Regional Ecosystem 3: Allgäu
Allgäu, a progressive region in Southern Germany, is known for its energy transition efforts and vibrant tourist destinations. It has a strong economy, particularly in renewable energy and high-tech industries, with a rich tradition of citizen engagement in energy community initiatives. The region boasts diverse energy utilities, from large companies to small cooperatives. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, biogas, and hydropower play a vital role. The Energy and Environmental Centre Allgäu (eza!) promotes the energy transition and climate protection, aiming to support the establishment of citizen-led renewable energy communities, including offering One Stop Shop services in collaboration with B.A.U.M., to consolidate support for municipalities and enterprises.
The 3 pilot sites are:
Elektrizitätswerke Hindelang eG
Elektrizitätswerke Hindelang eG (EWH), a cooperative already founded in the 1920s by citizens of Hindelang, serves as a model for community energy initiatives. Supported by the municipality of Bad Hindelang, it supplies electricity using hydro and solar power, imports electricity, and operates local energy trading and e-mobility charging infrastructure. Despite the municipality's equity stake, it has equal voting rights as any other member. The cooperative is a major player in the energy transition, employing significant influence in motivating other energy suppliers and municipalities in the region.
Dorfenergie eG
Eppishausen and Kirchheim, both villages located in Unterallgäu, highly benefit from the engagement of their citizens within are active members of the energy cooperative Dorfenergie eG. Initiated by ÖKO-HAUS GmbH and financing expert Hermann Kerler, the cooperative engages citizens in self-organizing renewable energy initiatives. Their goal is energy generation for self-supply, mainly through solar power, producing 653,000 kWh/year for power and heating. Dorfenergie eG also offers consultation and support on renewable energy matters and conducts awareness campaigns on energy, economics, and environmental benefits. Notably, Eppishausen ranks fifth in Germany among municipalities of 1000-5000 inhabitants for solar energy utilization.
Elektrizitätswerke Reutte
Altlandkreis Füssen, including the city of Füssen, Seeg and other Ostallgäu municipalities are supplied by Elektrizitätswerke Reutte (EWR), a long-standing municipal energy provider. These areas are interested in forming a joint energy community with local farmers, hotels, and private initiatives. Seeg relies on PV for renewable energy, while EWR primarily distributes hydroelectricity. Together with the Seeg Energy Working Group and Füssen's Tourism Association's Climate Network of Hotels, involving hotels, farms a sports arena, the new production community would be created and potentially expanded to include more members.
