Italy | Driving Community Energy Forward
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Marche Region welcomed representatives of the EXPRESS partnership for a study visit to three energy communities located in the municipalities of Chiaravalle, Jekirsi, and Rosora.
The visit showcased innovative approaches to renewable energy production and self-sufficiency, including:
Chiaravalle Renewable Energy Community – Developed by Smart Energy Blockchain, a subsidiary of Jesi-based Green Investment Srl, this community features an advanced photovoltaic plant using lightweight, steel- and aluminum-free panels that do not require ground fastening.
Loccioni’s Smart Microgrid – Leaf Community (Rosora) – Recognized as a European best practice and featured in the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform, this private, all-electric microgrid operates on self-generated renewable energy. The system distributes power among Loccioni’s buildings within a 2 km radius, achieving over 90% self-consumption and a 55% increase in energy self-sufficiency.
The Leaf Lab, a Class A+ building at the heart of the Loccioni’s microgrid, optimizes energy efficiency, comfort, and cost-effectiveness by generating, storing, and distributing renewable energy based on demand. The system integrates multiple energy sources, including:
- Solar Energy – 2 MW of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, plus a repowered 920 kW PV installation in the countryside, boosting production by 800 kW.
- Hydropower – Four micro hydropower plants generating 550 MWh annually, also supporting thermal energy production via heat pumps.
- Biomass – An innovative pellet biomass cogeneration system producing electricity and thermal energy around the clock, with a 450m³ heat storage tank.
A 1.8 MWh second-life battery storage system, developed in collaboration with ENEL, Nissan, and Samsung, further enhances the community’s energy autonomy. The system also integrates electric vehicles and smart grid technologies, reinforcing the role of local energy communities in sustainable development.
Good practice: The Leaf Community Loccioni - a micro grid, full electric powered by renewable energy sources | interregeurope.eu
Technical Seminar at Key Energy Expo, Rimini
As part of the EXPRESS project’s implementation activities, the Marche Region also hosted a technical seminar on Thursday, March 7, 2025, at the Key Energy Expo. The session, titled “Energy Communities and Energy Cooperatives – The Role of Small-Scale Energy Production in Achieving Renewable Energy Self-Sufficiency”, was moderated by Lorenzo Federiconi, an official of the Marche Region.
The scientific session explored key research findings on energy efficiency and self-sufficiency in renewable energy communities. Presentations included a case study on self-consumption in energy communities by Samuele Branchetti (ENEA, TERIN-ICER-CROSS), insights into building energy efficiency as a critical factor for community success by Gianluca Coccia (Università Politecnica delle Marche), and an overview of environmental rating systems supporting energy community implementation by Massimiliano Bagagli (ITACA).
The partners' experiences session highlighted real-world examples of energy communities across Europe. Alma Pohjonen from the Karelian University of Applied Sciences (Finland) presented key energy community projects in North Karelia, while Lucas Sittler from Paris Climate Agency (France) shared insights from the Croulebarbe energy community project in Paris. Dewi Vliexs from the South East Energy Agency (Ireland) discussed the Ballymacarbry Energy Community initiative, and Katiuscia Grassi from the Marche Region presented local energy community developments in the region.
To conclude, Anaïs Cognacq from Alec Métropole Bordelaise et Gironde (France) introduced the policy instruments of the Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, showcasing the region’s call for proposals to support energy community projects as a European best practice.
This seminar provided a platform for experts and stakeholders to discuss the role of decentralized energy production in accelerating Europe’s transition to a sustainable and resilient energy system.
Seminar presentations: https://www.regione.marche.it/Regione-Utile/Ambiente/Progetti-Europei#Express
