Exploring potential synergies among energy sectors in alpine regions: the case of Valle d’Aosta

Renewable energy sources could play a key role in curbing carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, provided their successful integration in the electricity generation sector. With this respect, a Smart Energy System approach allows to accommodate ever-larger shares of renewables benefiting from a synergic interaction among the different energy sectors, with a view to shifting final consumption from fossil fuels to electricity. In this perspective, opportunities for a carbon-free sustainable future are investigated in this work for an Italian alpine region, Valle d’Aosta, characterised by an abundance of hydroelectric power that currently exceeds electricity demand. Future energy scenarios are simulated with the help of EnergyPLAN software assuming the electrification of both transportation and heating sectors, which are currently heavily relying on oil-based fuels. Moreover, considering buildings heat demand, some areas of the region are not reached by the natural gas network. Proper energy efficiency measures are evaluated along with the possibility of optimizing the use of other renewable resources, such as local wood biomass for space heating and solar thermal for domestic hot water production. Results show that the enhanced management and usage of renewable power can lead to a significant reduction of CO2 emissions and helps pave the way for an optimal use of local available renewable energy sources for Valle d’Aosta Region, thanks to an increase in electricity penetration. At the same time, the benefits of electricity usage vary for different sectors, due to the specific features of the energy demand (e.g. industries, remote areas). Electricity penetration should therefore be tailored to the proper final uses, to fully exploit local resources and promote the sustainability of the entire energy system.