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To Join or Not to Join? The Energy Community Dilemma: An Italian Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Federico De Santi

    (Energy Department, Politecnico di Milano, 20156 Milan, Italy)

  • Matteo Moncecchi

    (Energy Department, Politecnico di Milano, 20156 Milan, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Prettico

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre, 21027 Ispra, Italy)

  • Gianluca Fulli

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre, 21027 Ispra, Italy)

  • Sergio Olivero

    (Energy Center, Politecnico di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy
    Renewable Energy Community “Energy City Hall” of Magliano Alpi, 12060 Cuneo, Italy)

  • Marco Merlo

    (Energy Department, Politecnico di Milano, 20156 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Energy Communities (EC) are becoming a major driver to foster the energy transition in Europe and the regulatory framework adopted by each Member State (MS) plays a key role for a prosperous deployment of ECs. This paper is thus divided into two layers. The first layer of this paper addresses the current regulations introduced by MSs regarding ECs, providing a critical comparison of each solution used. The second layer of research concerns the introduction of a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) optimization algorithm early studied by some of the authors furtherly developed to assess the conditions that favour prosumers’ participation to ECs. Both these models have been tested on a case study located in the city of Magliano Alpi, in the north of Italy. The results demonstrate that the proposed methodology correctly evaluates the key parameters influencing participation of citizens in ECs and indicate that for the Italian EC under study, there is the possibility to further expand the capacity installed without undermining the profitability of investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Federico De Santi & Matteo Moncecchi & Giuseppe Prettico & Gianluca Fulli & Sergio Olivero & Marco Merlo, 2022. "To Join or Not to Join? The Energy Community Dilemma: An Italian Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:19:p:7072-:d:925704
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Andrea Sarcina & Rubina Canesi, 2023. "Renewable Energy Community: Opportunities and Threats towards Green Transition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-21, September.
    3. Musolino, Monica & Maggio, Gaetano & D'Aleo, Erika & Nicita, Agatino, 2023. "Three case studies to explore relevant features of emerging renewable energy communities in Italy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C), pages 540-555.
    4. Elisa Moretti & Ettore Stamponi, 2023. "The Renewable Energy Communities in Italy and the Role of Public Administrations: The Experience of the Municipality of Assisi between Challenges and Opportunities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-23, August.
    5. Anita Tatti & Sibilla Ferroni & Martina Ferrando & Mario Motta & Francesco Causone, 2023. "The Emerging Trends of Renewable Energy Communities’ Development in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.

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