A choice experiment study to assess social benefits explaining citizen participation in renewable energy communities

This research proposes a Choice Experiment study, aimed at assessing the perceived social benefits explaining social acceptance of the Renewable Energy Community (REC) energy sharing model. A survey (N = 815) has been carried out in rural territories, potential target of deployment of renewable energy facilities, and urban sites in Sardinia, Italy. It is seen that only configurations characterized by community ownership of facilities are deemed beneficial, while ownership by external agents decreases the social value of the project, so much that the financial incentives provided under the current Italian regulation would not be enough to make the initiative socially attractive in this context. This result is especially evident in rural areas. Higher valuations of the community ownership attribute are explained by behavioral intention, which is in turn triggered by perception of social benefits associated with the REC, by social norms and other socio-psychological factors. Perceived social benefits, trust toward government institutions, and sense of community also have an effect on the valuation of governance options for the REC. Indications for policy are drawn, emphasizing the importance of localizing the gains from renewable energy facilities, and of a fair distribution of social benefits. • A Choice Experiment (N = 815) quantifies citizens' valuation of REC social benefits. • Local ownership significantly increases willingness to participate in a REC. • Socio-psychological factors are explanators of preferences for REC configurations. • Rural and urban areas' preferences differ because of community and energy contexts. • Recommendations include policy tools to support investments in collective plants.