Coopérnico

Coopérnico – Cooperativa de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, C.R.L. – is Portugal's pioneering renewable energy cooperative, headquartered in Lisbon. Founded on the principles of social enterprise and democratic participation, Coopérnico brings together citizens and businesses as co-owners of their own energy company. Members can purchase at least three social capital shares to become part-owners, ensuring decisions remain in the hands of the community rather than distant shareholders. The cooperative operates across three core areas: commercialising green electricity to households and businesses throughout mainland Portugal at fair and transparent prices; investing in and developing renewable energy production projects financed through collective member investment, offering attractive long-term returns; and providing energy services including support for the creation of Renewable Energy Communities. A fixed portion of profits from each project is dedicated to social and environmental protection actions. Coopérnico actively fosters energy democracy through its Local Groups (Grupos Locais), which are member-led chapters present in communities across Portugal. These groups organise workshops, information sessions, panel discussions, and events to spread awareness of cooperative energy and the energy transition. In 2022, Coopérnico launched the 'Coopérnico Comunidades' app – a free bilingual tool designed to facilitate the creation and management of Renewable Energy Communities in Portugal. The cooperative has already supported 15 community energy projects in submitting applications under the first regulatory call. Recognised nationally with three awards in 2018, including the Prémio Calouste Gulbenkian, Coopérnico has grown into a key reference in Portuguese sustainable energy, championing a model that is renewable, fair, and socially responsible.