Numerical Model for Designing Renewable Energy Communities Under Italian Framework

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are a new legislative scheme designed to promote distributed renewable generation and maximize local energy self-consumption. This initiative aims to optimize renewable energy use, reduce reliance on grid support, and minimize the need for large energy storage systems. Key to this scheme is encouraging behavioral changes to align energy consumption with photovoltaic (PV) production and educating citizens about energy production and distribution. This study compared various REC configurations with an annual energy consumption of 600 MWh, which is equivalent to that of approximately 10 buildings. The comparison included different building types: residential, commercial, industrial, and PV capacities ranging from 20 to 200 kW. The methodology involves creating numerical simulations to model the energy production and consumption. These simulations use detailed building characteristics, such as area, number of floors, and building height, to accurately predict the energy demand of each building. Key results show that optimal REC design enhances self-consumption, reduces grid dependency, flattens peak loads, and improves energy resilience and cost efficiency through effective sector-specific energy-sharing strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of proper Community configuration design. RECs with complementary loads enhance the use of renewable energy through energy sharing. Distinguishing the roles of consumers and prosumers is crucial for optimal energy distribution, thereby creating mutual benefits. While increasing PV capacity generally boosts the shared energy ratio and excessive PV capacity can negatively impact the shared energy ratio due to production-consumption mismatches. In conclusion, These findings emphasize the importance of balancing PV capacity, prosumer ratios, and energy-sharing mechanisms to maximize local renewable energy consumption while maintaining grid stability and providing substantial benefits to REC members.