Project description
CER ValBo, located in Cantalupo Ligure, Italy, is a renewable energy community initiative in the Borbera Valley, Italy, designed to use renewable energy as a driver for rural revitalisation and socio-economic development. The project promotes local energy production, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility, while reinvesting benefits into the territory and addressing issues such as depopulation and energy poverty. It explores diverse renewable sources, including solar and biomass, to maximise local potential.
- Challenges addressed
The project addresses challenges inherent to rural areas, such as limited financial resources, regulatory complexity and the need to ensure long-term sustainability beyond public incentives. By fostering local participation and retaining value within the community, CER ValBo contributes to building a resilient and inclusive local economy.
- Technology
The initiative integrates energy efficiency measures, solar energy, heat pumps, battery storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, building renovations, and additional renewable technologies.
- Support received under CEAH
With the support of CEAH technical assistance, the cooperative is strengthening its legal, technical and financial foundations, including governance structures, feasibility studies and business planning.
1. Financial Advisory Support for Business Model, Funding Access and Capital Mobilisation Supports the development of a robust business and financing strategy, moving from funding identification to capital mobilisation and tailored financing mechanisms aligned with the cooperative model. Key deliverables include:
- A Funding Opportunity Matrix and Access Roadmap, identifying priority funding options and required actions
- A Draft Business Plan and Financial Model, outlining scenarios, investment needs, and financial viability
- A Fundraising Strategy Note, defining financing mix and mobilisation approach
- A Concept Note for Innovative Financing Mechanisms, proposing suitable structures for community-based investment
2. Technical Support for Feasibility, System Development, Permitting and Digital Solutions
Supports technical feasibility, system concept development, and project readiness, addressing key bottlenecks related to permitting and operational set-up. Key deliverables include:- A Technical Baseline and Feasibility Insights document, identifying priority projects and constraints
- A Permitting and Documentation Roadmap, outlining key procedures and risk mitigation actions
- A Digital and Data Solutions Concept Note, defining system requirements, data flows, and suitable tools
3. Legal Support for Governance, Contracting and Regulatory Compliance
Supports the definition of governance structures, contractual frameworks, and compliance requirements to enable a robust and implementable legal set-up. Key deliverables include:- A Governance and Legal Structuring Memo, defining governance model and key principles
- A Legal Documentation Roadmap and Contracting Framework Note, outlining required documents and relationships
- A Regulatory Compliance and Legal Risk Note, identifying key risks and mitigation actions
More information on the initiative can be found here on their website: Home - Comunità Energetica Rinnovabile Val Borbera Società Cooperativa