In Sifnos, an island in Cyclades in Greece, a new cooperative has emerged. An energy cooperative has been set up, to utilise the inexhaustible renewable energy sources of the island with a vision to make Sifnos energy autonomous.

Sifnos Island Cooperative is advancing towards the realisation of an energy autonomous plan for the island, that will have the capacity to generate all the energy that is required in the island only through Renewable Energy Sources and promote and implement energy communities.

Renewable energy communities involve groups of residents, social entrepreneurs, public authorities and community organisations participating directly in the energy transition by jointly investing in, producing, selling and distributing renewable energy. Beyond the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, there are many benefits for the communities involved, including economic development, the creation of new jobs, cheaper energy, self-sufficiency, community cohesion and energy security.

More concisely, renewable energy communities will involve generating energy from renewable sources which are partially or wholly owned by local communities. The energy produced is used by the communities for their own consumption, making them prosumers (producers and consumers at the same time) and making decisions on how this energy will be consumed, produced and even sold.