Local energy company BronsGroen

With this energy company, Heerlen wants to gain more control over its own energy supply. The aim is to generate energy locally, for and by residents. This way, revenues remain in the region and residents can co-invest and benefit. The proposal to establish BronsGroen as a cooperative association will be submitted to the city council at a later date.

Heerlen aims to be energy neutral by 2050

Heerlen aims to be an energy-neutral city by 2050. This means that the city will generate as much sustainable energy as it consumes.

Why local energy?

• The money stays in the region
• Residents can participate and benefit
• We can tackle energy poverty more effectively
• Heerlen becomes less dependent on fluctuating energy prices

How do the municipality and cooperative work together?

The municipality works together with Coöperatie Heerlen Duurzaam (Heerlen Sustainable Cooperative). This collaboration has the following positions:

• Participation is voluntary
• Control is democratic
   

The goal is for at least 50% of energy projects to be locally owned.

What's happening this year?

This year, we are starting with three solar power plants on municipal roofs. These belong to the cooperative. We are also investigating how we can supply locally generated electricity directly to residents, businesses, and the municipality, and how we can do this at a social rate.
 

Alderman Casper Gelderblom: "Heerlen is working towards becoming an energy-neutral city by 2050. But our ambition goes beyond sustainability alone. By organizing energy locally, we can tackle energy poverty in a more targeted way. We keep money flowing within the region. And we give residents more control over their energy bills. With Bronsgroen, we are taking control together. We are making the energy transition fair and local."

Can other municipalities also participate?

This collaboration builds on previous research into a public-cooperative energy company in Parkstad. That project was discontinued. However, Heerlen and Coöperatie Heerlen Duurzaam are continuing with this development.

Other municipalities and energy cooperatives in Parkstad can join BronsGroen at a later date.