The first Latin American Forum of Energy Cooperatives, held on 4 and 5 September 2024 at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasília, was a milestone in the history of energy cooperatives on the continent. Co-organized by DGRV Brazil and the OCB system (Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives), it brought together 130 people from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Germany and Portugal and served as a platform for discussions on the role of cooperatives in the energy transition. The strategic role of cooperatives in the democratization of sustainable energy and the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda in Latin America was also reaffirmed. Cooperative energy and related networks were promoted by encouraging the exchange of experience and knowledge on best practices, business models, participation and regulations.
In her speech, Kalina Nerger, Deputy Team Leader Latin America at DGRV Bonn, emphasized the role of cooperatives in decentralizing energy production and promoting social and environmental benefits:
‘Energy is not just a resource, but could be a catalyst for societal change, and cooperatives have the power to lead this change,’ she highlighted.
Dr Andreas Wieg, Head of the National Office for Energy Cooperatives at the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation, addressed the challenges and trends facing cooperatives in the field of renewable energies in Germany.
Florian Oeß, President of the energy cooperative BürgerEnergieGenossenschaft Kraichgau, presented experiences with cooperative energy in his region and its impact on the local economy, such as charging stations for electric vehicles powered by energy generated by citizens.
The Forum was attended by representatives of energy cooperatives and other cooperatives with own renewable energy production, representative and promotional organisations, public institutions and regulators, as well as credit institutions and cooperatives with financial products for renewable energy.
During the Forum the current landscape and context for renewable energy production within cooperative organizations in Mexico, Chile, Honduras and Brazil was presented. The participants also engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on the opportunities and prospects of cooperative initiatives in the region.
Since accessing financing options is a major challenge, especially for new energy cooperatives, the event also focused on the topic of funding. It was also possible to have an overview of financing options available and discuss the difficulties for the new energy cooperatives to access credit with representatives of credit cooperatives and financial institution.
As the Legal Framework is crucial for the development and existence of renewable energy cooperatives, it was also part of the event to hear from the regulators the perspective for cooperative Initiatives in Latin America and open a space for a constructive high-level dialogue to advance the renewable energy agenda.
A Project Story by Team DGRV Brazil
A new partnership between DGRV and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in the Philippines is enhancing regulatory oversight and stability within the cooperative sector.
More
DGRV’s project in Honduras focuses on strengthening the cooperative financial sector, particularly in rural areas, and improving access to financial products and services. The initiative also aims to enhance resilience to climate change and promote the efficient use of natural resources, fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
More
The 8-year long TAKBİ project within the framework of the Turkish and German association cooperation, revitalized Turkish agricultural cooperatives by surmounting challenges, elevating organizational structures, improving service quality, and fostering member satisfaction, leaving a lasting positive impact on the cooperative landscape in Turkey.
More
Financial experts from Benin, Cameroon, and Uganda embarked on a journey to Germany to explore the essence of cooperative principles, forging a vision for a resilient banking sector that transcends borders and fosters economic and social progress in African communities.
More
In an extraordinary gathering, female traditional leaders from Southern Africa converged to harmonize the concepts of Ubuntu and cooperative principles, setting a visionary path for community development.
More
Empowering Cambodia's agricultural cooperatives through dynamic seminars: DGRV and AERD/RUA collaborate to drive leadership, professionalism, and sustainable growth.
More
In June, eight Chilean organizations participated in an Exposure Visit to learn from the experience of Energy Cooperatives in Germany
More
Empowering Mozambican youth through cooperative entrepreneurship to tackle unemployment and promote economic growth.
More
Helping the cooperative CCampo Alimentos to implement an Agrivoltaic pilot project in Brazil
More
Adaptation measures to climate change in rural areas in India
More
Renewable Energy in Costa Rica generated by cooperatives.
More
Food Processing with a Regional Federation
More
Digitisation of Primary Co-operatives in eSwatini
More
A central solution that enables members to make daily agricultural necessities available promptly and financially affordable
More
The creation of Community Distributed Generation Cooperatives in Chile.
More
Textile cooperative in Tunisia
More
Facilitating access to quality agricultural finance products in Cameroon
More
Generating business and commercial connections with the "Networks in Action" project
More
Mid- term courses for cooperative officials in Vietnam
More
The collaboration between the Brazilian and German cooperative sector
More
DGRV Kenya supports project partners on their way to adapt to “The new normal” in times of COVID-19
More
Pablo and his Potatoes
More
Strengthening small rural producer organizations in Colombia
More
Cooperative Social Responsibility in Honduras
More