Citizens' energy cooperatives: key drivers of the energy transition in Baden-Wuerttemberg

Abstract

Purpose: Within the context of the innovative research project “Citizen Energy Transition”, subsidized by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Wuerttemberg (funding code Kap. 1403 title group 75), digital business models for the economic, platform-based marketing of PV power will be developed and implemented by 2022. The fundamental problem addressed in this research project is to ensure the continued operation of renewable energy systems, which are no longer eligible for funding under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). The withdrawal of renewable energy intallations from the EEG funding since 1 January 2021 and the resulting possible shutdown are likely to lead to a breakdown of renewable energy generation capacities. This would be problematic from the perspective of the climate protection, but also with reference to the consistent implementation of the energy transition. Therefore, it is all the more important to develop sustainable business models for community energy cooperatives, operators of renewable energy systems, electricity consumers, network operators, direct marketers, billing service providers and small and medium-sized municipal utilities. Design/Methodology/Approach: In order to implement user-experienced business models, a hypothesis-based survey of all citizens' energy cooperatives (full survey) in Baden-Wuerttemberg was carried out in this research project in spring 2021. The aim of this empirical survey was to explore the current situation and options for action of the citizens' energy cooperatives with regard to the discontinued EEG remuneration for PV systems. Within the context, empirical findings from the customer survey are presented and conclusions are derived. Findings: By evaluating this survey, key conclusions could be drawn for the development of new, innovative platform-based marketing approaches for the energy generated from renewable energy systems. Amongst other things, it was found that the current business model of the citizens' energy cooperatives is mainly based on the pure generation of renewable electricity, which is marketed within the framework of the EEG. Originality/Value: The research team developed a hypothesis-based questionnaire to empirically identify the needs of citizens' energy cooperatives and thus be able to create platform-based and service-oriented business models. With this in mind, the innovative business models have the aim of enabling the citizens' energy cooperatives and the energy companies to continue to exist in a mutually meaningful cooperation.