How Renewable Energy Communities revolutionize electric vehicle charging

The energy transition and the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles are two drivers pushing toward a more sustainable future. In this scenario, Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) and electric car charging infrastructure emerge as a perfect match, capable of redefining the way we produce, consume and manage energy. This is not just an ecological choice, but a revolutionary model that promises concrete economic, social and environmental benefits.

What are Renewable Energy Communities and how do they work?

A Renewable Energy Community (REC) is acollective initiative that unites citizens, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), local governments, and nonprofit organizations. The goal is to self-produce and self-consume energy from renewable sources (mainly solar, but also wind or hydro) at the local level. Participants, located in a nearby geographic area, share the energy produced and manage it independently. This model not only reduces dependence on the national power grid, but also promotes acircular and decentralized economy, creating value for community members and the local area.

The strategic advantages of integration with electric mobility

Combining an ERC with a network of electric vehicle charging points is a win-win solution on several fronts:

• "Zero-mile" charging and 100% renewable: electric vehicles are powered directly by energy produced by the community, often through photovoltaic systems. This ensures 100% clean energy charging, reducing the carbon footprint and actively contributing to the fight against climate change.
• Cost reduction: self-generated and shared energy within the community eliminates transmission, distribution, and system charges that burden utility bills. As a result, the price of charging becomes much lower, facilitating significant cost savings for households and businesses.
• Intelligent Management and Energy Optimization: RECs can adopt intelligent management systems to optimize energy flows. For example, vehicles can be scheduled to recharge during the hours of highest solar production to maximize self-consumption and reduce waste, ensuring energy is always available when it is needed.
• Democratization of energy: this model promotes collaborative and conscious consumption. Citizens become active players in the energy transition, contributing directly to the production and management of a key resource and strengthening a sense of community.

Successful cases: concrete examples in Italy and Spain

A significant example in Italy is the project initiated in the municipality of Magliano Alpi (Cuneo), which established the first Italian ERC, "Energy City Hall," in 2020. The project involves public buildings, households and local businesses with photovoltaic systems totaling 40 kW, aiming to meet the energy needs of the community.

In Spain, a case in point is the Crevillent Solar project in Alicante, which has installed more than 2 MW of photovoltaic panels on industrial roofs. The energy generated is shared among about 60 households and several small businesses, demonstrating how CERs can concretely support electric mobility and territorial sustainability.

Challenges and future prospects

Despite the clear advantages, large-scale implementation of this model presents some challenges:

• Bureaucratic and regulatory complexity: the legislative framework is constantly changing, and establishing an ERC requires a complex administrative process. However, incentives and bonuses are gradually being introduced to simplify the process.
• Initial investments and technical barriers: The initial investment for panels, batteries, and charging stations can be high. In addition, the existing electricity grid may require infrastructure investments to manage bidirectional energy flows.
• Defining sustainable business models: the challenge is to develop replicable and profitable business models that can adapt to different contexts and ensure long-term economic sustainability.

Conclusion: a step toward a sustainable future

Bringing Renewable Energy Communities and electric mobility together is not an opportunity, but a necessity to build a more efficient, resilient, and just energy system. Overcoming the current challenges is key to consolidating this model and making it accessible to all. As bureaucracy and technology are simplified, we will see a new era in which energy will be produced and consumed collaboratively, putting people and the future of the planet at the center.

Make your charging project a reality with Powy

The synergy between energy communities and electric mobility is the future. If you are a business, public administration or operator interested in seizing this revolution, Powy provides turnkey charging solutions. With amodular and flexible offering, we take care of every step: from planning and installation to complete maintenance and management of charging stations. Click below to find out more!

FAQ: What is a Renewable Energy Community (REC)?

A Renewable Energy Community is an association of citizens, small and medium-sized businesses, public entities, and associations that voluntarily decide to join together to produce, consume, and share energy from renewable sources locally. Basically, it is a way to collaborate and manage sustainable energy together.

About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy