Dutch energy cooperatives and other stakeholders in the Northern Netherlands discussed how to improve policies and financial instruments for energy transition during the second stakeholder meeting of the SHREC project on 20 May 2020. It was an interesting meeting with a lively and interactive discussion on what is needed to encourage regional initiatives.
There were a lot of ideas and good suggestions on organisational issues, legal perspectives and investment possibilities to fasten the energy transition and increase renewable energy share in total energy mix. Eleven participants including Albert Haan from SNN, the regional management authority of ERDF EFRO, stated that it could be a good idea for energy cooperatives to come up with a shared strategy rather than to act as small identities.
It could be the next step to discuss how to improve policies for regional energy transition and to stimulate the use and production of renewables. The possibility was mentioned to establish an advocacy organization of the energy cooperatives, such as Energie Samen, which should lead the applications to access European funding. Another interesting point was whether subsidies should go to technological innovation or whether it might be better to invest in social aspects of the energy transition.
The stakeholders, brought together in this meeting by the SHREC project, were very enthusiastic to stay involved and contribute to the project. It was an interesting meeting with a lively and interactive discussion on what is needed to encourage regional initiatives.
