Balancing of renewable energy sources in an energy cooperative with using optimal selection of members and energy storage

The article presents the issue of functioning of energy cooperatives in Poland. The power system in Poland is currently undergoing significant transformation. As a large number of RES installations are connected to the distribution network, the directions of energy flow are changing and it is increasingly flowing from the distribution networks towards the main transmission networks. Apart from the problem of managing such a complex system, there was also the problem of technical limitations in the form of the inability to connect such a large number of RES installations. One solution to these problems may be emerging balancing areas managed by local energy communities, such as energy cooperatives. This would create new opportunities for the effective use of energy produced from renewable energy sources close to the place of its production. The article analyzes the issue of balancing energy sources in an energy cooperative through the appropriate selection of cooperative members or the use of energy storage at consumers or energy producers in energy cooperatives.