In the heart of Italy’s Piemonte Region, a groundbreaking approach to energy planning is unfolding, one that could reshape how regions worldwide tackle the complex challenge of energy transition. At the helm of this innovative work is Valentina D’Alonzo, a researcher at Eurac Research’s Institute for Renewable Energy in Bolzano, Italy. Her team has developed a novel co-creation methodology that bridges the gap between energy system modeling and practical policy implementation, offering a blueprint for more effective regional energy planning.
The Piemonte Region, known for its diverse landscapes and industrial heritage, is serving as a living laboratory for this approach. D’Alonzo and her colleagues employed the EPLANopt model, a powerful tool that combines multi-objective evolutionary algorithms with EnergyPLAN simulation software. This combination allows for the optimization of deep decarbonization scenarios for the regional energy system, looking ahead to 2030, 2040, and 2050.
“What sets this approach apart is the continuous dialogue between modelers and regional authorities,” D’Alonzo explains. “This participatory method ensures that the scenarios we develop are not only technically robust but also feasible and aligned with local priorities and constraints.”
The modeling framework is comprehensive, integrating all major energy sectors—electricity, heating, transportation, and industry—and evaluating a wide range of renewable technologies. These include various photovoltaic (PV) configurations, wind power, hydrogen production, energy storage systems, and efficiency measures. Geographic information systems-based spatial analysis further refines the approach by identifying and quantifying the technical potential of renewable energy sources across the region, all while considering territorial constraints and environmental factors.
The commercial implications of this research are significant. By fostering a deeper understanding of local energy dynamics and implementation capacity, this co-creation methodology can lead to more targeted and effective technology deployment. Key actions identified in the study include expanding rooftop PVs, establishing regulations for agrivoltaics, improving energy efficiency in older buildings, investing in storage and flexible energy systems, promoting industrial decarburization, and maximizing local economic benefits through support for regional supply chains.
“This approach doesn’t just offer a roadmap for Piemonte; it provides a model that can be adapted and applied elsewhere,” D’Alonzo notes. “The energy transition is a complex puzzle, and this methodology helps us put the pieces together in a way that makes sense for each unique region.”
The findings, published in the journal Environmental Research: Energy (translated from the Italian as “Environmental Research: Energy”), highlight the potential of this co-creation approach to enhance the impact of energy system modeling on regional policy. As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce emissions and transition to sustainable energy systems, the lessons learned in Piemonte could illuminate the path forward for other regions seeking to balance technical feasibility, local priorities, and economic benefits.
In an era where the stakes for effective energy planning could not be higher, D’Alonzo’s work offers a beacon of hope and a practical guide for navigating the complexities of the energy transition. As the world watches, Piemonte is not just planning for its future; it’s setting an example for the rest of us to follow.