Important recognition for the professor of the University of Cagliari Emilio Ghiani, awarded at the KNX Awards 2024 for the project "LocalRes". The scholar was awarded the prestigious national prize in the category "Best Research Project" at the KNX Awards 2024, held in Verona.
The event annually celebrates excellence in automation and intelligent energy management . The "LocalRes" project, which has shone as a virtuous example of innovation and sustainability, was conceived to implement an energy community in the municipality of Berchidda. This innovative model is based on the sharing and optimization of local energy resources, with a particular focus on the integration of renewable sources and the promotion of collective self-consumption . Thanks to "LocalRes", Berchidda positions itself as a pilot example of sustainability and energy transition, demonstrating how small local entities can lead change.
The credit for the operational success of the project also goes to the Municipality of Berchidda, which played a crucial role in the implementation of the model. Dr. Gianmarco Sitzia was identified by the municipal administration to manage this phase of the project, transforming ideas into concrete actions.
"The initiative has allowed us to create a local system - explains Gianmarco Sitzia - that promotes the reduction of emissions, energy efficiency and a participatory governance model. These results reflect the joint work between academic research and public administration, underlining the importance of synergies between theory and practice to address contemporary energy challenges".
Professor Ghiani as in-house consultant expressed his satisfaction: «This award is not only a recognition of our research work, but it is also a testimony of the potential of local communities in driving the energy transition. I thank the municipality of Berchidda and Dr. Gianmarco Sitzia for their essential collaboration in this path. The "LocalRes" project - concluded the professor - helps to strengthen the idea that technological innovation and intelligent management of resources can transform local communities into protagonists of the energy revolution. A success that not only brings the name of Berchidda to the fore but offers a replicable model for other Italian realities. Sardinia confirms itself, once again, as a land capable of innovating and contributing with strategic visions to national and European sustainable development».
