Cooperatives
Through our innovative cooperative structures in wind energy projects, we create meaningful connections between renewable energy and local communities. By enabling local residents to become cooperative shareholders, we ensure the benefits of wind energy are shared directly with those living nearest to our projects. This approach not only creates a sense of ownership and proximity but transforms community members into passionate clean energy ambassadors.
Eoly Coöperatie CV
Established in 2016 and recognized by the National Council of Cooperations, Eoly Coöperatie creates opportunities for community participation in wind energy projects. Our approach is simple yet impactful: once building permits are secured for a new wind project, we first invite local residents to invest, followed by opening investment opportunities to the broader public. While Eoly Energy (now operating under the Virya Energy brand) manages the development process, including studies, preparation, and construction – bearing the initial risks and financing – the cooperative becomes a turbine owner once the project is complete. This structure ensures both professional project development and meaningful community ownership in renewable energy.
North Sea Wind
North Sea Wind is a recognized cooperative company established in 2018 by Parkwind (formerly owned by Virya), Et. Fr. Colruyt et Korys Investments. Through citizen participation, North Sea Wind offers the general public the opportunity to indirectly co-invest in offshore wind energy projects and thus become part of sustainable change. After all, we owe it to future generations to stop just thinking about solutions and actually take action. For this reason, North Sea Wind offered every person domiciled in Belgium the opportunity to subscribe to its public offering of B shares between July 9, 2019 and November 23, 2019. The minimum subscription amount was 250 euros per person, opening up the possibility of investment with stable returns to a larger audience. North Sea Wind raised 13,195,660 euros in less than 5 months. This makes North Sea Wind today the cooperative in Belgium that has raised by far the most money from the general public to invest in green energy. In addition, Et. Fr. Colruyt and Korys Investments raised that amount to 15 million euros shortly after the offer closed.
