The urgent need to combat climate change requires decarbonizing the energy sector. Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), introduced in European legislation in 2019, offer environmental, economic, and social benefits that promote the transition to clean energy. This research analyzes two case studies of RECs in Perugia, Italy: one established with four members and a 10kW photovoltaic plant, and one in the process of being established with three residential units, one owning a 13.2 kW PV system and a 23.2 kWh storage system for the REC. The study aims to evaluate the role of demand flexibility in maximizing the environmental benefits of locally generated renewable energy consumption. Validated energy simulation models of both case studies are used to simulate alternative scenarios, considering real building constraints. The research quantifies CO2 emissions reduction and highlights the importance of citizen awareness in promoting clean energy behaviors. Results indicate that while mixed-functional RECs achieve greater environmental benefits, residential units offer more demand flexibility and potential for improvement. The study contributes to safeguarding outdoor conditions, reducing environmental risks for vulnerable groups, and promoting the clean energy transition. Future analysis will explore integrating additional renewables and new members into the energy community. This study is original as it examines two different RECs, quantifies environmental benefits, and highlights the importance of citizen awareness in promoting clean energy.

Environmental benefits of Renewable Energy Communities: the role of demand flexibility

Elena Tarpani
;
Ilaria Pigliautile;Benedetta Pioppi;Elisa Moretti;Anna Laura Pisello
2023

Abstract

The urgent need to combat climate change requires decarbonizing the energy sector. Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), introduced in European legislation in 2019, offer environmental, economic, and social benefits that promote the transition to clean energy. This research analyzes two case studies of RECs in Perugia, Italy: one established with four members and a 10kW photovoltaic plant, and one in the process of being established with three residential units, one owning a 13.2 kW PV system and a 23.2 kWh storage system for the REC. The study aims to evaluate the role of demand flexibility in maximizing the environmental benefits of locally generated renewable energy consumption. Validated energy simulation models of both case studies are used to simulate alternative scenarios, considering real building constraints. The research quantifies CO2 emissions reduction and highlights the importance of citizen awareness in promoting clean energy behaviors. Results indicate that while mixed-functional RECs achieve greater environmental benefits, residential units offer more demand flexibility and potential for improvement. The study contributes to safeguarding outdoor conditions, reducing environmental risks for vulnerable groups, and promoting the clean energy transition. Future analysis will explore integrating additional renewables and new members into the energy community. This study is original as it examines two different RECs, quantifies environmental benefits, and highlights the importance of citizen awareness in promoting clean energy.
2023
978-88-9392-442-9
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11391/1593535
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