Energy self-consumers and renewable energy communities in Italy: New actors of the electric power systems

The new European Directive RED-II on the promotion of the use of renewable energy sources has introduced the concept of the Renewable Energy Community. This new entity has the potential to change the relations among end-users and the latter and the other actors of the energy sector. In particular, the electrical sector appears the most influenced by the implementation of this paradigm. Indeed, the need for self-consumption and for exploiting the full potential of renewable energy in a Renewable Energy Community influences how the endusers exchange energy with the power grid, the rules for their connection to the grid, the implementation of Demand Response and other energy management programs. For this reason, after a review of the existing legal framework, this paper investigates various aspects concerning the interaction of Renewable Energy Communities with the power system, highlighting what issues must still be addressed for a complete implementation of Renewable Energy Communities and their integration in the power system, with a focus on the Italian context.

Automated summary

The new European Directive RED-II has introduced the concept of Renewable Energy Communities, potentially changing the relationships among end-users and other actors in the energy sector, particularly affecting the electrical sector. This new entity influences how end-users exchange energy with the power grid, connection rules, Demand Response implementation, and other energy management programs. Further investigation is needed to address issues for a complete implementation of Renewable Energy Communities in the power system, with a focus on the Italian context.