In order to alleviate urgent and pressing environmental issues, a transition towards decentralised production and consumption of renewable energy is necessary. The establishment of local renewable energy organisations (LREO) can stimulate this transition. In the recent past the number of LREOs has grown substantially in the Netherlands. However, due to their recent emergence little is known about the factors that stimulate or hamper their appearance and development. This research addresses this knowledge gap. Based on a literature review and five expert interviews, explanatory variables that might determine the emergence and development of LREOs were identified. Second, a first assessment of the factors that stimulate the emergence and development of 26 Dutch LREOs is made. Face-to-face interviews as well as an online questionnaire were used to validate this assessment. We conclude this paper with some recommendations for policy makers and LREOs. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.