Rome, February 19, 2026 – The city of Rome is significantly stepping up its efforts to promote Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) with the announcement of an €800,000 tender. This funding is earmarked for the establishment of at least 20 new solar power plants, marking a crucial step towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future for the Italian capital.
New Resources for Solidary Renewable Energy Communities
The allocation of approximately €800,000 follows the approval of a new regulation that permits the use of rooftops of schools and public buildings for solidary energy projects. These funds, provided by the Ministry of Environment for climate mitigation interventions, were made available after the European Commission’s green light for the Climate City Contract. The announcement was made during the second Conference of Renewable Energy Communities held at the Capitoline Hill.
Solar Growth: Over 34,000 Plants Installed
According to data from Areti, the company managing electricity distribution in Rome, 4,499 new photovoltaic systems with a capacity of 44 megawatts were connected in 2025. This brings the total installed capacity to 398 megawatts, distributed across over 34,000 plants. This increase translates into significant environmental benefits and savings on utility bills for families and businesses, reinforcing Rome’s path towards climate neutrality.
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri emphasized the importance of these developments: “The data on solar growth are encouraging and tell us that the city has well understood the opportunities linked to the green economy. The work we are carrying out with the many social realities of Rome on RECs demonstrates that it is possible to pursue an ambitious climate transition and create benefits for all, especially for those who struggle to pay for electricity and gas, for that growing segment of the Italian population in conditions of energy poverty. Our commitment to supporting RECs continues, and after the approval of the first regulation in Italy for solidary projects, we will finance the creation of at least 20 projects with a tender, and in the coming days, the Executive Board will approve the Technical and Economic Feasibility Plan for the tender aimed at building solar plants in 15 schools in Rome Capital, serving RECs.”
Schools and Public Buildings at the Heart of the Transition
The conference also featured speeches from Public Works Councillor Ornella Segnalini and the President of the Capitoline Environment Commission, Giammarco Palmieri.
Councillor Segnalini stated, “Renewable Energy Communities represent a concrete tool to combine environmental sustainability and social cohesion. As the Department of Public Works, we are integrating the energy transition into the requalification of municipal assets, starting from schools and public buildings, focusing on energy efficiency and the production of energy from renewable sources. It is a challenge that requires collaboration, competence, and vision, which can transform these investments into real and shared benefits for the territories and for citizens.”
Palmieri added, “There is a very strong interest in the city for energy communities. Numerous ones are forming in various territories, many precisely thanks to the regulation that makes the roofs of municipal buildings available. An important tool both for the widespread production of sustainable energy and for social cohesion and the fight against energy poverty. A big thank you to the climate office and its director Edoardo Zanchini for the great work done in recent years.”
Active Projects and New Construction Sites
During the conference, projects launched in Municipalities I, IV, VII, and XI were presented, promoted by Third Sector associations through the municipal regulation for making areas and photovoltaic systems available.
Already operational experiences include the plants at the Vaccari Institute, Borgo Ragazzi Don Bosco on Prenestina, the five installations in the schools of Municipality VIII, those of the Convent of the Clarisse Nuns in Monteverde, and the plant on the Marevivo houseboat on the Tiber.
New initiatives also involve Sapienza University of Rome, University of Rome Tor Vergata, and Roma Tre University, along with citizen associations active in the Pigneto, Casal Brunori, San Pietro, and Quarticciolo districts.
Rome thus confirms itself as a national laboratory for the spread of RECs, thanks also to support tools such as simplified access models to the regulation, credit assistance, a dedicated information portal, and a mobile desk that has visited all municipalities in recent months to inform citizens about the opportunities offered by shared energy.
Source: lacapitale.it
