he Heidelberger Energiegenossenschaft eG (HEG) and the Baugenossenschaft Familienheim Heidelberg are breaking new ground with this project. It is the first direct consumption concept of an energy cooperative on multi-family houses in Germany. To be able to implement it, the planners developed a special metering and measuring system. This gives the tenants of the "Neue Heimat" the opportunity to obtain solar power generated on site at a reasonable price. To this end, HEG offers all residents a special green electricity tariff, about one-third of which is made up of solar power from the roof.
"The project implements the idea of an ecological energy supply supported by citizens in an exemplary manner," says Antje Fehr, product manager at Grüner Strom Label e.V. (GSL). "It shows that tenants also benefit directly from the expansion of renewable energies. On the one hand, they can participate in the solar plants through the cooperative in an uncomplicated way and with small amounts. On the other hand, they can obtain cheaply produced green electricity from the roof of the apartment building."
The model has an impact beyond the settlement. "It was important to us that the process be transferable to other energy cooperatives," says Andreas Gißler, HEG board member. "The numerous inquiries we are already receiving show us the great need for such a reference project."
The grant of just under 90,000 euros provided by Grüner Strom Label e.V. comes from a fund into which subsidies for various Green Electricity-certified products flow.
About Grüner Strom Label e.V.
The Grüner Strom Label e.V. certifies green energy products. The association awards two seals of approval for this purpose: the Green Electricity Label for green electricity with added value and the Green Gas Label for environmentally compatible biogas. The association is backed by seven non-profit environmental and consumer associations and peace organizations. The Green Electricity and Green Gas labels are the only quality seals for green electricity and biogas in Germany that are supported by leading environmental associations.
