A cooperative of their own: Gender implications on renewable energy cooperatives in Germany

Renewable energy cooperatives are crucial for local communities to initiate energy transition. With a mixedmethodological approach, this paper analyses the participation of women in renewable energy cooperatives in Germany and reveals the socio-cultural barriers. This study presents an intersectional analysis that integrates gender with other socio-cultural categories and identities within the social context of cooperatives. This study presents the results from a sex ratio analysis of energy cooperatives (N = 388), online interviews (N = 161), and semi-structured interviews (N = 9). Results show that a lack of awareness of opportunities, financial resources, and time for volunteer-based workload and the lack of recognition of social inequalities in the cooperatives hinder women from actively taking part in leadership roles. This study concludes by discussing how contribution to localised renewable energy production reflects differently on genders. It also provides suggestions such as mentorship and diversity programs that would allow more women to take management roles and encourage a more inclusive and fair transition for all.

Automated summary

Renewable energy cooperatives are essential for local communities to start energy transition. This paper analyzes the involvement of women in renewable energy cooperatives in Germany and identifies the socio-cultural barriers. The study combines different research methods and presents the results, showing that a lack of awareness, financial resources, and time hinder women from taking leadership roles. The study concludes by discussing the different impacts of localized renewable energy production on genders and provides suggestions for mentorship and diversity programs to promote a more inclusive and fair transition.