Maijs, Esther (2025) From Local Roots to System Actors: Organisational Transformations of Dutch Energy Cooperatives in the Shift Toward Energy Communities. Master thesis, Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE).
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Abstract
As the energy transition unfolds, Dutch energy cooperatives are increasingly expected to evolve into more complex, multifunctional energy communities. This thesis investigates what organisational changes are required for Dutch energy cooperatives to transition into energy communities. Using the Transformative Network Orchestration (TNO) framework and eight semi-structured interviews, the study analyses how cooperatives develop from the startup to the growth phase. Findings show that growth-phase cooperatives, characterised by formal structures, strategic orchestration, and multi-actor collaboration, are better positioned to meet the demands of energy communities. However, trust-based coordination remains vital, and external perceptions of professionalism significantly influence institutional support. These insights extend the TNO framework by highlighting the persistence of relational governance and the reflexive nature of legitimacy. The thesis proposes three strategic pathways to support the transition to energy communities: (1) safeguarding cooperative identity through clear criteria, (2) strengthening visibility to build structural legitimacy, and (3) encourage inter-cooperative collaborations.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Name supervisor: | Folmer, E.C. |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Aug 2025 13:30 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Aug 2025 13:30 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/765 |
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