After a thorough phase of study and analysis conducted with the support of external consulting society, the governing board of the University decided to allocate 5 million euros at the beginning of 2023 for the installation of photovoltaic systems on the rooftops and parking areas of many of the University’s campuses
While this is one of the most significant investments in environmental sustainability undertaken. Rome Tre University has gone further, incorporating it into an even more ambitious and comprehensive project aimed at contributing to both Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities of the 2030 Agenda, through interventions for decarbonization and social support in the area where the University operates.
The University was established in 1992, reclaiming a vast area in the south of Rome from neglect and offering a new future of cultural opportunities and services to the local community. This area had once housed manufacturing industries until after World War II, whose closure left behind remnants of industrial archaeology and semi-abandoned spaces.
Roma Tre since its establishment 30 years ago, has been a key player in the significant urban renewal and recovery of the former industrial area of Ostiense, transforming it into ”factories of knowledge” demonstrating that the University has always lived in symbiosis with the territory.
During the initial phases of the project, a dialogue was opened with the local government body overseeing most of Roma Tre’s campuses, Municipio VIII. Welcoming the prospect of hosting the new plants with great enthusiasm, the Municipality began planning the future installation of additional photovoltaic systems on the rooftops of schools and municipal office buildings, with the aim of joining efforts and creating, under the leadership and credibility of the University, a large Renewable Energy Community (CER) within the municipal territory.
The project has involved beside technical offices also social, cultural and educational services: the CER founding group was joined by local associations and volunteer organizations, small and medium-sized enterprises, families.
The benefits of participating in the CER will also be extended to households experiencing energy poverty, as well as to young couples.
In the mature phase of the project, the estimated total capacity is 3.7 MWp, with a production of 5.2 gigawatt-hours and a “savings” of approximately 2,200 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
The profits arising from ministerial incentives provided by law — which could amount to just under 100,000 €/year—will be allocated to social utility projects, scholarships for deserving students, research programs, support activities against school dropout, and high-value cultural initiatives. The energy community is, therefore, a project that is good for the environment, good for the community, that strengthens shared values, and that empowers people to drive change.
For further information:
- Link identifier #identifier__48376-1Presentazione trentennale Roma Tre
- Link identifier #identifier__179278-2Comunicato stampa