Analysis of Smart Energy System approach in local Alpine regions - a case study in Northern Italy

The increase of climate change effects is becoming a major challenge to be urgently tackled with a combination of measures that become particularly effective when deployed in a Smart Energy System context when positive interactions among sectors can be exploited to meet the challenging targets that are being set at different governance levels. Local energy planning strategies, relying on multi-level and integrated approaches, are needed to ensure that optimal solutions are developed according to specific resources and requirements of each region. With the help of EnergyPLAN software, this paper explores and compares possible future solutions for the decarbonization of an Alpine region in the North-East of Italy. Options for a sustainable and optimized exploitation of local renewable resources are analyzed through possible synergic sector couplings, electrification of the heating sector, district heating, space heating and hot water production. Results strongly highlight the necessity of a cross-sectoral approach based on energy efficiency actions showing a significant reduction of CO2 emissions when renewable electricity usage is extended towards other sectors currently heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Due to the similarities with other regions across the Alps, the outcomes of this study may be replicated to neighboring countries accounting for their local features.