The Rivoli Veronese Wind Farm
The Rivoli Veronese Wind Farm, located in the municipality of Rivoli Veronese within the Verona Province in the Veneto region, is owned and operated by AGSM AIM Energia (AGSM). This renewable energy (RE) project has been operational since March 2013 and consists of four wind turbines, each with an installed capacity of 2 MW, totalling 8 MW. In 2023, the wind farm produced 14 GWh of electricity. The project covers an area of 7.1hectares and helps avoid around 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The project development included extensive community engagement activities to ensure that local stakeholders were actively involved throughout the process. First of all, efforts were made to involve the local NGO office of Legambiente. Secondly, an educational park was created near the turbines to promote sustainable tourism and provide educational opportunities about the wind farm and the surrounding area. Additionally, AGSM has implemented a benefit-sharing scheme that includes a lower electricity tariff for the local community, as well as the creation of the Rivoli Bonds, an innovative financial initiative which provided a lucrative investment opportunity for residents and fostered a sense of community ownership in the local RE project.
The Rivoli Veronese Wind Farm has made significant progress in community engagement since the planning phase, involving around 1,000 people. A benefit-sharing mechanism has been implemented, which has resulted in reduced electricity prices for local residents, allowing them to purchase energy at rates normally reserved for large consumers, reducing their overall electricity expenditures. Moreover, the issue of the Rivoli Bonds allowed the 700 families in the Rivoli Veronese area to invest in the wind farm through bonds with an interest rate of 6.5% over a seven-year period. Finally, the project has contributed to local tourism through the development of cycle paths and an educational trail within the wind farm, and the organisation of guided tours directly.
