Renewable energy sources and energy efficiency are the main fundaments to meet energy needs and afford a sustainable energy production and climate change mitigation. The main cause of global climate change is the emission of greenhouse gases, of which energy takes share about 61%. Therefore, the scenarios of energy development policy aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a faster expansion of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Croatia is relatively rich in renewable resources, because their potential rate covers more than 60% of primary energy consumption. Their activation can significantly increase employment and economic development of the country and reduce dependence on energy imports, take a significant impact on the development of rural areas and thus contribute to energy independence. The island of Krk is among the pioneers who chose the path of energy independence. According to the model of developed countries, the development of renewable energy should be based on energy cooperatives. More than 50% of renewable energy in Germany is owned by citizens who are members of the Energy Cooperative. Energy Cooperative Island of Krk is the oldest of such cooperatives in Croatia.