Who would have thought that energy could become a matter
of community?
For decades, we’ve considered it something distant and invisible—managed by large power plants, national operators, meters, and bills. But today, something is changing. Quietly, but radically.
Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are one of those innovations that arrive without fanfare, yet carry immense potential. Small local revolutions that bring together citizens, businesses, and public institutions to produce and share clean renewable energy directly within their own territory.
You don’t need to be an expert or an investor: you just need to want to be part of a new, more conscious, more sustainable, and fairer way of consuming energy.
Picture a school with a rooftop full of solar panels. The energy produced during the day powers not only the school, but also a local shop in the historic center, a family on the outskirts, and a cultural association. No waste, no privilege. A circular system where energy finally becomes a common good.
Beyond the environmental advantages, energy communities offer economic benefits (through incentives and lower bills) and social ones too: they build networks, encourage collaboration, and include those who are often left out—like vulnerable families or small municipalities.
And this is where Greve in Chianti comes in. The town has recently chosen to join the Renewable Energy Community promoted by Sienaenergie, an open, participatory project aimed at enhancing the energy heritage of Tuscany by bringing together the public and private sectors.
We spoke with Monica Toniazzi, Councillor for the Environment of Greve in Chianti, to understand what it means for a town like ours to join a REC—and what future possibilities lie ahead.
What convinced the Municipality of Greve in Chianti to
join Sienaenergie’s Renewable Energy Community?
Greve in Chianti chose to join Sienaenergie’s REC for
both ethical and practical reasons.. On one hand, the municipality saw the legal form of a recognized association as the most aligned with the idea of an inclusive, democratic, and participatory ecological transition—where citizens, institutions, and businesses all have a voice and can make an impact. On the other hand, it appreciated Sienaenergie’s solidity and reliability—already operational, non-profit, and one of the first seven RECs approved by GSE—thus avoiding the costs, time, and complexity of creating an autonomous entity, especially given the initially small number of local participants. In short, it was a choice based on efficiency, responsibility, and shared vision.
What concrete first steps will be taken locally?
In the coming months, we’ll focus on informing residents about the launch of the REC in Greve and supporting the enrollment process through Sienaenergie.
At the same time, we’ll establish the Greve in Chianti Participation Committee, which will develop projects, manage local relationships with members, and maintain a direct link with the larger Sienaenergie community.
What kind of benefits will local citizens and businesses
receive?
- An incentive tariff on the shared energy quota, paid by GSE for 20 years, for both citizens and businesses.
(This applies to systems installed from 2023 onward, the year Sienaenergie was founded.)
- A 40% non-repayable grant for installing new photovoltaic systems.
Many funding calls are exclusive to REC members, so:
- Public bodies and businesses will be eligible for regional calls.
- Public entities, businesses, and citizens can take part in national PNRR calls.
- Only REC members can apply for these dedicated grants.
Is there a social aspect to the project? For example, support for struggling families, schools, or associations?
Absolutely. Tackling energy poverty is a core focus. For example, if there are more energy users than available energy, priority will be given to vulnerable group
Additionally, members may choose to allocate shared energy revenues to support social projects.
What public spaces or facilities will the Municipality offer for energy production?
We’re working with the offices to evaluate potential sites. We’re considering new photovoltaic installations on the middle school or the sports center.
What can citizens do now to get involved or learn more?
It’s already possible to contact the Environment Department, get in touch with Sienaenergie, and attend small community meetings we’ll be organizing in the coming weeks.
What’s the long-term vision for Greve in Chianti? Can we imagine a more independent, sustainable, and collaborative community?
I certainly hope so. We will work to make that a reality.
Sienaenergie: A grassroots energy community built by citizens, for the region
Founded in January 2023, Sienaenergie ETS is the first active Renewable Energy Community in the province of Siena—a voluntary, non-profit, bottom-up initiative that became reality thanks to a network of citizens, organizations, associations, and local institutions.
Today, Sienaenergie has over 200 members—including citizens, third sector organizations, unions, and institutions—all with equal rights and decision-making power in the collective management of the REC. Since spring 2024, it has been operating three active configurations that exchange energy across several primary substations in the Siena area.
