About Bow Valley Green Energy Cooperative
A community-owned approach to building renewable energy in Alberta.
Bow Valley Green Energy Cooperative (BVGEC) is a member-owned organization working to change how energy is developed, owned, and experienced in our region.
We bring together individuals, businesses, and communities to create renewable energy projects that are locally driven, collectively funded, and designed for long-term impact. Our goal is not only to generate clean energy but to build systems that keep value within the community and create meaningful opportunities for participation.
At its core, BVGEC is about rethinking energy as something people can actively be part of, not just consume.
What is a renewable energy cooperative?
A renewable energy cooperative is a model that allows communities to directly participate in the development and ownership of energy infrastructure.
Rather than relying solely on large, centralized systems owned and operated by external entities, a co-op creates a framework where local people can invest in, support, and benefit from renewable energy projects in their own region.
At BVGEC, this means projects are designed to be:
Supported by the community
Financed through local participation
Structured to generate both environmental and economic value
This approach shifts not just how energy is produced, but who is involved in shaping it and who shares in the benefits.
Our Mission
To accelerate the transition to renewable energy by enabling community ownership and participation.
We do this by educating and empowering Albertans to take part in renewable energy development, while pooling financial and human resources to build projects that are locally owned, locally supported, and designed for long-term impact.
Our Vision
A future where renewable energy is community-owned, widely accessible, and economically beneficial at a local level.
We envision an Alberta where individuals, businesses, and communities are not just energy consumers, but active participants in how energy is produced, financed, and shared — creating a more inclusive economy alongside a healthier environment.
Our Values
Community Ownership: Energy systems should be shaped by the people they serve, with benefits staying local.
Participation: We create accessible ways for people to get involved at every level.
Local Impact: Our projects are designed to support local economies and reinvest value into the community.
Sustainability: We prioritize long-term environmental and economic resilience in everything we build.
Collaboration: We work with partners and communities to expand the reach and impact of our work.
Why the Bow Valley?
The Bow Valley is uniquely positioned to lead in community-based renewable energy.
With a strong culture of environmental stewardship and a deep connection to the natural landscape, the region has both the motivation and the foundation to support locally driven energy solutions.
BVGEC is rooted in this community. Our work reflects local priorities, local opportunities, and the belief that renewable energy can be developed in a way that directly benefits the people who live here.
By focusing on the Bow Valley, we’re not just building projects, we’re contributing to a broader shift toward a more sustainable and locally resilient future.
How We’re Structured
BVGEC operates as a member-owned cooperative, guided by a volunteer board of directors and supported by a growing network of members, partners, and contributors.
This structure ensures that the organization remains accountable to its community and aligned with its mission. Decisions are made with long-term impact in mind, balancing environmental goals with financial sustainability and community benefit.
Transparency and shared responsibility are central to how we operate, creating a model that is both participatory and grounded in real-world outcomes.
Our Progress
Since its founding, BVGEC has steadily expanded its work, building momentum through projects, partnerships, and community participation.
What began as a vision for community-owned renewable energy has evolved into a growing network of people and initiatives working toward a shared goal.
Key milestones include:
Establishing the cooperative and growing its membership base
Developing and supporting local renewable energy projects
Launching partnerships, including Rocky Mountain Community Energy
Expanding opportunities for investment and participation
Each step reflects a deeper level of engagement and a stronger foundation for future growth.
Be Part of What Comes Next
BVGEC is built on the idea that energy can be developed differently, with communities at the centre.
As the co-op continues to grow, so do the opportunities to participate, contribute, and help shape what comes next. Whether you’re joining as a member, investing in projects, or supporting in other ways, there’s a place for you in this work.