Networking Renewable Energy Cooperatives – the experience of the European Federation REScoop.eu

This chapter aims to put in the spotlight the role of the REScoop.eu federation in supporting the development of community-based energy initiatives and their recognition by dfferent audiences. In the first part, we recall the emergence of REScoops and their networking process at the European level. Then, we outline a number of roles taken by the network both internally (towards the members) and externally (towards the broader renewable energy field). Finally, we conclude by discussing the achievements and challenges of REScoop.eu and the broader development and promotion of community-based renewable energy at the international level. Through this type of “storytelling”, we give insights into a European Union (EU)-funded action-oriented research project.