UrStrom, an initiative of the citizens of Mainz and the surrounding area, was founded in September 2010 with the aim of making a contribution to the energy transition in Mainz and the Rheinhessen/Nahe region. The solar panels are mounted on the roofs of public and industrial buildings.

One of the roofs used by the UrStrom energy cooperative is the fruit pressing plant of the Huster family winery, a traditional winery using organic farming methods.

UrStrom is not only a founding member of the State Network of Citizen Energy Cooperatives, but has also initiated the Bürgerwerke eG together with nine other citizen energy cooperatives. Bürgerwerke promotes and manages the sale and direct retailing of citizen-owned and generated renewable electricity. Their product, “UrStromPure,” offers 100 percent renewable electricity to residential and commercial customers at a competitive price.

Further reading: CLEW dossier The People's Energiewende

CLEW research tour: Investors, troublemakers: Citizens & local powers of the Energiewende

Date of publication: April 2018