Socioeconomic dimensions of renewable energy communities: Pathways to collective well-being

This work presents a socioeconomic analysis of renewable energy communities (RECs) in Italy. The results highlight that individuals expressing a willingness to participate in a REC tend to exhibit more virtuous attitudes. Furthermore, RECs emerge as not only economic drivers for prosumers but also facilitators of collective well-being, thereby contributing to sustainable development. The analysis further suggests a growing inclination to prioritise community benefits such as investment in public infrastructure and support for economically vulnerable households over personal financial gains. • The social analysis revealed a strong orientation towards community solidarity. • The economic model turns social aspects into feasible benefits-sharing mechanisms. • The survey results emphasised a lack of trust in institutions. • The pivotal role of benefits-sharing in motivating participation. • A policy suggestion is the strategic modulation of subsidies over time.