than that of the dominant conventional private sector in that its members decide on the price of the energy sold and as they control the business. The literature shows that members of co-operatives tend to consult to a greater extent than conventional private businesses with the communities in which they plan to locate renewable energy plants and endeavour to take into account the concerns of the community. In so doing, they have been very successful at securing acceptance from the communities in which they are based. The literature asserts that co-operatives, have the potential to contribute to the transition to a low carbon economy.
An account will be provided of the barriers encountered by communities when establishing these initiatives. Finally, the article will detail a set of recommendations, which, if implemented, would contribute to these entities becoming a more common.

renewable energy cooperatives, community, transition to low carbon economy [ view full abstract ]

renewable energy cooperatives, community, transition to low carbon economy