Thank to the REC call for Fondazione Cariverona andtheassistancetechcnic of Sinloc and Sinloc Moving Energy, arise three new REC between Vicenza and Verona
In 2023 , the Fondazione Cariverona promoted the ‘ Renewable EnergyCommunities ‘ call for proposals, making available 2.2 million euro to stimulate the creation of Renewable EnergyCommunities (RECs) in the provinces of Verona, Vicenza, Belluno, Ancona and Mantua, encouraging energy autonomy, the reduction of environmental impact and the active involvement of local communities.
In addition to the economic contribution of up to 60,000 euros for each project, the call offered specialised technical support , guaranteeing qualified accompaniment every step of the way.
A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR HIGH IMPACT PROJECTS
Fondazione Cariverona has therefore collaborated with Sinloc and Sinloc Moving Energy the drafting of the call and the identification of the most solid and promising initiatives. Preliminary territorial analyses had in fact shown that, in four of the five provinces, the production of energy from renewable sources (RES) was insufficient compared to consumption, and that each had specific socio-economic criticalities. Therefore, these elements suggested directing the activities financed by REC projects towards these areas, also through the generation of incentives.
The result? Inclusive projects were chosen, with broad and multi-sectoral partnerships, which focus on environmental sustainability, social solidarity and active citizen participation. Nearly two years after the launch of the call, these synergies have resulted in the birth of the three new RECs operating in the provinces of Vicenza and Verona, which the Fondazione Cariverona had entrusted to Sinloc, together with other projects located in the Foundation ‘s territories.
VICENZA: A NETWORK BETWEEN 15 MUNICIPALITIES
The first REC is located in the heart of Alto Vicentino, and is distinguished by the breadth of the partnership: 15 municipalities involved (with Marano and Thiene as leaders), two primary cabins considered and a total catchment area of over 100,000 residents.
The project is based on an innovative vision of cooperation between public and private actors , aimed at networking producers and consumers of energy from renewable sources. Public meetings, information desks and the collection of expressions of interest allowed for a strong involvement of citizenship, transforming the community into an active protagonist of the ecological transition.
A SHARED ENERGY FUTURE FOR THE BERICA AREA
Seven municipalities of the Berica area, led by the local administrations of Nanto and Arcugnano, followed a similar path to the municipalities of Alto Vicentino , establishing the ‘Monti Berici’ Participation Foundation in November 2024 .. With over 23,000 inhabitants involved, the project aims to make the area a concrete example of energy, social and economic transition. The initiative involves the initial installation of 75 kW of renewable power distributed over four different primary substations. Sinloc and Sinloc Moving Energy accompanied the entire process: from the definition of the statute to the drafting of the business plan, through to the technical design and governance model for managing and sharing the energy produced. An integrated approach, which was also adopted for the other initiatives supported by the call for proposals, made it possible to build solid, participatory and long-term oriented RECs with respect to the objectives , – both social and environmental – that each administration has set for itself regarding the use of the incentives generated: some have chosen to protect Lake Fimon, others to expand the cultural offer and leisure services aimed especially at the younger (children and minors) and elderly segments of the population.
“GOCCE DI COMUNITÀ’: THE NEW REC IN POVEGLIANO VERONESE
In December 2024 , the REC ‘ Gocce di Comunità’ also started in the municipality of Povegliano Veronese. The project, supported by the administration led by the mayor Roberta Tedeschi, is the culmination of two years of shared work with citizens, local businesses, associations and religious institutions in the area. Sinloc Moving Energy’s technical analysis estimated the installation of photovoltaic systems for a total of 348 kW of power among only those participating in the expression of interest, with an initial investment of around €480,000. The role of the nearby industrial area of Povegliano Veronese, with companies that have large-scale photovoltaic plants, also guarantees interesting prospects for expanding the perimeter of those involved, the results that can be achieved and the impacts that can be generated .
Concrete examples that demonstrate how collaboration between institutions, communities and businesses can transform the territory by making energy a true engine of social cohesion and local development.
