Among the most common Impact Investments are funds or bonds, the composition of which is based on strict sustainability criteria. Banks in particular promote green investment funds, which they also like to sell to customers in the form of savings plans. In principle, there is nothing wrong with these products - but the level of involvement of investors is very limited. There is the potential for much greater impact: By directly participating in an energy cooperative like Prokon, investors actively contribute to shaping the energy transition. They also receive transparent information and can help determine the path of their cooperative. "The difference to a 'classic' investment is that I have a much better feeling because my money is not used for things I don't approve of," says Prokon member Sabrina Reuther.
So far, 40,000 people have joined the shared project - the expansion of renewable energies in the form of wind and solar power. However, the energy transition is a continuous process and Prokon has set ambitious growth targets: "By the year 2030, we aim to double our green electricity production volumes," explains Prokon board member Henning von Stechow. This would amount to around 2.4 gigawatt hours by 2023. That is enough to supply more than 700,000 households with green electricity - and would have a significant climate protection effect. Consequently, up to 780,000 tonnes less CO2 emissions would be generated annually.
To achieve this, Prokon needs around €25 million every year - enough equity to realize future wind farm projects like the planned facility in Friedersdorf. This sum could be quickly raised with united (financial) forces. To achieve this, each cooperative member would simply need to subscribe to ten new business shares at €50 each.
For comparison: Even common green bank savings plans typically have a minimum contribution of €50 per month - equating to €600 per year.
