In the heart of Italy, a groundbreaking study is challenging the status quo of renewable energy consumption, offering a blueprint for condominiums to slash energy bills and boost financial returns. Led by Christian Mari, a researcher at the Department of Management, Economics, and Industrial Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, the study delves into the economic feasibility of Jointly Acting Renewable Self-consumption (JARS) in condominium buildings, a concept that could reshape the energy landscape.
JARS allows apartment owners to collectively invest in renewable energy systems, sharing both the costs and benefits. The energy produced is consumed on-site, reducing energy bills and, in some cases, benefiting from financial incentives. “This is not just about saving money,” Mari explains. “It’s about empowering communities to take control of their energy consumption and contribute to the energy transition.”
The study, published in the journal Buildings (translated as “Buildings”), analyzed 109 condominiums in an Italian urban area, using advanced simulations to model energy production and consumption. The results are promising: JARS yields average incentive gains of EUR 94.34 per person per year, rising to EUR 340 when including tax bonuses, energy savings, and energy sales. The average investment payback time is a mere 8.8 years.
But the benefits don’t stop there. When integrated into larger Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), JARS shows improved energy sharing and higher economic returns. “This synergy between JARS and RECs could be a game-changer,” Mari says. “It’s a win-win situation for both the condominiums and the wider community.”
The study’s findings have significant implications for the energy sector. By demonstrating the economic viability of JARS, it paves the way for more condominiums to adopt this model, accelerating the energy transition. Moreover, the study highlights the potential of integrating JARS into larger RECs, a strategy that could enhance energy sharing and economic returns.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy sustainability, this research offers a beacon of hope. It’s a testament to the power of collective action and community engagement in driving the energy transition. And it’s a call to action for the energy sector to explore and invest in these innovative models of energy consumption.
In the words of Mari, “The future of energy is not just about large-scale power plants. It’s about communities coming together to take control of their energy future. And that future is here.”