Fostering Renewable Energy Communities in rural Sezze: outcomes from Sun4All Community of Practice
5 September 2024
The Municipality of Sezze, located in the province of Latina in central Italy, has made notable strides in renewable energy through its participation in the Sun4All Community of Practice. With a population of about 24,000, Sezze's economy is primarily agricultural, and the municipality has focused on addressing energy poverty among its residents.
The central aim of Sezze’s initiative was to establish a renewable energy community tailored for individuals facing energy poverty. The project's first phase concentrated on raising awareness and educating the community about energy issues, a topic often difficult for many to grasp.
The municipality faced challenges such as limited resources and low initial engagement. Initially targeting 200 families, the project saw 30 families actively engaging. To combat this low participation, Sezze organized workshops covering various energy-related topics, including:
- Understanding utility bills
- Reducing energy consumption
- Accessing social bonuses and incentives
- The role of renewable energy communities in combating energy poverty
The municipality extended invitations to all citizens, including local businesses affected by rising energy prices. Despite lower-than-expected participation, educational materials and workshop recordings were made accessible via the municipality’s official social media and website, allowing broader reach and continued access to information.
Sezze is committed to advancing its renewable energy community project. The next steps include:
- Promoting the creation of a solidarity-focused renewable energy community.
- Defining and structuring regulations for this initiative.
- Expanding partnerships with local associations and cooperatives, such as Legambiente Campagna, to share experiences and strategies.
Additionally, Sezze has secured €1.8 million from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan to develop a social farm. This project aims to integrate people with difficulties into the workforce and may include a photovoltaic power plant. The energy produced could potentially be sold to the grid, with proceeds supporting social initiatives within the municipality.
Sezze extends its heartfelt thanks to all involved in the Sun4All Community of Practice for their dedication and support. The municipality remains focused on its goals, emphasizing the importance of building a robust network of partners and stakeholders to ensure the project's success and sustainability. As Sezze moves forward, its commitment to fostering an inclusive and effective renewable energy community will be pivotal in addressing energy poverty and promoting social inclusion.
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This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N°101032239.