prokon | Federal Congress on the Cooperative Energy Transition 2025

Accelerating the energy transition: Where politics and economy need to start

Prokon was represented with a significant contribution: Henning von Stechow, CEO of Prokon eG, presented key energy policy challenges and necessary measures for the new legislative period in a keynote speech.

Grid expansion & storage solutions - Renewable energies are growing faster than the grid infrastructure. Grid expansion and better storage solutions must be prioritised.
Planning security & reducing bureaucracy - Approval processes take too long, investments need stable framework conditions.
Digital innovations - Smart grids and data-based processes increase efficiency and transparency.
Green hydrogen & heat transition - Clear investment and funding conditions are needed to promote climate-neutral heat and hydrogen projects.
Security of supply - A stable energy supply requires modern grid infrastructure and stronger European cooperation.

Vortrag Henning von Stechow Bundeskongress 2025

Panel discussion on the future promotion of renewable energies

In addition to the keynote speeches, the panel discussion on future financial support for renewable energy projects was a key topic of the congress. Wolfram Axthelm (BEE), Lukas Bühler (EnerGeno Heilbronn-Franken eG), Philipp Godron (Agora Energiewende) and Bastian Olzem (BDEW) jointly discussed the planned changes to EEG funding and their potential impact on energy cooperatives.

Innovation show: Prokon presents wind shower project

The wind shower project, which Prokon is realising together with decarbon1ze, was presented as part of the innovation show. Kai Jacobsen, Head of Corporate Communications at Prokon, and Arwen Colell from decarbon1ze presented the concept, which shows how surplus wind energy can be utilised sensibly for the heat transition.

The idea: wind power generated directly on site, which would have to be switched off due to insufficient grid capacity, is used to produce hot water in households. This means that wind energy is not only used for power supply, but also for climate-friendly heating and showering.

‘The wind shower project is a prime example of how we can utilise renewable energy even more efficiently. Instead of shutting down wind turbines when the grid is full, we utilise the energy directly,’ explains Kai Jacobsen.

The innovation show also offered exciting insights into other pioneering projects, including an overbuilt grid connection point, a combination of solar system and road tunnel and a tool for joining a digital cooperative.

2025: International Year of Co-operatives

A particular highlight was the international exchange with energy cooperatives from Denmark, Austria, Brazil and South Korea. As part of the ‘International Year of Co-operatives’ proclaimed by the United Nations, best practice examples from around the world were presented and the role of co-operative companies in the global energy transition was discussed.

Following the congress, the DGRV and GdW hosted an evening reception - a valuable opportunity to cultivate existing contacts in the cooperative community and initiate new collaborations.

The discussions and findings of the national congress emphasise this: The energy transition needs strong, co-operative players. Prokon will continue to provide impetus in the future to actively shape the political and economic framework conditions for renewable energies.

To the newsroom of the DGRV

To the page of the Federal Office for Energy Cooperatives

Federal Congress on the Cooperative Energy Transition 2025

Prokon provides impetus for the new legislature

Accelerating the energy transition: Where politics and economy need to start

Panel discussion on the future promotion of renewable energies

Innovation show: Prokon presents wind shower project

2025: International Year of Co-operatives

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