Germignaga: Luinese Renewable Energy Community reaches 400 kW

Context

TL;DR

• Luinese CER reaches 400 kW with 55 plants
• Goal: 1000 kW by end of 2026
• 17 municipalities and 287 members involved
• Incentives for social projects and members

Key facts

• Cosa: Luinese Renewable Energy Community
• Quando: General assembly on April 22, 2026
• Dove: Germignaga Middle Schools Gym
• Chi: 17 municipalities and 287 members
• Importo: 400 kW of installed power
• Obiettivo: 1000 kW by the end of 2026
• Impianti: 55 photovoltaic plants
• Budget 2025: Surplus of €6,803

In brief

• Luinese Renewable Energy Community reaches 400 kW
• Goal: 1000 kW by the end of 2026
• 17 municipalities and 287 members involved
• 55 plants installed

Key facts

• What: Luinese Renewable Energy Community
• When: General assembly on April 22, 2026
• Where: Germignaga Middle Schools Gym
• Who: 17 municipalities and 287 members
• Amount: 400 kW of installed power
• Goal: 1000 kW by the end of 2026
• Plants: 55 photovoltaic plants
• Incentives: Destined for social projects and redistributed among members
• 2025 Budget: Surplus of €6,803

The general assembly of the Luinese Renewable Energy Community (CER) took place on Wednesday, April 22, at the Germignaga Middle Schools Gym. An important moment to understand how CERs represent a new vision of the relationship between institutions, citizens, and territory. "They express a shared production of clean energy, cost reduction, greater energy independence, environmental protection, but above all, they mean community. Because a CER is not just a set of plants or rules: it is a cultural and political choice in the highest sense of the term: that of uniting resources, intelligence, and responsibility to build together a common good that is energy." After thanking the Gym for its concession and the initial greeting from Germignaga's mayor, Marco Fazio, the president of the Luinese CER, Gianfranco Malagola, introduced the agenda of the assembly.

Currently, 17 municipalities have joined the Luinese CER, established on June 27, 2024, by the municipality of Luino: Agra, Brezzo di Bedero, Brissago Valtravaglia, Brusimpiano, Cadegliano Viconago, Castelveccana, Cremenaga, Cunardo, Curiglia con Monteviasco, Dumenza, Germignaga, Grantola, Lavena Ponte Tresa, Maccagno con Pino e Veddasca, Marchirolo, Montegrino Valtravaglia, and Porto Valtravaglia. The Luinese CER now has 287 members, distributed across the territories fed by the primary cabinets of Luino and Cunardo; in its first two years of life, the Luinese CER has grown in terms of plants for the production of energy from renewable sources, reaching the impressive number of 55 plants for a total power of approximately 400 kW. It is estimated to reach 1000 kW by the end of 2026.

These results confirm that the Luinese CER is one of the largest in Italy and demonstrate the importance of civil society's commitment, also thanks to the close collaboration with the CER Alto Verbano Installers Network "Energia Vicina," composed of installers who collaborate with the Luinese CER for the realization of quality photovoltaic plants and in compliance with technical standards and GSE (Energy Services Manager).

Incentives and Budget

The incentives that the CER receives from the GSE based on the shared energy among the CER's members were then analyzed: these incentives will be partly allocated to social projects and partly redistributed among the members following precise criteria defined by the CER of Luinese's Operational Regulations. The first part of the CER President's speech concluded with the hope for a swift approval of the European Directive RED III, which provides for the unbundling of shared energy among the CER's members in the bill; this will lead to significant bill reductions as the CER's members will no longer pay for the shared energy they have consumed in the bill.

The approval of the 2025 budget, illustrated by the CER's Treasurer, Valerio Ceruti, followed: 2025 ends with a positive management surplus of 6,803 €. The budget is approved unanimously with the allocation in 2026 of the incentives received in 2025.

Statutory Changes

Another important point was the proposal to amend the statute: thanks to the presence, in person and by proxy, of three quarters of the members, Article 3 was amended to allow the CER to participate in the Conto Termico 3.0 and Article 19 to simplify the vote in the assembly by adopting the rule 'one head, one vote'. The amendments were approved unanimously.

Innovative Projects

Two speeches on innovative projects for the CER followed. In the first speech, a pilot project for the installation of photovoltaic systems on public buildings was discussed, with the aim of further increasing the production of renewable energy and reducing costs for the municipalities involved. The second speech concerned a project of awareness and training for citizens on the topics of renewable energy and energy efficiency, with the aim of involving more and more people in the energy transition.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Cross-Border Workers

The growth of the Luinese Renewable Energy Community represents a concrete opportunity for cross-border workers who live or work in the area. The increase in renewable energy production and the reduction in energy bills can have a significant impact on the purchasing power and quality of life of cross-border workers. Additionally, active participation in the CER can offer tax benefits and social contributions, making daily life more sustainable.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before the establishment of the Luinese CER, the involved municipalities primarily relied on the traditional electrical grid, with high costs and less energy independence. The creation of the CER has allowed for a reduction in energy costs thanks to local renewable energy production and the sharing of incentives. This model represents a virtuous example of how local communities can come together to address energy and environmental challenges.

Future Scenarios

With the goal of reaching 1000 kW of installed capacity by the end of 2026, the Luinese CER aims to become one of the largest and most advanced energy communities in Italy. This objective will require further commitment from the municipalities, members, and installers, but the benefits for the community will be significant. The rapid approval of the European Directive RED III could further accelerate this process, leading to even more substantial reductions in energy bills for CER members.

Collaboration with the Installers' Network

Close collaboration with the CER Alto Verbano Installers' Network 'Energia Vicina' is fundamental to ensuring the quality and efficiency of photovoltaic systems. Installers work with the Luinese CER to implement systems that comply with technical regulations and GSE requirements, ensuring reliable and sustainable energy production. This synergy represents a successful model for other communities wishing to launch similar projects.

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Key points

What to Do to Join the Luinese Renewable Energy Community

If you're interested in becoming a member of the Luinese Renewable Energy Community (CER), follow these steps:

1. Inform yourself: Visit the official website of the Luinese CER to learn about the project details and the requirements to become a member. 2. Contact your municipality: Reach out to your local municipality to get information on how to join the CER. 3. Fill out the application: Complete the membership form and submit it to the Luinese CER. 4. Install a photovoltaic system: If you want to actively contribute to the production of renewable energy, you can install a photovoltaic system on your roof and connect it to the CER network. 5. Attend assemblies: Participate in general assemblies to vote on important decisions and stay updated on the CER's activities.

Useful Tools

To calculate potential savings and benefits from joining the Luinese CER, you can use the energy savings calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool will help you estimate the costs and benefits of joining the energy community.

Conclusion

The Luinese Renewable Energy Community is a prime example of how local communities can come together to tackle energy and environmental challenges. Active participation in the CER can offer concrete advantages for cross-border workers, reducing energy costs and improving quality of life. Don't miss the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future and benefit from this innovative initiative.

Source: varesenews.it