The history of energy communities in Italy

The history of energy communities in Italy

The history of renewable energy communities in Italy has been characterized by challenges and obstacles along the way. After the adoption of the European Directive 2018/2001, it was necessary to wait for transposition with the Milleproroghe Decree in December 2019 to introduce Renewable Energy Communities (CERs) in the country.

However, it was only in February 2020 that the CERs came into force, and then in December 2020 the implementation process was completed with the steps of Arera, MiSE and GSE. During 2021, some pioneers began to implement energy community projects, but the results were limited, with only 15 or 16 CERs established and a modest installed power of about 400 kWp.

On December 15, 2021, Law 199 came into force, which finally transposed the Directive. Thanks to the heated debate that developed earlier, Law 199 seemed to have introduced some clarity. As a result, other players have started working towards the creation of primary cabins and plants of up to 1 MW.

In August 2022, Arera published the Consultation Document (DCO) on energy communities, followed on December 12 by the consultation document of the Ministry of Environment, Economic Development and Sustainability (MASE). However, the expectations of seeing the simultaneous release of the Arera measures and the primary booths in a single solution have been disappointed. Arera's resolution is expected by the end of the month, but so far the distributors (DSOs) have not made the cabin data accessible, as required by the Arera implementing decree of August 2020.

Another issue concerns access to hourly measurement data, for which a resolution is expected from Arera that would allow access to these data through the installation of second-generation smart meters. However, in the partial absence of such data, it will be necessary to install special smart meters to start the CERs.

Meanwhile, the MASE decree for the remodeling of incentives to CERs will not be published by the end of the year, but it will be the first decree of the new Ministry to see the light of day, according to Valeria Amendola, director general competitiveness and energy efficiency of the MASE. The more than 230 observations received make it difficult to make predictions, since the needs of the different actors often come into conflict.

Despite the limited number of established energy communities and the still modest installed power, it is encouraging to note that there are pioneers who have started successful projects. These first steps are paving the way for greater adoption of renewable energy communities in Italy.

Law 199, which came into force in December 2021 and finally transposed the European Directive, provided greater regulatory clarity and stability for energy communities. This has stimulated interest and action on the part of other actors who are working to develop energy community projects of more significant dimensions.

Despite the delays and challenges still present in the process, competent authorities such as Arera and the Ministry of the Environment are taking steps to address outstanding issues and to allow for better implementation of energy communities. The intention to publish resolutions and consultation documents shows a commitment to creating a regulatory and regulatory framework that favors the development of energy communities.

Finally, it is important to note that energy communities represent a great opportunity for the transition to a more sustainable and decentralized energy system. The adoption of these communities can promote the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency and the active participation of citizens. With continuous progress and growing interest in energy communities in Italy, there is room for a positive future in which they become an integral part of the country's energy landscape.