The network of renewable and solidary energy communities Comunita’ energetiche rinnovabili e solidali

The Network of Renewable and Solidary Energy Communities (CERS) aims to build a bottom-up alliance to fight energy poverty through renewable energy. The network wants to make communities protagonists in the just ecological transition and the relaunch of the Italian energy system by finding local solutions to environmental and socioeconomic challenges. The network promotes an alternative economic model to help communities reduce inequalities and create inclusive and sustainable participatory processes. The initiative was launched by the NGO Legambiente, the Energy and Solidarity Community of East Naples and the Municipality of Ferla in December 2021, inspired by successful examples. Public participation, social innovation, as well as social, environmental and climate justice, are key words, and the collaboration between the NGO sector, public administrations and businesses is seen as crucial.