ENERGIE DI COMUNITÀ PER LA TRANSIZIONE VERDE NEL MEZZOGIORNO: LE NUOVE FORME DI SOSTENIBILITÀ ECONOMICA, SOCIALE E AMBIENTALE

In contemporary society, large-scale climate phenomena have intensified, resulting in environmental disasters. All these elements have driven what we might call a revision of energy models. The shift from a fossil-fuel-based model to one based on renewable sources has been supported by a European framework that has progressively reorganized the energy sector through the introduction of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs). Renewable Energy Communities represent a local-level testing ground for addressing the ongoing ecological and energy crisis. The study presented in this doctoral thesis aims to analyze the ecological and energy transition processes in Italy through renewable energy community projects in the South. Specifically, the thesis sets out to: - explore whether and how RECs can support sustainable and inclusive local development processes by directly involving the local community in which the REC is embedded; - analyze the implementation practices of the regulations governing RECs and under what conditions these new organizational models are able to improve the level of social inclusion (understood as increased citizen participation in the production, consumption, and sharing of renewable energy), local territorial empowerment, and energy efficiency in terms of enhanced sustainable local development. To explore these research questions, the formation processes of energy communities located in marginal areas of two southern Italian regions—Sicily and Sardinia—were analyzed through qualitative research using various methods. The analysis highlighted difficulties and delays caused by the lack of a supportive regulatory framework and the challenges faced by ordinary citizens in applying it. Starting a REC requires in-depth knowledge of legal, economic, technical-energy, and social issues. Nevertheless, the various elements identified suggest that these projects can serve as a suitable tool for supporting sustainable and inclusive local development processes.