In the heart of Poland’s energy transition, a quiet revolution is brewing, and it’s not coming from the country’s vast coal reserves or even its burgeoning solar industry. Instead, it’s the humble energy cooperative that’s catching the eye of researchers and policymakers alike. Katarzyna Brodzińska, from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, has been delving into the world of energy cooperatives, and her findings, published in the journal Energies, offer a compelling glimpse into the future of distributed renewable energy in Poland.
Brodzińska’s research, conducted in 2024, shines a spotlight on the 47 energy cooperatives that have sprung up across the country, each a testament to the growing appetite for community-led renewable energy projects. “Energy cooperatives are more than just a trend,” Brodzińska asserts. “They represent a shift in how we think about energy production and consumption, moving away from centralized systems towards more democratic and resilient models.”
The study, which involved a mix of quantitative data from the National Court Register and the National Support Centre for Agriculture, as well as qualitative insights from in-depth interviews, reveals a landscape ripe for growth but held back by bureaucratic hurdles. The dual registration system, requiring cooperatives to register with both the National Court Register and the National Support Centre for Agriculture, is a significant barrier. “This dual registration system is a real bottleneck,” Brodzińska explains. “It delays the operational start-up and adds significant transaction costs, which can be a deterrent for new cooperatives.”
But the challenges aren’t just bureaucratic. Poland’s energy cooperatives are also constrained by legal restrictions on the area and power capacity for renewable energy distribution. Currently, cooperatives are limited to three neighboring rural or rural–urban municipalities and a maximum capacity of 10 MW. Brodzińska argues that lifting these restrictions could accelerate the development of energy cooperatives, making them more attractive to investors and communities alike.
The research also highlights the need for better training for cooperative managers and network operator staff. As Brodzińska notes, “The success of energy cooperatives depends on more than just legal and financial support. It requires a skilled workforce that understands the unique challenges and opportunities of distributed renewable energy.”
The implications of Brodzińska’s findings are far-reaching. If Poland can streamline its legal regulations, provide adequate training, and offer financial support for energy storage and diversified energy sources, it could see a boom in energy cooperatives. This, in turn, could drive significant investment in the renewable energy sector, create jobs, and foster a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape.
The study also underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and support. Given the early stage of Poland’s energy cooperative development, continuous evaluation is crucial. Brodzińska proposes the development of a “barometer of distributed renewable energy,” a tool that could help track the growth and impact of energy cooperatives over time.
As Poland continues its journey towards climate neutrality, energy cooperatives could play a pivotal role. By empowering communities to take control of their energy production, these cooperatives offer a pathway to a more decentralized, democratic, and sustainable energy future. Brodzińska’s research, published in Energies, provides a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders, highlighting the steps needed to unlock the full potential of energy cooperatives in Poland.
