The Cariverona Foundation is helping 13 renewable energy communities to grow

Of the 323,200 euros approved, 125,000 are earmarked for the five CERs in Vicenza, 75,000 for the three in Verona, 50,000 for the two in Belluno and 73,200 for the three in Ancona. Each community will receive up to 25,000 euros to carry out projects lasting a maximum of twelve months, tailored to their specific circumstances and needs.

From Fabriano to the Dolomites, from the Verona area to the urban and rural areas of the Vicenza region, these projects reflect different regions but face common challenges. Some are working to finalise their initial energy set-ups, whilst others aim to recruit hundreds of new participants; some are setting up helpdesks to assist residents in understanding their energy bills and navigating energy efficiency measures; some aim to connect remote mountain areas; and others intend to use part of the future benefits to tackle energy poverty, support local welfare and fund social initiatives.

For example, the CER ‘Gocce di Comunità’ project in the Povegliano Veronese and Villafranca di Verona area, which has received a grant of 25,000 euros, the energy community, established with the involvement of the local council and the parish of Povegliano Veronese, will continue to grow by strengthening its technical, administrative and financial management.

The differences between these initiatives are also their strength. Some arise from partnerships between local councils, others involve dioceses, parishes and social organisations; still others bring together businesses, citizens and associations. In all cases, technology is merely the starting point: the real infrastructure to be built consists of trust, shared responsibility and the ability to decide together how to use the value generated.

The available aggregated data recorded at least 685 members, over 2,460 people taking part in meetings and public activities, and 82 events or opportunities for engagement. In communities where energy data was already available, approximately 4.47 GWh of energy generated, 409 MWh shared, and around 103.5 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent avoided were reported.

The results demonstrate the potential of this approach and, at the same time, the work that still needs to be done to transform data, infrastructure and participation into stable systems. Alongside the grants, communities will be able to access, according to their actual needs, a lightweight and modular technical support service: a specialist assistance service available on request for issues relating to the GSE, regulation and management; joint sessions to explore shared needs in greater depth; and a final report to assist the Foundation in monitoring the programme’s overall progress. The support will be provided by ForGreen S.p.A. Società Benefit, which has already been tasked with the 2025 consolidation phase, and will operate on a selective basis, without overlapping with the activities funded under the individual operational plans.

The challenge is to help thirteen local laboratories overcome their most important test: to operate effectively, to be sustainable and to demonstrate that the energy transition can also be built from the ground up.