• Energy Research

The climate and energy crisis requires immediate countermeasures. Renewable energy communities (RECs) are capable of enhancing the consumption of renewable energy, involving citizens with a leading role in the energy transition process. The main objective of a REC is to maximize the consumption of renewable energy by reducing the mismatch between energy supply and demand. This is possible through the use of strategies and technologies including energy storage systems. Among these, the use of thermal energy storage (TES) is an efficient strategy due to the lower investment required compared to other storage technologies, like electric batteries. This study aims to define the role of TES in RECs, through a bibliometric analysis, in order to highlight research trends and possible gaps. This study shows that the existing literature on TES does not present terms related to RECs, thus presenting a research gap. On the other hand, RESs address the topic of energy storage in the literature, without focusing on TES in particular but considering the general aspect of the topic. Therefore, this leaves open a possibility for the development of research on TES as a possible technology applied to a REC to maximize the renewable energy sharing.

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are becoming essential in tackling energy transition challenges, promoting local energy sharing from diverse renewable energy sources to optimize environmental, economic, and social benefits. This study presents an innovative simulation tool for designing hybrid RECs that integrate diversified renewable sources, addressing a critical gap in existing tools. The tool was used to design a REC in a woodland area in central Italy where the sustainable management of locally available resources suggests the energy generation through biomass and photovoltaic plants. In this context, the REC initiative is further suggested as a mechanism to counteract depopulation trends by activating new services aligned with sustainable development goals. Simulations of various scenarios, involving REC members’ compositions and renewable plant sizes, reveal that opting for 600 kW biomass plant yields significant environmental benefits, with up to 1660 t/year of avoided CO2 emissions and over 80 % energy self-sufficiency for any configuration. However, incorporating more PVs in the energy mix could lead to shorter discounted payback period (down to 4.9 years). The engagement of industrial users is recognized as a critical factor for the success of the REC initiative, playing a vital role in community revitalization.