The financial picture: part I/II
We believe that renewable energy makes the world a better place. That is why, for example, we realize solar projects on land. In order to generate more energy from green sources and accelerate the energy transition. We cannot do this alone. That is why we work together with local energy cooperatives. They know exactly what is going on in the area. And we value that. In the design phase, energy cooperatives are the link between residents and the developer. The better the cooperative fulfills this role, the greater the support.
One of the cooperatives we work with is Drechtse Energie. A fine cooperation of which we are proud. Together with Drechtse Energie we were guest speakers at an event of Rabobank and Energie Samen. Here we told more about the cooperation between developer and a cooperative. And of course about the financial picture.
Our Environment Manager Liza and Investment Manager Thomas were here together with Wouter Slob from Drechtse Energie. In the first part of this series, environment manager Liza speaks. In part two you will hear the story of Wouter Slob from Drechtse Energie.
The event, organized by Rabobank and Energie Samen, is especially for various energy cooperatives from the South Holland region. The goal? To inform energy cooperatives about the possibilities for financing large projects, so that cooperatives get early funding to realize 50% local ownership.
Liza explains, "In a cooperation between cooperative and developer, it is important to look for the common interest. Recognize where the differences lie, but also the similarities and make this negotiable. Only then does a cooperation have a chance of succeeding. This way you don't get stuck in positions, but start looking for the common interests. Here you can find each other and thus create space to reach solutions. In the end, we always have a common interest: creating a livable and more sustainable world for tomorrow."
During the presentation, we will also consider equivalence in the cooperation between developer and energy cooperative. That equivalence can be ensured in different ways. In this case, Drechtse Energie and Novar are equal partners. This means that Drechtse Energie and Novar develop the projects together and share the joys and burdens together. Both parties therefore invest the same amount of time and costs in a project. From their own specific knowledge and capabilities, the parties complement each other.
In a collaboration, look for the common ground and not just the differences. Then a collaboration will really be a success. | Liza Koch, Environmental Manager
Equivalence within a cooperation can be achieved, among other things, through local ownership. With every new project, we therefore strive for 50% local ownership of an energy cooperative. In this way, we create added value for the local community and ensure the greatest possible social support.
When there is local ownership, an energy cooperative is a co-shareholder of a solar farm. This means that both parties make a financial contribution and run (financial) risks together. Getting the financial contribution together can sometimes be a challenge for an energy cooperative. Fortunately, there are several organizations that can help energy cooperatives get it done. One such organization is Energie Samen.
Energie Samen is an organization that helps energy cooperatives finance large sustainable projects. Liza says, "Energie Samen rightly established itself as a knowledge center during the event. They have a large network with many different energy cooperatives under them, all of which can learn from each other." Specifically, Energie Samen provides assistance and advice, helps with fund applications and advocacy, and organizes knowledge meetings for cooperatives.
According to Liza, it was a successful event. "It was an interactive evening where, in addition to knowledge sharing, we also had time to interact with each other. Events like this remain very important; especially to connect as different parties. What I really want to give developers and cooperatives: I am convinced that more attention should be drawn to the common interests between all stakeholders in a project. In a cooperation, look for the common ground and not just the differences. Then a cooperation will really be a success."
In part II of Working with an energy cooperative - the financial picture you will read the story of Wouter Slob of energy cooperative Drechtse Energie.
