EMEC and its Background
Together we are EMEC
EMEC is an independent energy cooperative. As a member of the cooperative, you can have a say and make decisions about policies through voting rights. Young and old are welcome within the cooperative, as long as they have a passion for sustainable energy. As a participant in the solar plant, you automatically become a member of the cooperative.
EMEC is a local initiative, for and by residents of the Maastricht and Meerssen region. We work as much as possible with local businesses and organizations, thus supporting the local economy.
Background: why a local energy supply?
Climate change resulting from the use of fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal) is noticeable worldwide and is denied by few. The fight against it has begun. Unfortunately, the Netherlands is still lagging behind. But when the government fails to act, citizens and businesses are increasingly taking action themselves. Building a local sustainable energy supply is one of the best ways to do this. In this case, by “local,” we mean within municipal boundaries, and preferably at the neighborhood level.
The advantages of a local energy supply are numerous:
- independence from foreign countries, specifically the Middle East
- independence from large corporations
- truly green energy (i.e., no green certificates from Norway)
- benefits go to citizens, not multinationals
- stimulates employment in the region
- cleaner air
- raises awareness about energy
- ripple effect: a good example inspires others to follow.
There are various legal options for citizens and businesses to work together. The Energy Agreement of 2013 provides room for decentralized renewable energy generation in the form of cooperatives. This is the beginning of the “Reduced Tariff” scheme, also known as the Postcode Roos scheme. Our cooperative solar plants also use this scheme.
Time and time again, governments and businesses struggle with sustainable energy. They want to, but there are always other (established) interests at play. At EMEC, we believe that we have no time to waste and take matters into our own hands. Will you join us?
A cooperative energy supply is local, sustainable, and forward-looking. Check out the video below, “What is an energy cooperative?”