Renewable Energy Communities: A Sustainable Future for Local Energy

Renewable Energy Communities (CERs) are emerging as an innovative solution for the shared production and management of energy from renewable sources. These communities allow citizens, businesses and local authorities to come together to produce, consume and manage energy collectively, promoting energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability.

What Are Renewable Energy Communities?

CERs are associations of various subjects, including citizens, small and medium-sized businesses and local authorities, who collaborate to produce and share renewable energy. The main objective is to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, lower energy costs and reduce environmental impact.

In Italy, the number of these initiatives is growing. According to the latest available data, over 160 initiatives have been identified for the creation of self-consumption configurations throughout the country, with a significant increase compared to the previous year. Of these, approximately 50 are already operational, while the others are still in the planning phase.

How to Join an Energy Community

Participating in a CER is a process accessible to everyone. The first step is to check whether there is an energy community in your area of residence. This can be done by consulting official registers or by contacting companies specialized in the creation and management of CERs.

Once a suitable community has been identified, it is necessary to evaluate the membership requirements, which may include criteria such as geographic proximity or type of consumer. Next, you proceed by contacting the CER representatives and formalizing the membership, which generally involves associating your meter number (POD) with the community's system.

The user does not need to change provider, change the bill or stipulate new contracts; the only commitment may be the payment of a symbolic membership fee.

Benefits of Energy Communities

CERs offer numerous benefits, including:

• Energy Self-Sufficiency : Reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and external suppliers.
• Economic Benefits : Creation of new job opportunities, support for local businesses and reduction of energy imports, helping to maintain wealth within the community.
• Resilience : Greater resistance to blackouts or energy price increases at the national or international level.
• Environmental Sustainability : Promotion of the use of renewable sources, contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions and environmental impact.
• Education and Awareness : Strengthening a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility towards a sustainable future by providing learning opportunities on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Incentives and Support for CERs

The Italian government has introduced measures to encourage the spread of CERs. The decree of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security provides for an incentive tariff on renewable energy produced and shared, in addition to a non-repayable contribution of up to 40% of eligible costs for communities built in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.

The financeable power is equal to five gigawatts in total, with a time limit set for 2027.

Conclusion

Renewable Energy Communities are a significant step towards a more sustainable and participatory energy future. They offer the opportunity to actively involve local communities in energy production and management, while promoting economic, environmental and social benefits.

With the support of government incentives and a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability, CERs are set to play an increasingly central role in the Italian energy landscape.