SDG Series – Cooperative contributions to SDG 7 – Advancing Affordable and Clean Energy in Europe

The world is off track to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. Despite progress, over 600 million people still lack electricity, and 2.1 billion rely on polluting cooking fuels. Cooperatives, with their member-owned and community-centered approach, are proving to be powerful partners in bridging this gap, especially in Europe, where they are driving innovation, affordability, and sustainability. This brief was produced by  the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and COPAC in collaboration with Cooperatives Europe, and the other ICA other regions.

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The Cooperative Difference in Energy Access

Cooperatives prioritize service over profit, making them uniquely effective in regions overlooked by commercial providers. They empower communities to own and manage their energy systems, ensuring affordability, reliability, and resilience. In Europe, energy cooperatives are at the forefront of the renewable transition, demonstrating how democratic ownership can accelerate progress toward SDG 7.

European Success Stories

Belgium (Flanders): Ecopower, with 72,000 members, invests collectively in wind turbines, solar panels, and fossil-free heating. During Europe’s 2022 energy crisis, Ecopower kept prices stable and lower than any other Belgian supplier, proving that community-owned energy can shield consumers from volatility.

Italy: Italy’s cooperative movement, supported by Legacoop, has established over 60 Renewable Energy Communities (RECs). These cooperatives align with SDG 7 targets by expanding access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy while increasing the share of renewables in the national energy mix.

France: Enercoop is a network of 10 regional cooperatives supplying 100% renewable electricity to 58,000 consumers. By reinvesting surpluses into further renewable projects, Enercoop ensures that energy production remains community-owned and socially accountable.

Portugal: The Cooperativa Eléctrica de Loureiro (CEL) has supplied electricity to its parish since 1933. CEL prioritizes environmental responsibility, implementing photovoltaic systems for self-consumption and contracting 100% green energy for industrial use, reducing CO₂ emissions and promoting sustainability.

Greece: CommonEn, secured enforcement of net metering by the local supplier, significantly reducing electricity bills for its members.5 It also demonstrates inter-cooperative solidarity by supplying free electricity to vulnerable households.

Why Cooperatives Matter

• Affordability: Cooperatives reinvest revenues to stabilize prices and improve service quality, protecting consumers from market volatility.
• Sustainability: By focusing on renewables and energy efficiency, cooperatives reduce carbon footprints and promote environmental stewardship.
• Inclusivity: Member-owned models ensure that even remote or underserved communities benefit from modern energy access.
• Resilience: Local ownership and democratic governance strengthen energy security and adaptability to crises.

Recommendations for Policymakers

To harness the full potential of cooperatives in advancing SDG 7, governments and institutions should:

1. Integrate cooperatives into national energy strategies, recognizing them as key partners for last-mile delivery and renewable deployment.
2. Expand access to finance through concessional loans, blended finance, and technical support tailored to cooperative needs.
3. Reform regulatory frameworks to simplify licensing, guarantee grid access, and reserve capacity for community-led projects.
4. Invest in capacity building to strengthen cooperatives’ ability to manage complex energy systems and adapt to evolving technologies.
5. Empower cooperatives to lead demand-side solutions, such as energy efficiency programs and clean cooking initiatives, leveraging their local trust and expertise.

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This article has been co-funded by the European Union. The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of  Cooperatives Europe and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.