In the second episode of the Enlit podcast on corporate capture and democracy in energy communities, Energiesamen’s Jean-Pierre van Linn and Siwart Zomer, also members of REScoop, discuss their Dutch federation’s efforts.

Representing around 700 energy cooperatives, Energiesamen focuses on lobbying, financial access, and member services. They advocate for embedding democratic governance in energy community laws, which was omitted from EU regulations. Their certification process helps distinguish genuine cooperatives from commercial entities, ensuring that benefits remain community-focused.

Their work underscores the need for democratic governance and financial independence to protect local energy projects from corporate exploitation.