Scenario analysis for renewable energy communities through advanced co-simulation infrastructure

This paper presents a comprehensive scenario analysis for a Renewable Energy Community (REC) located in a mountain area, with the aim to emphasize the interplay between building envelope performance, heating system technologies, and the penetration of PV systems. Motivated by the urgent need to transition towards sustainable energy systems, the study explores and validates the efficacy of a co-simulation infrastructure in assessing the performance of RECs by means of grid and building-level KPIs. The methodology integrates an advanced co-simulation tool to model and assess the impacts of various REC scenarios on the energy shared by the community, effectively capturing the patterns of energy production and consumption. The tool leverages a heterogeneous but limited set of input data to obtain a realistic representation of the specific REC. The major findings reveal significant insights into how the synergy between building envelope design, heating system options, and PV system penetration can enhance RECs’ sustainability and energy efficiency. Conclusions drawn from the study underscore the crucial role of advanced simulation approaches in guiding decision-making processes for the development and optimization of RECs, thanks to the deeper understanding of the complex factors that drive community performance.