Empowering the next generation: A German wind & solar energy cooperatives business model research

Empowering the next generation: A German wind & solar energy cooperatives business model research

Boontje, P.S.

Ten Heuvelhof, E. (mentor)
Scholten, V. (mentor)
Bouwman, H. (mentor)
Dijk, D. (mentor)
Schwencke, A.M. (mentor)

Technology, Policy and Management

Technology, Strategy & Entrepreneurship

Management of Technology

2013-11-05

During the last years the Netherlands has seen an expansion of civilian-led energy cooperatives which focus on investments into local renewable energy production, energy efficiency services and electricity sales. Although the Dutch renewable energy cooperative boom continues, many are struggling to find the right earnings model and long-term added value for their city or region. To broaden the knowledge of the cooperative sector, this Thesis aims to reveal what elements determine the business models of the German renewable energy cooperatives and which business model typologies can be distinguished. 15 interviews were held with German wind & solar energy cooperatives founded by cooperative banks, municipalities, project developers, utility companies and civilian initiatives. The Thesis found that the business model typologies of German energy cooperatives represent the stabilized cooperatives, developer dependent cooperatives, developer independent cooperatives and developer integrated cooperatives. The faster growing energy cooperatives all effectively applied the following elements: value proposition, network and trust, which have been labeled the expansion triangle. The integration of the four business model types with the expansion triangle revealed that the value proposition represents the vital element for an energy cooperative, with network and trust representing supportive elements. The findings of this Thesis provide interesting insights for actors involved with civilian participation into renewable energy sources. This research allows these actors to understand which business models can be selected and which requirements have to be met to build faster growing energy cooperatives.

Business models
Renewable energy cooperatives
Expansion triangle
Value proposition

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:9bcf0da7-dc08-421f-8bc0-aa522840110d

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2013 Boontje, P.S.