Nestled in the province of Latina, Lazio, Italy, the municipality of Sezze stands as an example for renewable energy innovation amidst its scenic rural landscape. With a population of 24,000 inhabitants, Sezze boasts an economy rooted in agriculture, commerce, industry, and services. However, despite its assets, the municipality faces complex social challenges, including energy poverty affecting over 200 vulnerable households.

According to the Italian Observatory on Energy Poverty (OIPE) report published in July 2023, 8.5 percent of Italian households in 2021 (equivalent to 2.2 million households) were in energy poverty. Within Sezze Municipality, the historic centre emerges as the area with the highest concentration of households in energy poverty, emphasising the urgency of addressing this issue.

Driven by a commitment to sustainability and affordability, Sezze is seeking to create a Renewable Energy Community (REC). This initiative aims to harness the abundant renewable resources available in the region, such as solar and wind energy, to promote a more sustainable and efficient energy model for its residents.

At the heart of Sezze's REC project is the goal of ensuring access to renewable energies for households in situation of vulnerability. More than 200 families in Sezze have been identified as potential targets for the Sun4All project. By providing solar shares instead of traditional subsidies, the REC empowers citizens to become co-owners of local photovoltaic plants, reducing energy bills and fostering economic resilience. “Our administration is trying to bring forward not only a REC, but above all, a real cultural change, which considers the need to promote investments in our country that are self-sustainable, that are inclusive because they improve the quality of life of our citizens and qualifying because they are able to contribute to the local development of our territory”, says Lola Fernandez, Councilor for local development and European projects of the Municipality of Sezze.

Moreover, Sezze's new strategic urban planning and regulatory initiatives further support the transition to renewable energy. Efforts to facilitate the installation of photovoltaic systems on public/private buildings and in industrial areas underscore the municipality's commitment to environmental sustainability and circular supply chains.

Through its participation in the Sun4All project, Sezze aims to amplify its efforts in tackling energy poverty and promoting social inclusion. By offering energy efficiency workshops and empowering citizens to join the REC, Sezze seeks to create a more equitable and sustainable future for its residents. In alignment with the EU Green Deal principles and the Clean Energy for all Europeans packages, Sezze's REC project exemplifies the potential of renewable energy communities to drive cultural and environmental change.