The project involves two complementary research units, coordinated under the PRIN 2022 programme framework. The integration between theoretical modelling and empirical investigation represents a central element of the project design.
University of Brescia
Principal Investigator: Paolo Falbo
The University of Brescia unit is primarily responsible for the theoretical and quantitative components of the project. Research activities include:
- optimization modelling of renewable energy communities;
- stochastic programming under energy market uncertainty;
- game-theoretic analysis of compensation mechanisms among heterogeneous agents;
- regulatory and incentive design assessment;
- modelling of investment and capacity sizing decisions, including biogas and renewable generation technologies.
The unit develops formal analytical and semi-analytical models aimed at identifying economically sustainable and fair compensation rules under alternative regulatory scenarios.
University of Turin
Associated Investigator: Valeria Di Cosmo
The University of Turin unit focuses on the empirical and behavioural dimension of the project. Activities include:
- laboratory experiments on compensation pricing schemes;
- analysis of free-riding behaviour and participation incentives;
- survey-based estimation of willingness to pay, accept and donate within renewable energy communities;
- evaluation of behavioural responses to alternative regulatory and pricing frameworks.
The empirical work provides validation and interpretation of the theoretical benchmarks developed by the Brescia unit, ensuring integration between modelling results and observed behavioural patterns.
Integration and Collaboration
The research structure is articulated into coordinated work packages covering regulatory comparison, theoretical modelling, experimental analysis and dissemination activities. Continuous interaction between the two units ensures methodological coherence and policy relevance of the project outputs.