Energy Communities Toward Sustainable Development: The Role of Economic Factors in a Social Analysis

Abstract

Sustainable challenges have become a priority for governments and businesses seeking to advance the decarbonization process. Within national energy strategies, renewable energy communities (RECs) are emerging as a key mechanism for achieving not only environmental and economic goals—supported by incentive policies—but also social goals, as they actively engage citizens, businesses, and utility companies. The present study focused on the role played by citizens by conducting a social analysis based on an online survey across Italy, examining sustainable behaviors, habits, perceptions, and the economic dynamics of potential prosumers. The results showed that there is widespread concern about climate change; yet, this concern is not accompanied by an adequate level of information. In addition, respondents exhibited a preference for protective regulatory frameworks over full liberalization of the energy sector. Awareness of RECs remains limited, with only two-thirds of the sample familiar with the concept. However, prior knowledge correlated with a greater inclination to participate in such communities. Economic factors (including sale prices, purchase prices, and exchange prices) played a crucial role in shaping respondents' willingness to engage with RECs, as they sought equilibrium among these financial elements. Ultimately, the economic component appears fundamental to the social acceptance of prosumerism, positioning RECs as a viable pathway toward sustainable development.