Load Shifting and Demand-Side Management in Renewable Energy Communities: Simulations of Different Technological Configurations

Antonino Rollo, Paolo Serafini, Federico Aleotti, Debora Cilio, Enrico Morandini, Diana Moneta, Marco Rossi (), Matteo Zulianello and Valerio Angelucci
Additional contact information
Antonino Rollo: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy
Paolo Serafini: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy
Federico Aleotti: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy
Debora Cilio: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy
Enrico Morandini: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy
Diana Moneta: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy
Marco Rossi: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy
Matteo Zulianello: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy
Valerio Angelucci: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-34

Abstract: This research investigates the optimization potential of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) through advanced demand-side management strategies. The study simulates a real distribution network and analyzes load profile optimization in a residential REC configuration, comparing two distinct approaches: Demand-Side Engagement (DSE) and Optimized Demand-Side Management (Opt-DSM). The methodology encompasses load-shifting strategies at the appliance level, progressing from spontaneous behavior patterns to algorithmic optimization. Starting from a baseline scenario of conventional consumption patterns, the research evaluates the effectiveness of both user-driven load shifting (DSE) and automated redistribution through genetic algorithms (Opt-DSM). The analysis framework addresses three key dimensions: economic efficiency through incentive optimization, social cohesion via collaborative engagement, and environmental sustainability through the optimal utilization of locally generated energy. Results demonstrate that enhanced generation-consumption synchronization through Opt-DSM yields superior outcomes for both distribution network performance and participant economics compared to DSE. However, successful implementation requires substantial technological infrastructure investment at individual and community levels, alongside significant modifications to established consumption patterns. This research contributes to the understanding of RECs as innovative socio-technical systems and provides figures to support the analysis related to the balance between technological optimization and user engagement in maximizing shared energy potential.

Keywords: energy community; demand-side management; user engagement; grid simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/4/872/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/4/872/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:4:p:872-:d:1589614

Access Statistics for this article

Energies is currently edited by Ms. Agatha Cao

More articles in Energies from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().