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Enercoop: a cooperative Model for renewable energy and social impact

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06 February 2025

Enercoop: a cooperative Model for renewable energy and social impact

Regenerative Green Transition

Energy-renewables

Greening infrastructures and business operations

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Enercoop demonstrates how a cooperative approach to renewable energy can drive environmental sustainability, create green jobs, and empower local communities. By operating under social economy principles, prioritizing local energy distribution, and fostering education and innovation, Enercoop sets a benchmark for addressing climate change while promoting social equity. 

Authors

Editorial Team: Diesis

Topics
Geographical descriptors

France

Organisation Type

Academic/Research and VET Institutions

Business Support Organization

Company with 250 or more employees

Consumer / tourist organisation

Cultural and Heritage Organisations

Destination Management & Marketing Organisations

EU institutions

Financial Institutions and Investors

Industry Associations and Chambers of Commerce

International Organisations

Local authorities

Media/Travel Journalist Organisations

National authorities

Networks and Federations / Confederations

NGOs / Non-profits

Regional authorities

SMEs (a company with less than 250 employees)

Social Economy Entity

Trade Unions

  • Thematic area

    • Regenerative Green Transition

  • Interlinkages with other sectors

    • Energy-renewables

  • Action areas and keywords

    • Greening infrastructures and business operations

    • Innovation as enabler for green transition and business development in the social economy

    • Local Green Deals, green business communities and citizens’ initiatives

    • New business models

  • Ecosystem focus

    • Social economy

  • Scope of activity

    • National

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Energy transition is not just about technology—it’s about people and their active role in shaping a sustainable future.  

Founded in 2005 to tackle climate change and energy dependency, Enercoop is a cooperative dedicated to providing 100% renewable energy. Operating across multiple regions in France, Enercoop upholds principles of transparency, participation, and social inclusion, ensuring that the energy transition benefits both local communities and the environment.  

The cooperative supplies electricity generated exclusively from renewable sources such as hydropower, solar, wind, and biomass. With over 470 production sites across France - half of which are owned by citizens or local authorities - Enercoop empowers its members by involving them in decision-making processes and prioritising community needs while addressing global environmental challenges. Unlike traditional energy systems that rely on centralized infrastructure, leading to energy losses, higher emissions, and limited community engagement, Enercoop decentralizes energy supply, reducing inefficiencies while promoting local energy generation.  

Its cooperative model fosters transparency, encourages community participation, and educates the public on sustainable energy consumption. By integrating diverse renewable energy sources, Enercoop adapts its approach to the unique needs of each region, reinforcing the role of local actors in the energy transition. The cooperative has achieved significant milestones, surpassing 100,000 clients and nearly 55,000 cooperative members, reflecting strong community engagement. It also earned an 88% score on Gen-ethic, ranking among the top 1% of the most ethical companies in France, and collaborates with over 470 renewable energy production sites, half of which are citizen or community owned.  

Additionally, its "Opération Flexibilité" initiative helps clients optimise electricity consumption, contributing to energy savings and grid stability. Despite its successes, Enercoop has faced challenges in scaling its model while maintaining its local focus. Balancing operational costs with its social mission required innovative solutions, including partnerships with universities and research institutions. 

Key lessons include the necessity of transparent communication, the importance of member participation in governance, and the ongoing need for innovation to ensure long-term sustainability. 

Looking ahead, Enercoop plans to expand into new regions, collaborate with policymakers to advocate for renewable energy-friendly regulations, and invest in emerging technologies such as smart grids and energy storage. By reinforcing its commitment to community empowerment, the cooperative continues to drive the global transition toward a more sustainable and decentralised energy future. 

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