On the German island of Borkum, citizens are taking the energy transition into their own hands. With the support of the ISLANDER project, a new energy cooperative has been set up to empower residents to actively participate in the local energy transition and bring the island closer to its goal of CO₂ neutrality by encouraging local energy production and ownership.

From Idea to Action
Through a series of citizen workshops conducted by the ISLANDER project partners Nordseeheilbad GmbH Borkum and the Steinbeis Europa Zentrum, the project team engaged local residents, informed them about the benefits and legal framework of energy communities, the formation process and identified initial project ideas. One key outcome: the community decided to focus the cooperative’s first project on photovoltaic (PV) systems, as they can be implemented quickly and effectively.

Monthly planning meetings followed, during which engaged citizens identified potential buildings and objects on Borkum for PV installations aiming for high on-site consumption of the electricity produced and clarified technical, legal, and financial questions. The wastewater treatment plant, with its constant high energy demand, was quickly identified as an ideal starting point. The green electricity produced there will be sold to the town of Borkum at a fair price and used directly on site. This arrangement creates a win-win situation: the town benefits from affordable green electricity without having to manage the planning, financing, installation and maintenance, while the cooperative earns income from the sale of electricity to be reinvested in further renewable energy projects. In this way, the energy transition on Borkum gains long-term momentum and lasting value for the community.

The official foundation of the energy community
In preparation for the official establishment of the cooperative, the founding members developed a comprehensive business plan, including detailed investment, financing and liquidity forecasts. At the same time, the cooperative’s statutes were drafted. These define the legal relationship between members and the cooperative, regulate shared capital, establish legal reserves, and outline voting rights. By choosing the cooperative model, the citizens of Borkum are creating a structure that is both inclusive and resilient. Each member has one vote in the general assembly – reinforcing the democratic and participatory character of the initiative.

The foundation assembly of the energy cooperative “Energiewelle Borkum eG (i.G.)” took place on March 8, 2025. During the meeting, the members of the Supervisory Board were appointed, the Articles of Association of the cooperative were adopted and the Board of Directors was established. With the conclusion of the inaugural meeting, the cooperative was officially established and is now authorised to act externally, for example in negotiations and preliminary agreements. Following the meeting, the cooperative association reviewed the founding documents, including the business plan, and prepared a founding assessment. The assessment focused on economic viability, legal compliance and the effectiveness of member support. After successfully passing this assessment, the only remaining step is to officially register the cooperative. Once this last step has been completed, the cooperative’s first project will be implemented.

Learn more about the energy community on their official website: https://energiewelle-borkum.de/