To Join or Not to Join? The Energy Community Dilemma: An Italian Case Study

Energy Communities (EC) are becoming a major driver to foster the energy transition in Europe and regulatory framework adopted by each Member State (MS) plays key role for prosperous deployment of ECs. This paper is thus divided into two layers. The first layer this addresses current regulations introduced MSs regarding ECs, providing critical comparison solution used. second research concerns introduction Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) optimization algorithm early studied some authors furtherly developed assess conditions that favour prosumers’ participation Both these models have been tested on case study located city Magliano Alpi, north Italy. results demonstrate proposed methodology correctly evaluates parameters influencing citizens ECs indicate Italian EC under study, there possibility further expand capacity installed without undermining profitability investment.