Assessing the Grid Impact of Renewable Energy Communities in a Small Island

Abstract

The paper presents a study carried out on the island of Pantelleria aimed at assessing the impact of the rise of renewable energy communities (RECs) on the distribution grid parameters. A comparison of various scenarios is done considering different operational strategies of BESSes and electric storage water heaters and different penetration of photovoltaic systems, whose maximum power is defined according to the Italian requirements for small islands (Decree “Isole minori”). The analysis of the impact on the grid is a key element for the evolution and development of RECs in small islands. The study highlight the beneficial impacts of RECs on the distribution grid if associated with suitable Demand Response strategies.