Energy: MoU ENEA-CNEL on renewable energy communities

Strengthening collaborative relationships for the implementation of joint projects on energy transition, the circular economy, combating pollution and technological innovation to support the growth of Lombardy's businesses is the goal of the Memorandum of Understanding signed at Palazzo Lombardia by Regional President Attilio Fontana and ENEA President Francesca Mariotti.

The signing of the agreement was also attended by Regional Councilor for Environment and Climate Giorgio Maione and the two leaders of the Memorandum: Gian Luca Gurrieri, for the Lombardy Region, head of the Climate, Emissions and Physical Agents Organizational Unit of the Directorate General for Environment and Climate and Ilaria Bertini, director of the Energy Efficiency Department, for ENEA.

Specifically, the areas of collaboration envisaged by the agreement include: energy efficiency; adoption of renewable energy sources, new clean energy sources (hydrogen) and energy storage technologies; development of renewable energy communities (CERs); sustainable mobility; soil protection; agriculture 4.0; preservation of cultural heritage; reduction of atmospheric emissions and protection of air quality; urban regeneration and adaptation to climate change of production chains and the territory; efficient management of waste materials, refuse and wastewater in line with the principles of the circular economy; additive manufacturing; red and green biotechnologies; nuclear technologies; and initiatives to encourage technology transfer projects with regional companies, including in coordination with associations, research institutes and universities.

"This protocol" President Fontana pointed out "represents a further step in the numerous tools already implemented by the Lombardy Region to promote the ecological and digital transition. The goal is to make sustainability and technological innovation key factors in the competitiveness and attractiveness of businesses, both nationally and internationally".

Lombardy" he said "represents over 23% of the national GDP and more than a quarter of exports, and is also the leading Italian region for attracting foreign investment. Thanks to the strategy adopted over the last five years, we have supported over 1,400 foreign companies interested in investing in the region. Of these, 34 have already launched or announced investment projects in 2025 alone, with an estimated impact of €2.8 billion and 6,200 new jobs. These numbers are linked to the fact that Lombardy's ecosystem is perceived abroad as modern, dynamic and efficient. This result is significantly contributed to by regional policies supporting research, the development of new skills, the circular economy, decarbonization and the fight against climate change.

Sustainable development" he concluded "is not just a secondary consideration for this government, but an important driver of economic growth. This is why we have decided, starting with this legislative session, to discuss a 'Regional Sustainable Development Plan,' thus underscoring the importance of making this a cross-cutting theme across all measures implemented, within a vision capable of optimally combining the economy, the environment and social protection."

"This agreement strengthens our presence in Lombardy, already well-established in organizations offering services in the fields of energy efficiency and technological innovation, allowing us to accelerate the transfer and adoption of solutions for the region's sustainable development" pointed out ENEA President Francesca Mariotti. "ENEA" she said "will promote the development of joint projects, providing expertise and facilities from all four departments of energy, nuclear, energy efficiency and sustainability, and the technology transfer directorate."

"The agreement with ENEA," explained Councilor Maione, "strengthens the work Lombardy is carrying out on climate, energy, the circular economy, and air quality. It provides technical and scientific support that allows us to make data-based decisions and offer the regions more robust operational tools. With ENEA, we will strengthen our ability to forecast climate impacts, accelerate the energy transition, innovate remediation, and develop advanced technologies, including those related to next-generation nuclear power. This is a concrete step toward making our actions more effective and transforming policies into measurable results."

To coordinate the activities envisaged by the Memorandum, a Steering Committee has been established, composed of eight representatives designated by the two parties. The committee will promote and coordinate actions and initiatives, activating the technical and organizational resources necessary to implement the agreement.