Advancing Renewable Energy Communities in Liguria

The Liguria Region is accelerating the development of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) through a collaboration between its regional energy agency, IRE, the Regional Government, and the local University. Their goal is to support and guide local entities in establishing and managing the first RECs in the territory.

Supporting Small Municipalities and Public Entities

In 2024, IRE launched a Regional Public Tender to provide free technical assistance for fostering RECs and self-consumption of renewable energy. The initiative targeted Ligurian municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants and other local public entities. After evaluating all applications, IRE is now assisting 16 eligible municipalities in setting up public-led RECs. This support includes developing key governance documents such as the Energy Community Charter, Statutes, and Regulations.

Beyond municipalities, IRE is also supporting the local Chamber of Commerce and a Ligurian Foundation in establishing solidarity-based RECs in Genova and Savona. These initiatives involve not-for-profit companies and local parishes. IRE’s role includes: conducting technical and economic feasibility studies, assessing photovoltaic (PV) potential, analysing historical energy consumption, and preparing business plans. Additionally, IRE will facilitate the final aggregation of REC members and develop a Charter template for governance.

European Cooperation and Innovation

Recognising RECs as a priority for Liguria, IRE is also engaging in European projects to advance and experiment with innovative approaches. One such project is the Interreg Maritime Italy-France project “INVECE”, which focuses on green innovation and energy communities. As a project partner, IRE is contributing to the creation of a cross-border Observatory for Energy Communities, implementing 10 pilot actions, and promoting awareness-raising and knowledge-sharing activities.

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!