Ecopower is a Belgian renewable energy cooperative established in 1991 with three aims: investing in renewable energy projects, promoting renewable energy use, and supplying electricity to its members. It has over 16,000 shareholders and supplies electricity to over 13,000 clients. Ecopower has experienced strong growth in recent years, with a 243% increase in capital and 281% increase in turnover between 2005 and 2008. It aims to source all of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 through continued investment in wind, solar, hydro, and biomass projects.

1. Ecopower cvba Symposium Cera Leuven, 4 december 2008 Relinde Baeten Bestuurder Ecopower cvba

2. Ecopower's identity card ° 1991 Three aims: Investing in RE projects Promoting REU and RE Supplying electricity to members (since 2003) Cooperative identity is important Investments in wind, small hydro, photovoltaic, biomass-cogeneration

3. Membership - Participation Share: 250 euro – periods of 6 years (stability) Yearly 6% dividend on the investment Sharing in collective resources Pains & gains for citizens More support for RE/REU Ethical investment One vote in GA 16 815 shareholders 53 043 shares

4. Electricity supply Only for members End of 2008: 41 million kWh 0,5% households 13.951 clients 4.362 new Fixed and transparent price: 0,17 euro/kWh

5. Electricity supply (2) Transparent and fixed price: 0,17 euro/kWh No additional or fixed fees Favouring light users and self producers (e.g. solar) No difference between peak hours/low hours Main aim: service for shareholders Circle is closed Shareholders own the projects Can buy electricity of 'their' projects People wanting to become 'customers' – become shareholders first

6. Evolution Ecopower 2005 2008 % Capital 5.446.500 13.261.500 243 Turnover 3.561.119 9.989.829 281 Return 360.562 1.514.220 420 Personnel 4,5 11 244 Reserve 589.238 2.892.392 491

7. Challenges and strengths Challenges Development planning limitations and competition: Explaining and making clear the cooperative model (vs. weak imitations, even with calls for tender) Strengths Solid financial basis Shareholders are everywhere! Playing a role in spotting possibilities, local acceptance, influencing local authorities... Some projects are worthwhile for EP – not for others The circle is closed: investing – owning – consuming – (saving)

8. Ecopower-scenario All household users: exclusively green electricity REU: first step! By 2020: 2000 MW wind (land) 800 MW solar 120 MW hydro 280 MW biogas 1100 MW Cogen buffering warmth! 5 MW/municipality (4000u)‏

9. Scenario

10. Meeting challenges - sharing strengths European cooperation Importance of cooperation between cooperatives Ongoing contacts Hopeful for the future This seminar: a start for further cooperation...