A strategic analysis of renewable energy communities in achieving sustainable development

This study aims to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with renewable energy communities (RECs) in Italy. The results, obtained through an incentivised online survey and an analytic hierarchy process, showed that economic saving on energy costs is the most relevant criterion for both consumers and expert stakeholders. Also, technical barriers and energy independence emerged as relevant in developing RECs. Consumers are more sensitive to the social opportunities behind RECs, while experts focus only on the economic aspects. The economic benefits, pragmatism, and effective management of human and physical resources within RECs can help achieve sustainable development. •Economic savings on energy costs is considered the most relevant criterion.•Technical barriers and energy independence have a key role among criteria.•There is no clear predominance between positive and negative factors among citizens.•Stakeholders assign greater importance to positive factors.•Citizens pay more attention to social dimension than stakeholders.