Renewable Energy Communities development and the mediating role of trust: Pre-regulatory study from Lombardy

Renewable Energy Communities, strongly sustained by the European Community as a viable way to fasten low carbon transition, slowly develop in Italy for regulatory. This study delves into the framework of Renewable Energy Communities and explores the perspective of the specifically small and medium industries in the Lombardy region of Italy through a survey. Our findings reveal that while those industries exhibit interest in Renewable Energy Communities, there is a notable gap in knowledge and engagement. We argue that the active involvement of Public Administration Bodies is crucial in disseminating information about Renewable Energy Communities and highlighting their benefits. The survey results, elaborated through a nonparametric test (MannWhitney U test) indicate that Public Administration Bodies play a pivotal role in influencing perceptions and willingness to participate in Renewable Energy Communities. The data suggest that more direct and effective communication strategies by local Public Bodies could significantly enhance Small and Medium Industries’ understanding and involvement in Renewable Energy Communities due to interpersonal trust. This research underscores the need for targeted and strategic efforts by local Public Bodies to foster a more informed and proactive approach among Small and Medium Industries towards renewable energy initiatives. Such endeavors could be instrumental in accelerating the adoption of Renewable Energy Communities, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.