The role of Renewable Energy Communities in achieving SDG7 targets: an experimental assessment methodology for the italian inner areas

The transition towards renewable energy sources is crucial in achieving the Agenda 2030 SDGs and the carbon neutrality of cities. The Renewable Energy Communities have emerged as a promising model for sustainable energy production and consumption and they have the potential to contribute significantly in achieving SDG7. In this article, we propose an experimental methodology to assess the positive impact of Renewable Energy Communities in the inner areas through the SDG7, focusing on the help of clean and emerging technologies to achieve that. Assessing the performance of RECs is important to ensure: their effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to carbon neutrality; the alignment with SDG7. The methodology consists three steps: identifying the renewable energy community being assessed with a case study approach; defining, collecting, analysing and comparing data with the baseline values for the SDG7 targets and indicators. The third step should enlight the strengths and weaknesses of the investigated RECs, also from a technological point of view. The results at this step aim to discuss on the role of the most widely used renewable technologies, but also to assess the potential of the technologies in producing, consuming and storing the energy and their capability to achieve additional targets.