Renewable Energy Communities (RECs): European and Worldwide Distribution, Different Technologies, Management, and Modeling
Renewable energy communities (RECs) are increasingly recognized as pivotal instruments in the global energy transition, offering decentralized, participatory, and sustainable solutions for energy management, specifically regarding energy production and consumption. The present review provides a comp...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/15/3961 |
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| author | Sandra Corasaniti Paolo Coppa Dario Atzori Ateeq Ur Rehman |
| author_facet | Sandra Corasaniti Paolo Coppa Dario Atzori Ateeq Ur Rehman |
| author_sort | Sandra Corasaniti |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Renewable energy communities (RECs) are increasingly recognized as pivotal instruments in the global energy transition, offering decentralized, participatory, and sustainable solutions for energy management, specifically regarding energy production and consumption. The present review provides a comprehensive examination of the REC concept, tracing its regulatory evolution, particularly within the European Union through the renewable energy directives (RED II and RED III) and by analyzing its practical implementation across various countries. This paper explores the diverse technologies integrated into REC projects, such as photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, biogas, hydroelectric, and storage solutions, while also considering the socioeconomic frameworks, management models, and local engagement strategies that underpin their success. Key case studies from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia illustrate the various approaches, challenges, and outcomes of REC initiatives in different geographic and policy contexts. The analysis also highlights barriers to implementing RECs, including regulatory uncertainty and market integration issues, and identifies the best practices and policies that support REC scalability. By synthesizing current trends and lessons learned, this review aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about the transformative role of RECs in achieving decarbonization goals and accomplishing resilient energy systems. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a4d3e7854b194a43a49c824d704e822e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj-art-a4d3e7854b194a43a49c824d704e822e2025-08-20T04:00:53ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-07-011815396110.3390/en18153961Renewable Energy Communities (RECs): European and Worldwide Distribution, Different Technologies, Management, and ModelingSandra Corasaniti0Paolo Coppa1Dario Atzori2Ateeq Ur Rehman3Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, ItalyRenewable energy communities (RECs) are increasingly recognized as pivotal instruments in the global energy transition, offering decentralized, participatory, and sustainable solutions for energy management, specifically regarding energy production and consumption. The present review provides a comprehensive examination of the REC concept, tracing its regulatory evolution, particularly within the European Union through the renewable energy directives (RED II and RED III) and by analyzing its practical implementation across various countries. This paper explores the diverse technologies integrated into REC projects, such as photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, biogas, hydroelectric, and storage solutions, while also considering the socioeconomic frameworks, management models, and local engagement strategies that underpin their success. Key case studies from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia illustrate the various approaches, challenges, and outcomes of REC initiatives in different geographic and policy contexts. The analysis also highlights barriers to implementing RECs, including regulatory uncertainty and market integration issues, and identifies the best practices and policies that support REC scalability. By synthesizing current trends and lessons learned, this review aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about the transformative role of RECs in achieving decarbonization goals and accomplishing resilient energy systems.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/15/3961renewable energy communitiesenergy transitiondistributed energysustainabilityenergy innovation |
| spellingShingle | Sandra Corasaniti Paolo Coppa Dario Atzori Ateeq Ur Rehman Renewable Energy Communities (RECs): European and Worldwide Distribution, Different Technologies, Management, and Modeling Energies renewable energy communities energy transition distributed energy sustainability energy innovation |
| title | Renewable Energy Communities (RECs): European and Worldwide Distribution, Different Technologies, Management, and Modeling |
| title_full | Renewable Energy Communities (RECs): European and Worldwide Distribution, Different Technologies, Management, and Modeling |
| title_fullStr | Renewable Energy Communities (RECs): European and Worldwide Distribution, Different Technologies, Management, and Modeling |
| title_full_unstemmed | Renewable Energy Communities (RECs): European and Worldwide Distribution, Different Technologies, Management, and Modeling |
| title_short | Renewable Energy Communities (RECs): European and Worldwide Distribution, Different Technologies, Management, and Modeling |
| title_sort | renewable energy communities recs european and worldwide distribution different technologies management and modeling |
| topic | renewable energy communities energy transition distributed energy sustainability energy innovation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/15/3961 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT sandracorasaniti renewableenergycommunitiesrecseuropeanandworldwidedistributiondifferenttechnologiesmanagementandmodeling AT paolocoppa renewableenergycommunitiesrecseuropeanandworldwidedistributiondifferenttechnologiesmanagementandmodeling AT darioatzori renewableenergycommunitiesrecseuropeanandworldwidedistributiondifferenttechnologiesmanagementandmodeling AT ateequrrehman renewableenergycommunitiesrecseuropeanandworldwidedistributiondifferenttechnologiesmanagementandmodeling |