Energy4All Roundtable Discussion: Exploring the Future of Energy Communities in Quarticciolo, Rome

On 21 February we hosted a roundtable discussion on our Energy4All pilot in Quarticciolo, Rome. The event brought together key partners of the pilot project to discuss its progress, challenges, and the broader implications of energy communities.

It was a valuable opportunity for in-depth dialogue and open discussion. Together, we examined the transformative potential of energy communities in revitalizing urban peripheries. Experts, institutions, and local stakeholders participated in discussions on how the energy transition can drive social, economic, and environmental progress.

Flavia Rizzuto, representing the Quarticciolo Energy Community, highlighted the pressing issue of energy poverty in the neighborhood. While energy prices have stabilized, the substantial energy inefficiency of outdated buildings remains a major challenge. However, the Quarticciolo energy community is more than just a technical project—it embodies solidarity and a strong sense of community, with a focus on supporting vulnerable social groups. Rizzuto emphasized the importance of formalizing the community’s legal status to strengthen institutional engagement and expand the project’s impact.

Sustainability and social justice were central themes in the intervention by Serena Olcuire (LabSU, a Sapienza University lab). She underscored how energy communities can address both social and ecological inequalities. Quarticciolo, with its limited green spaces and high land consumption, presents a clear correlation between low income and reduced environmental quality. The energy improvement initiative is part of a broader urban regeneration strategy, which also aims to restore abandoned spaces, such as the Theatre Factory and the municipal swimming pool, for community use.

A key challenge from the project’s inception has been the lack of reliable data. Martina Lovat (Openpolis) pointed out the absence of up-to-date official statistics, with existing data dating back to 2011. While some local data has been gathered, greater transparency is necessary, particularly regarding the renovation of private buildings.

The discussion also included a presentation on the Energy4All project by Stefanija Hrle Aiello from Eutropian. Quarticciolo is one of six European pilot sites within the E4A initiative, which seeks to make energy communities accessible to all by developing regulatory frameworks and best practices to facilitate their establishment. A fundamental aspect of the project is its social dimension: energy communities are not just networks for energy production and distribution but also instruments of empowerment for local residents. The goal of Energy4All is to develop scalable models and foster networks among communities across Europe, reinforcing collaboration and knowledge-sharing among partners.

An international perspective was provided by Eszter Ur from Solidarity Economy Center presenting the Kazan Energy Community, Budapest, who highlighted parallels between Quarticciolo and the district where Kazan is located in Budapest—both areas struggling with urban degradation, low incomes, and gentrification. The Kazan Cooperative, formed by a network of local associations, successfully transformed an abandoned building into a space that now hosts an energy community, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and activists. This example illustrates how community-led initiatives and grassroots engagement are key to the success of energy communities.

Maria Assunta Vitelli (Azzeroco2) reinforced the idea that energy communities inherently promote solidarity, fostering mutual support among members. This principle of collective cooperation is essential for the success of such initiatives, strengthening the social fabric alongside the energy transition.

Finally, the discussion turned to the broader political context affecting Quarticciolo, which inevitably intersects with the energy community project. Aurora Iacob (Nuove Ri-Generazioni Lazio) posed a thought-provoking question: Are energy communities and the development model of Caivano fundamentally incompatible? This question spurred a rich debate on the challenges of reconciling different development approaches while pursuing the shared goal of improving the quality of life in urban peripheries.

In conclusion, the roundtable discussion underscored the transformative power of energy communities in revitalizing neighborhoods. It emphasized the need for an integrated approach that combines ecological sustainability with social justice, made possible through cooperation between residents, local institutions, and key stakeholders.