What Prevents Renewable Energy Communities from Becoming Positive Energy Districts? An Economic Feasibility Assessment of an Italian Case Study

The main approaches to foster urban energy transition integrate the concept of energy sharing for local renewable energy self-consumption and self-sufficiency. Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) and Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are the most renowned examples. The distinction between RECs and PEDs is primarily conceptual, as they share similar features and objectives. Following the Renewable Energy Directive, several member states in Europe have developed proper legislation aimed at granting the implementation and supporting the diffusion of RECs, also from the economic perspective. In Italy, for example, an economic incentive is provided for the shared renewable electricity. Within this framework, this study seeks to address the following research question: is the economic incentive for renewable energy sharing in RECs adequate to promote a shift towards energy sharing configurations that achieve a positive energy balance and carbon neutrality? Preliminary answers to this question is derived by examining a simulated case study in Benevento, located in Central Italy. The study area is situated in the industrial zone of the city and comprises both residential users and industrial facilities. The district under analysis is equipped with various renewable-based plants, such as solar thermal collectors, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and electrolyzers for producing green hydrogen. In the proposed configuration, the district meets the PED objectives from both energy and environmental perspectives, thus aiding energy transition. However, economic viability might be hindered by substantial investment costs and inadequate incentives for energy sharing unless enhanced economic support mechanisms are introduced. In this scenario, alternative solutions are evaluated, considering the variability of the electricity production mix, varying prices of electricity, and additional factors affecting the energy and environmental performance of the proposed setup. In this way, this research seeks to establish a thorough framework for the assessment of the district under study, going beyond the energy and environmental aspects by also including the economic perspective, and aiming to ensure that academic research on urban energy transition is both effective and practical.