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Community solar power provider BürgerEnergie marks its second year of operations.

Local energy cooperative BurguerEnergie Bergisch Gladbach has successfully executed four energy projects in their city and Odenthal within the initial two years. They currently have three additional rooftop projects in the development stage. Additionally, more districts' communities have joined...

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Energy enthusiasts from the Citizens' Energy Bergisch Gladbach collective have successfully...
Energy enthusiasts from the Citizens' Energy Bergisch Gladbach collective have successfully executed four local projects in their home city and Odenthal within a span of two years. Three additional rooftop installation projects are currently in the planning phase. More municipalities within the district have decided to join this cooperative.

Community solar power provider BürgerEnergie marks its second year of operations.

Local Energy Cooperative Makes Strides in Rhein-Berg Region

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BürgerEnergie Bergisch Gladbach eG (BEGGL), a citizen-led energy cooperative based in the Rheinisch-Bergisch district, has made substantial progress in its mission to drive the energy transition within the region. Founded in March 2023, the cooperative now boasts over 400 members.

The cooperative recently held its annual general assembly on May 16, providing an opportunity for members to voice their opinions on the organization's direction and decision-making. This assembly is crucial for the democratic governance of the cooperative, as each member holds equal voting power, regardless of the number of shares they own. Representatives can also be designated in their absence.

Ron Woydowski, chairman of the supervisory board, and Robert Lennerts, mayor of Odenthal, addressed the attendees. The close collaboration between BEGGL and local authorities was commended in an open, goal-oriented, and collegial atmosphere.

In its second year, BEGGL has successfully implemented four solar power projects within Bergisch Gladbach and Odenthal. Notable achievements include a 98 kWp installation on the GGS Odenthal-Neschen school, expected to generate 78,400 kWh annually and save 33.7 tons of CO₂. Two new installations are underway on the roofs of Odenthal fire stations.

An innovative aspect of the Fire Station Voiswinkel project is the inclusion of two plants, one of which will supply excess solar power to the grid while the other will primarily supply power to the station itself, offering economic advantages to the municipality.

In the near future, three more solar power installations are planned for school roofs in Bergisch Gladbach. The district is also working towards establishing solar advisory offices in every municipality, inspired by successful models such as the "Bürger Solar Beratung" in Leichlingen.

BEGGL's efforts to promote renewable energy and sustainable practices are garnering support from local governments. The city council of Bergisch Gladbach has committed to developing a comprehensive sustainability strategy, with BEGGL and similar initiatives expected to play a significant role in achieving local climate goals.

As the cooperative continues to engage the community through events, general assemblies, and campaigns for sustainable mobility and energy use, it stands as a model for citizen-led renewable energy projects in the region. Its rapid growth, expanding project portfolio, and deepening integration with municipal climate strategies position it as a key player in the local energy transition.

[1] BürgerEnergie Bergisch Gladbach eG. (n.d.). About BürgerEnergie. Retrieved from https://buergerenergie-bergischgladbach.com/ueber-die-buergerenergie/

[2] BürgerEnergie Bergisch Gladbach eG. (2023, March 31). Home. Retrieved from https://buergerenergie-bergischgladbach.com/

[3] BürgerEnergie Bergisch Gladbach eG. (2023, June 6). DRS (Registered cooperative society). Retrieved from https://drs.de/nrz/buergerenergie_bergisch_gladbach_eckt_000000064760

  1. The progress made by BürgerEnergie Bergisch Gladbach eG in the Rhein-Berg region is not limited to the energy sector; their efforts in renewable-energy also have a significant impact on the environmental-science field, as they strive to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices.
  2. The success of BürgerEnergie Bergisch Gladbach eG extends beyond the energy industry; with financial support from members and partnerships with local authorities, the cooperative is able to finance its projects and contribute to the region's environmental and economic well-being.
  3. The expansion of BürgerEnergie Bergisch Gladbach eG's solar power installations in schools and fire stations across the Rhein-Berg region not only increases the production of renewable energy but also serves as a practical demonstration of environmental-science concepts in respective industries, such as the educational sector and the emergency services industry.

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