On the occasion of International Women’s Day in Science (February 11), together with Luna Del Pizzo of APRE, we interviewed Maria Assunta Vitelli, an expert in Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), to explore the role of biogas in the future of sustainable energy and the importance of women in the renewable sector.
On February 11, on the occasion of the International Day of Women in Science and STEM, we want to highlight the female figures who are actively contributing to the energy transition. Renewable energy and the circular economy are rapidly growing sectors and represent fundamental pillars for the decarbonization of Europe.
The ALFA project, of which APRE – the Agency for the Promotion of European Research – and AzzeroCO2 are partners, is a project funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe, and it aims to enhance the potential of biogas derived from animal husbandry by supporting the creation and modernization of plants and promoting the adoption of renewable energies. In this context, Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) can play a key role in integrating biogas into the local energy mix. We wanted to discuss this with Maria Assunta Vitelli, an REC expert, to understand what the future prospects are and how biogas can support the energy transition, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion in local communities.
– Dr. Vitelli, let’s start with the general context. What is the current state of Renewable Energy Communities in Italy and Europe?
-Renewable Energy Communities are growing rapidly in Italy and Europe thanks to energy transition policies and the funds from the European Green Deal, with the aim of increasing energy production from renewable sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, thereby creating an energy democracy through shared energy. Italy, although somewhat behind, has, for the past year, transposed the RED II Directive through the CER Decree, which finally defines the configurations for sharing energy through renewable energy plants.
-What benefits could the integration of biogas plants within RECs bring?
-The integration of biogas into RECs is, first of all, a way to complete the circle of the circular economy in the recovery of organic waste and, like the other renewable technologies associated with RECs, it reduces dependence on fossil fuels and increases energy independence.
-What economic opportunities could arise for agricultural and livestock businesses and local communities thanks to the use of biogas?
-Biogas plants allow for the continuous production of both electrical energy and thermal energy by utilizing various types of biodegradable material. Consequently, it follows that both the aforementioned parties would benefit from such a synergy, all in accordance with the principles underlying the circular economy. Agricultural businesses, in fact, could utilize the organic material produced by citizens to maximize biogas production and related earnings, while citizens could use the energy generated by the biogas plant.
-Are there any virtuous examples of communities that have already successfully integrated biogas into their energy systems?
-There are projects at the European level that emerged a few years ago. One example is the city of Leuven in Belgium, where as early as 2017 a city energy cooperative, supported by a consortium of local associations and companies active in the energy transition, decided to make their heating system ecological and thus involve the neighboring municipalities in biogas production. In Italy, the shift to thermal RECs is provided for by decree, but at the moment the process is still long, yet possible. In Denmark, on the other hand, the green revolution takes place on the island of Samsø, which has become an example of sustainability, transforming its economy—once dependent on fossil fuels—into a reality based on renewable energies. In addition to wind and photovoltaic plants, the island uses biogas plants to produce heat and electricity, actively involving the local community in the management and the benefits derived from energy production.
WOMEN AND THE ENERGY TRANSITION
-In the renewable energy and REC sectors, what is the female presence? Are there barriers that hinder greater participation by women? If so, what are they?
-In general, I would say that the percentage of women pursuing a scientific career, and especially professional growth, is still low, and this is due to the lack of supportive policies. At the same time, in RECs it must be considered that in the boards and governing bodies of RECs, the engagement model of decision-makers replicates exactly that of corporations or public administrations, meaning it is predominantly male-led, and the same goes for the ownership of the plants. I consider myself very fortunate, because in the working group I am part of for REC technical development, the team is mostly composed of professional women who not only have very high technical-scientific skills but also possess great coordination and territorial facilitation abilities when building a REC.
-Are there initiatives or programs that promote the entry of women into professions related to renewable energies?
-An innovative and active organization is Wire – Women in Renewable Energy, an international association that for over ten years has promoted the role and recognition of women and other underrepresented groups in the renewable energy sector. In the world of activism, there are many organizations that focus on training and awareness, and on an innovative approach to female leadership, which unfortunately compensates for the lack of policies.
-What benefits could result from a greater female participation in the energy transition?
-Energy communities, as they involve the virtual exchange of energy that encompasses a primary unit—that is, a wider area and not just a roof—require rethinking a territory, a neighborhood, in order to bring social, economic, and environmental benefits. Professional women in these areas have a powerful and transversal decision-making role, which leads to the transformation, construction, and involvement of energy communities that are engaged and active in an innovative project.
-How can the involvement of women in the management and development of RECs be encouraged?
-Exactly as men are involved, by collaborating in decisions, together.
REGULATORY ASPECTS AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
-From the point of view of public policies, what would be necessary to encourage the integration of biogas into RECs?
-Certainly, on one hand it would be necessary to positively foster the debate to promote the social acceptance of biogas plants (which are very often not looked upon favorably by the local population). On the other hand, it would be advisable to modify the relevant legislation, since the regulatory framework is mainly tailored for photovoltaics.
-How can collaboration be promoted between agricultural and livestock businesses, companies, and local administrations to develop RECs based on biogas?
-The objectives of RECs are certainly to combat energy poverty by spreading the culture of sustainability and the sense of belonging to a community. In this light, a continuous constructive dialogue among all the parties involved is necessary.
-To conclude, what message would you like to convey to girls and women who want to pursue a career in the renewable energy sector?
-I would tell them to be spontaneous in their choices, and to follow their own inclinations and ambitions with determination and self-awareness.
For more information about the project, visit the website www.alfa-res.eu
