Exploring Ideal Renewable Energy Communities: A Look at Optimal Sustainable Power Systems
In a groundbreaking study titled "Renewable Energy Communities with Impact", the Social Impact Agenda for Italy has identified the most effective impact investing tools for Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) in the country.
The research, promoted by the Social Impact Agenda for Italy, was realised by Bip in partnership with AzzeroCO2, BonelliErede, ESTA_, and Kyoto Club. The study focuses on investments that generate a positive and measurable social and environmental impact.
Key tools and approaches highlighted include:
- Public-private financial partnerships: The European Investment Bank (EIB), combined with national financial institutions like Intesa Sanpaolo and SACE, provide substantial funding aimed at supporting green infrastructure and community energy projects while boosting local economic development and grid stability.
- Digital platforms managing renewable energy production and consumption: Digital platforms like Plenitude’s "Plenitude Comunità Energetiche" enable efficient monitoring and operation of distributed photovoltaic plants within energy communities. These platforms support configurations like Individual Remote Self-Consumption (AID), allowing flexible use of non-traditional surfaces for solar installations and enhancing grid stability.
- Financial modeling tools: Academic institutions, such as the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), develop financial modeling tools that help RECs develop bankable business plans. These models close financing gaps by demonstrating the financial viability of small-scale projects.
- Capacity-building initiatives and peer learning programs: Initiatives like the PROSPECT+ program equip local governments and communities with knowledge and confidence to develop resilient, self-financed energy projects beyond traditional subsidy schemes.
- Grant schemes and technical support platforms: The European Energy Communities Facility offers grants and expert assistance to scale community energy initiatives inclusively across Europe, including Italy.
Together, these tools address investment challenges — from financial feasibility to operational management — enabling Renewable Energy Communities in Italy to effectively mobilize resources, optimize renewable energy generation and consumption locally, and contribute to national green transition goals.
The study also proposes a model for measuring impact, pairing each category with the respective sustainable development goal for which the most significant contribution is expected. This model offers the opportunity to evaluate which of the proposed indicators align with one's purpose, considering central members by number, role within the REC, and any impact measurement requirements to which the REC is subject.
Moreover, the research suggests that investments in Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) can drive development. Publicly-driven RECs and those driven by the third sector also prove to be sustainable over time and capable of generating greater impact. The research includes impact investing models and tools for a just transition.
The investments, as outlined in the study, aim to produce an economic return for investors, making them attractive for both social and financial stakeholders. The research partners, including Amundi, Coopfond, Cgm Group, and Intesa Sanpaolo, are committed to promoting these impact investing tools to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable energy future in Italy.
[1] European Investment Bank. (n.d.). Green Infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www.eib.org/en/projects/sectors/green-infrastructure [2] Plenitude. (n.d.). Plenitude Comunità Energetiche. Retrieved from https://www.plenitude.it/it/energia/comunità-energetiche [3] Athens University of Economics and Business. (n.d.). Research Centres. Retrieved from https://www.aueb.gr/web/aueb/research_centres [4] European Energy Communities Facility. (n.d.). Energy Communities Facility. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/energy-communities/energy-communities-facility_en
- The European Investment Bank (EIB), collaborating with national financial institutions like Intesa Sanpaolo and SACE, offers substantial funding for green infrastructure and community energy projects, contributing to local economic development and grid stability in Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) within Italy.
- Digital platforms like Plenitude’s "Plenitude Comunità Energetiche" are crucial for efficient monitoring and operation of distributed photovoltaic plants within energy communities, supporting configurations such as Individual Remote Self-Consumption (AID) and enhancing grid stability in the renewable-energy industry.
- Academic institutions like the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) develop financial modeling tools that aid RECs in creating bankable business plans, helping to close financing gaps by demonstrating the financial viability of small-scale projects and fostering investment in the business sector.
