by InTrieste
In an ambitious move toward a greener future, Friuli Venezia Giulia region plans to embark on a pioneering initiative to create a unified Renewable Energy Community, titled “Io Sono FVG” (I Am Friuli Venezia Giulia), by the year’s end. Officials envision the community as a centralized energy framework encompassing local energy sources and systems, offering each community in the region a chance to integrate into a coordinated, sustainable project.
At a recent InsiemEnergia conference in Trieste, an event held at the city’s Chamber of Commerce, Regional Councillor for Environmental Protection Fabio Scoccimarro elaborated on this innovative project. “The ‘Io Sono FVG’ Energy Community is more than just an energy management model,” Scoccimarro noted. “It’s about building a shared identity around sustainability and creating a collective approach to the energy transition.”
The initiative, if realized, would see Friuli Venezia Giulia lead Italy’s effort to reach clean energy targets, while potentially serving as a blueprint for other regions across Europe.
Renewable Energy Communities (RECs): Key to Transition
With global demand for cleaner, sustainable energy sources on the rise, Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are increasingly seen as critical players in managing and decentralizing energy sources. By adopting this model, Friuli Venezia Giulia aims to reduce CO₂ emissions, enhance renewable energy production, and encourage self-consumption of clean energy.
“RECs play a vital role in this transition, ensuring that benefits are felt widely across both urban and rural areas,” Scoccimarro said. He emphasized that the REC model aims to make the transition to green energy “fair and just,” delivering economic, social, and environmental gains for residents across the regional spectrum.
To ensure an effective transition, the region’s new energy plan prioritizes the expansion of RECs, establishing them as strategic pillars in Friuli Venezia Giulia’s energy strategy. The plan introduces substantial support, including incentives and dedicated resources, for local communities keen to join the movement.
Boosting Resilience and Sustainability
The new Regional Energy Plan also sets out specific measures to not only increase renewable energy capacity but also enhance the resilience of local energy systems. This approach is anticipated to reduce vulnerabilities, such as dependency on fossil fuels and the impact of global energy price fluctuations, while empowering local entities with tools and incentives to pursue self-sustaining energy solutions.
“Increasing the share of renewable energy is only part of the goal,” Scoccimarro explained. “We are also focused on improving energy resilience in local communities, ensuring a more sustainable, locally driven energy infrastructure.”
The funding backing this initiative is considerable. For the 2022–2023 period alone, the Friuli Venezia Giulia government has earmarked 28.75 million euros to support photovoltaic systems and the formation of RECs. This financial boost underscores the region’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting locally produced clean energy.
Further Support Expected in 2025
To sustain momentum, Friuli Venezia Giulia is set to introduce a new round of financial support beginning in early 2025. This forthcoming program will provide communities with grants and incentives specifically designed for the expansion and creation of RECs, with funds allocated for renewable energy production systems and shared energy management technologies. This funding line is seen as critical to encouraging local stakeholders to develop and adopt sustainable energy solutions.
“By investing in these communities, we are not only reducing costs but also building shared value across the region,” Scoccimarro concluded. “Our goal is to make Friuli Venezia Giulia a model of sustainable energy production that other regions can emulate.”
With projects like Io Sono FVG, Friuli Venezia Giulia is positioning itself as a regional leader in Europe’s green transition, setting the stage for a more sustainable and self-sufficient energy future. Whether this initiative succeeds in transforming the local energy landscape remains to be seen, but the intent is clear: Friuli Venezia Giulia is betting on collective action and innovation to secure a greener tomorrow.
