In a near future, an increasing share of our energy needs will be fulfilled by electrical equipment fed by renewable resources. Consumption’s flexibility is key in order to manage such an electrical system based on variable resources like the wind or the sun. As pioneers of the energy transition, energy cooperative have the opportunity to be at the fore-front of these new system needs and develop new flexibility services.
Renewable electricity plays a key role in the energy transition
Not only should Europe decrease its use of fossil fuel in the electricity sector, but also in all other sectors which include heating and transport. As of now, electricity represents only 22% of the overall EU energy consumption (source). Electrification of heating and transport is one option to make a bigger use of renewables in these areas. At individual level this means that new technologies like heat pumps and electric vehicles will be more and more part of our daily lives to ensure a fossil-free future.
A system based on renewables requires consumers flexibility
Wind and solar energy are variable and depend on weather conditions, they may not be available when we need them. Electric heating and e-mobility presents new opportunities to store that energy. For example, while heating up water when the wind is blowing, we can still make sure hot water is available at the time we need it. A new role emerges which consists in coordinating these consumption changes and ensuring they happen at the right time, respecting both the constraints of the system and the consumers preferences. This is the role of the aggregator, it can be a specialised entity, an electricity retailers or an energy efficiency services company.
REScoops are there to make the energy transition happen.
Renewable Energy Cooperatives (REScoop) gather citizens active in renewable energy or energy efficiency projects (more info on REScoops here). REScoops across Europe may be active in all the energy value chain e.g. co-owned wind turbines or PV panels, cooperative electricity retailers selling only green electricity, cooperation on home refurbishment, etc… These citizens are pioneers of the energy transition, investing and sharing services for a more sustainable energy future.
A 100%-renewable energy system requires consumption flexibility, and a new challenge consists in setting-up aggregator cooperative. This new role will be essential for committed citizens in going one step further and enabling them to become flexible consumers and facilitate the energy transition.
REScoops are there to make the energy transition happen.
Renewable Energy Cooperatives (REScoop) gather citizens active in renewable energy or energy efficiency projects (more info on REScoops here). REScoops across Europe may be active in all the energy value chain e.g. co-owned wind turbines or PV panels, cooperative electricity retailers selling only green electricity, cooperation on home refurbishment, etc… These citizens are pioneers of the energy transition, investing and sharing services for a more sustainable energy future.
A 100%-renewable energy system requires consumption flexibility, and a new challenge consists in setting-up aggregator cooperative. This new role will be essential for committed citizens in going one step further and enabling them to become flexible consumers and facilitate the energy transition.