Mr Buchette, you are the chairman of the Regional Energy Cooperative - LEADER Lëtzebuerg West. Tell us how it all began!
The idea of a regional energy cooperative was born in a working group of municipal climate advisors initiated by LEADER Centre West. The aim was to involve the population on the path to the energy transition. The expansion of renewable energies was not intended to maximise profits, but to serve the common good. We founded the cooperative in 2019. Energiepark Réiden became our partner and has been supporting us with technical expertise in the implementation of our projects ever since.
How did people in the region react?
Enthusiastic! The first information meeting was very popular and we were able to recruit members immediately. The cooperative mobilised 400,000 euros in its first call for capital. In the end, the citizens invested a total of around one million euros.
But you also needed space to install solar cells...
Exactly. We quickly had the first LEADER municipalities on board, who made the roofs of municipal buildings available to us, starting with the municipality of Helperknapp, where we installed the first photovoltaic system on the roofs of the technical service and the CGDIS in Tuntange. Today, the cooperative has 12 photovoltaic systems on public buildings, which together have an installed capacity of 1.21558 megawatts peak. That's quite a lot!
How many households can be supplied with it?
With an installed capacity of 1.2 megawatts peak, the systems produce around 865,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This is roughly equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 216 households with an average consumption of 4,000 kWh per year.
Were there also sceptical voices?
There were also people at the first meeting who immediately asked about the return. We have always played with open cards: You won't get rich with us! The financial profit currently amounts to 100,000 euros per year. Most of this money is reinvested in new projects.
What motivates people to take part?
What counts for the members of the cooperative is their contribution to climate protection and a sustainable energy transition. But also the autonomy that they regain as a result. When citizens invest together, the added value remains local, the profits do not flow away and there is much greater acceptance and trust in the projects.
And not everyone has the opportunity to install solar panels at home. For example, we have a member who lives in an apartment block where it is not possible to install a photovoltaic system. But he wants to produce the electricity for his electric car himself. He has bought as many shares in the cooperative as he theoretically needs to supply his car with electricity!
How does an energy co-operative actually work?
By subscribing to co-operative shares, citizens can participate in the financing of renewable energy plants. They themselves become players in the energy sector. The co-operative belongs to all members and is also jointly managed. The central principle is democratic co-determination: every member has one vote - regardless of how many shares they have subscribed to.
Profits generated are either distributed fairly to members or invested specifically in new projects. Values such as cohesion, transparency and fairness take centre stage. Our energy cooperative operates exclusively in its region and focuses on local roots and short decision-making channels.
Do I have to live in the region to subscribe to shares?
No, not necessarily. We also wanted to give people the opportunity to give away shares within the family, for example.
How much does a share cost?
Currently 100 euros.
„Our greatest success is that renewable energies are now a matter of course in the region. When the municipalities plan a new building, photovoltaics are part of the project from the outset.“
Ed Buchette, Chairman and co-founder of the ENERGY COOPERATIVE
And what does the future hold for the regional energy cooperative?
We want to further develop the energy cooperative and expand it step by step. The Réiden Energy Park is currently analysing the buildings of those municipalities that are new to LEADER Zentrum Westen. At the same time, we are looking at the façades in all municipalities and are also examining where green roofs could be sensibly implemented. We are also being supported in this by the LEADER working group of climate advisors.
At the same time, we are thinking beyond photovoltaics and are also focussing on other forms of renewable energy, such as heat or wind.
Another important point is the question of how electricity can be shared in the neighbourhood. This has been possible since the introduction of so-called energy communities. This involves private individuals, companies or public players joining forces to produce and share renewable energy locally. The electricity is utilised over the shortest distance. This makes it more profitable. Collective use minimises surplus production and increases self-consumption rates.
When you look back on the development of the energy cooperative, what makes you most proud today?
Our greatest success is that renewable energies are now a matter of course in the region. When municipalities plan a new building, photovoltaics are part of the project right from the start.
This change is primarily due to the commitment of our members. People from the region who have contributed their time, knowledge and energy because they believe in a sustainable future. This is precisely the strength of a cooperative: many individuals join forces and are heard together.
This collective voice has made a difference, both politically and in everyday life. Renewable energies have become socially acceptable. Funding programmes are now also available to private households that want to invest in renewable energy. And because more and more people are joining in, the systems have become more affordable. An idea has grown into a movement, and that's what pleases me the most!
Interview: Martine Hemmer (the English translation is AI generated, original text in German). Photos: Martine Hemmer, LEADER Zentrum Westen
