The five renewable and solidarity-based energy communities, winners of the Award promoted by Legambiente with MET Group, were awarded in Rome. CER Solar Valley – Monferrato wins 1st place in the “CERS realizzate” category (completed renewable and solidarity energy communities), Ventotene is first in the “CERS in progetto” category (planned renewable and solidarity energy communities).
The final event of the first edition of the “Premio Comunità Energetiche Rinnovabili e Solidali” (Renewable and Supportive Energy Community Award), promoted by Legambiente in collaboration with MET Group – through MET Green Assets, the MET Energia Italia division dedicated to renewable energies, the Group company operating on the Italian market – and in media partnership with “La Nuova Ecologia”, “Quotidiano Energia” and “Alleanza contro la Povertà Energetica”, was held today in Rome.
The “Renewable and Supportive Energy Community Award” was created to showcase the opportunities provided by the development of these new energy configurations and the solidarity aspects that can bring environmental and social benefits to members and regions.
With this award, MET Group has been able to make a profound impact on sustainable and social development by encouraging citizen-driven projects directly involved in activities that promote renewable energies, through their production and consumption, as well as in targeted initiatives designed to promote energy efficiency or sustainable mobility. All this is made possible through utilising local resources, fully engaging local communities in the commitment to energy savings and sustainable growth.
The 27 competing renewable and supportive energy communities were evaluated by an eight-member jury made up of industry experts, journalists and award partners. The jury was called upon to examine the various proposals on the basis of the model deployed in terms of organisation, the social benefits derived from it, the replicability of the experience, the degree of innovation characterising the proposals, and the possible use of the award.
The award is divided into two categories, one focused on renewable and solidarity energy communities and one for those still in the planning stage, with a total of five winners, who will receive cash prizes and free consultancy provided by MET Group.
The winning Renewable and Solidarity Energy Communities
“CERS realizzate” category (completed renewable and solidarity energy communities category)
1st place: “Solar Valley” – Monferrato
An initiative of the Solar Valley Association and its member municipalities, it is one of the most ambitious Italian projects that brings together more than 10 Public Administrations in the Monferrato region, distributed across 2 provinces, together with citizens and businesses in the area. Solar Valley, which uses photovoltaic solar energy as a renewable energy source for the Renewable Energy Community, is characterised by its special focus on the social aspect, allocating part of the incentives for social activities with an impact on the local area.
2nd place: “CommOn Light” – Ferla (Siracusa)
Promoted by the municipality of Ferla, in collaboration with the “TREPESL - Transizione energetica e nuovi modelli di partecipazione e di sviluppo locale” (energy transition and new models of participation and local development) research project promoted by the University of Catania, the Renewable Energy Community uses photovoltaic solar energy, with benefits for both plant owners and consumers, as well as environmental and social advantages, including the new boost given to social and community networks.
3rd place: “A otto minuti dal sole” – Tor Fiscale (Rome)
Promoted by the Pro Loco of the Tor Fiscale district in Rome and powered by solar photovoltaics, the Renewable Energy Community allocates part of its income for social purposes, from supporting the most fragile citizens and low-income families, to launching environmental projects for the area, schools and families in the neighbourhood.
“CERS in progetto” category (planned renewable and solidarity energy communities category)
1st place: “Ventotene” – Ventotene Island (Latina)
Promoted by the citizens of the island of Ventotene, the Renewable Energy Community focuses, in a first phase, on solar photovoltaics and later on experiments with micro wind and wave motion. The economic benefits from the incentives will be allocated to social and environmental projects, from the creation of professional opportunities for the island’s young people, to the planting of trees and the creation of a bike-sharing fleet.
2nd place: “STIF-ONE” – Narni (Terni)
The project consists the the creation of a renewable, high-tech energy community for the village of Stifone, near Narni, with the restoration of the village’s historic hydroelectric power plant, dating back to 1892, to create a renewable energy production hub (from water as well as photovoltaic sources), as well as an educational space.
Christian Hürlimann, CEO of MET Renewables commented: “There are three key actors that play a role in a successful energy transition: energy companies, consumers and regulators. As an energy company, MET Group has made significant changes to its business strategy and invested to become an active player in building a greener future. In Italy, the development of almost 500 MW of solar projects is concrete proof of this commitment. In addition, we aim to support consumers who are willing to cooperate and make a difference through responsible behaviour and a proactive approach. And so we believe that creating this Award and providing examples to inspire others is an important initiative.”
Giuseppe Rebuzzini, CEO of MET Energia Italia said: “We are proud to have supported the first edition of the Renewable and Supportive Energy Communities Award, an initiative that perfectly reflects MET’s values and mission. The success and commitment stories demonstrated by the various communities involved are a clear example of the transformative potential of collaboration between citizens, local authorities and associations. In particular, the information, awareness and management strategy adopted by the energy communities has proven to be a key factor to the long-term success of the projects. This approach has made it possible not only to promote the adoption of renewable energy, but also to raise community awareness with regard to the benefits of sustainability and to effectively manage available resources. It is very encouraging to see how these initiatives have not only led to concrete results in improving the environment, but have also helped to strengthen the social and solidarity fabric of the communities involved. MET Italia is committed to supporting these pioneering projects and therefore contributing to a greener and more inclusive future for everyone.
More information available at: www.legambiente.it