Cultural Heritage and Energy Communities: critical issues and opportunities

A proposed decree by Italy's Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) highlights the potential of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) to advance self-consumption from renewable sources, particularly within UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study maps existing RECs in Italy, identifying key barriers—both national and international—that have limited their adoption, especially in safeguarded areas. It emphasizes the need for compatibility solutions in protected contexts, drawing on past projects and guidelines. The research proposes a novel approach to integrating a new CER within a UNESCO site, advocating for direct involvement of the Ministry of Culture in energy transition processes. This work underscores the dual role of cultural heritage sites as both preservation areas and active participants in sustainable energy development.

Franco, G., & Casanova, M. (2023). Cultural Heritage and Energy Communities: critical issues and opportunities. TECHNE - Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment, (26), 68–77. https://doi.org/10.36253/techne-14457