Baia dei Gelsomini
Renewable Energy Community (REC) in Calabria Region
Description
The Baia dei Gelsomini is a touristic community of around 130 houses in Palizzi Marina at the southernmost point of the Italian peninsula, comprising mostly holiday houses but with a few residents and some agricultural activity. The community is situated in a region that is highly vulnerable to energy poverty but with a favourable climate to produce renewable solar energy. The village is currently engaged in the establishment of a renewable energy community under the Smart Rural 27 initiative. At the time of writing in 2024, a feasibility study is underway as part of the Rural Energy Community Advisory Hub (RECAH) project investigating photovoltaic production.
Technology
The village has sufficient space for the installation of a structure- and ground-based photovoltaic system capable of producing 100–200 kWp, although there is a need to install an energy storage system that can compensate for the passive night cycle within the diurnal solar cycle. The village is also making use of digital solutions, such as social media, to increase the area’s attractiveness outside the seasonal peaks and to aid in the management of tourism.
Target
The primary targets of the project include the local community and tourists who visit the village during the summer season, while smallholder farmers can benefit from the improved access to energy.
Impact
The main goal of the project is energy independence and the full decarbonization of the energy used for the operation of the wastewater treatment plant, street lighting, and the pumping, storage and distribution of drinking water. Ultimately, the aim is to secure a convenient source of renewable energy with competitive generation and distribution costs for all members of the community, including residents, small local farmers and the municipality.
Partners
European Union; Rural Energy Community Advisory Hub (RECAH)
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
