The Long Way Towards Renewable Communities in Italy. Results Achieved for a Potential Bioenergy Community within an EU H2020 Project.

n the framework of the EU H2020 project BECoop, aimed at promoting the cocreation of bioenergy communities in Europe, four pilots were selected. The Italian pilot was individuated and adopted to implement a new model of thermal renewable energy community (REC). A participatory methodology to verify the interest of the citizens, the biomass availability, the involvement of the local administrations and other key stakeholders has been shaped. As output of the engagement process and of the pre-feasibility study of the REC, the pre-feasibility of a cogenerative district heating system fuel by wood chips has been presented. Some key performance indicators have been provided underlining the energy and environmental benefits (about 70% of savings) and the economic challenges. Final users have been innovatively considered as possible biomass suppliers as owners of forests, introducing the role of bioenergy prosumers. Finally, by the involvement of experts target group, the paper reports supportive strategies and policy recommendations towards new RECs governance models.