The Energy and Sustainable Development Agency of Modena

The Energy Agency "Agenzia per l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Sostenibile" (AESS) was created in 1999 with the support of the EC SAVE II Programme as an association of five founding partners (Modena Municipality and Province, Chamber of Commerce, META- the energy utility of Modena, and ATCM- the local transport company). Additional members are Legambiente (environmental association), Unione Italiana Consumatori, (consumer association), AIMAG (the energy utility operating in the Northern part of the province), SAT (the energy utility operating in the Southern part of the province) and Vignola Municipality.AESS is a no profit organization.

AESS is a member of the Energy Agency Italian network RENAEL, which collects other 22 Energy Agencies. AESS is also an Energy Saving Company accredited by italian energy authority AEEG

The director Marcello Antinucci is a senior expert, having more than 25 years experience in renewable energies and energy saving. Currently, after 5 operating years, the number of AESS staff has become 8 and AESS has also offered stage opportunities to a number of trainees.

AESS is primarily involved in the promotion of renewable energy sources, energy efficency and reduction of energy consumption among Local Authorities, SMEs, schools and consumers.

AESS carries out many activities concerning:

- Energy Audit-Diagnosis and consequent energy efficiency measures at local level both in the public and private sector;

- Energy effciency improvement;

- Replacement of fossil fuel sources with renewable sources;

- Consultancy for the improvement of local enegy systems (Local Authorities, Private companies and citizens);

- Info, Training and Promotion Campaigns concerning energy and environmental issues (initiatives targetted to specific stakeholders/institutions: schools, companies, public bodies, citizens, etc).Collaboration with Local Authorities

The collaboration with local authorities has been characterised by the management of many projects:

• AESS has been responsible for the compilation of the Energy and Sustainable Development Plan for the Province of Modena, which contains 23 actions addressed to reduce energy consumption and promote RES.
• The Province of Modena gave to AESS the responsibility for the energy audit of 26 schools and for feasibility studies addressed to introduce rational use of energy measures and use of renewable energy sources;
• AESS has carried out an assignment from Modena City Administration concerning the development of an Urban Energy Plan;

AESS has been involved in:

• The development of a CHP feasibility study for the Municipality of Vignola;
• The project management for the installation of 4 PV plants (2 kWp each) in schools at Municipal level, 7 PV plants (2 kWp each) in schools at Provincial Level, 2 PV plants in visitors centres of natural parks, and other 5 PV plants in other Municipalities (24 kWp in total);
• The project management for the installation of a biomass plant in a school located in the Municipality of Vignola;
• The project management for the installation of a 360 m2 of solar collectors in the Municipal Swimming Pool in Modena;
• The project management of two boiler conversions from oil to natural gas in Provincial buildings;
• The development with the Municipality of Modena a methodology addressed to realise the energy certification and energy audit of Public Buildings. The project has been financed by the Emilia Romagna Region;
• The supply, in the Municipality of Modena, of the inspection services in about 13,000 boiler houses in two years, as foreseen by a governmental decree. This activity will allow AESS a permanent contact with final users, opening a very effective channel for the promotion of energy efficiency in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors.
• The management of the actions foreseen by the PAESS. Actually AESS is responsible for the management of a financing, supplied by the Province of Modena, for the installation of 4 stars labelled condensing boilers in private houses and public buildings.

Collaboration with SMEs

• AESS is actually involved in the promotion of ESCOs at local level for energy saving in buildings;
• AESS is promoting the use of renewable energy source and the reduction of energy consumption among the tourist sector;
• AESS is co-operating in the promotion of fuel cells production.