The Impact of Renewable Energy and Energy Effi-cient Technologies, what to choose in case of limited supportive actions: a case study

Authors

• Norma Anglani
• Giuseppe Muliere

Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Pavia

Abstract

Research topics dealing with the application of the MarkAl model have been quite common in the last
20+ years. Every new paper has added new insight into the potential of using such a model for a variety
of purposes. Not only global but also local applications have shown both limits and benefits when dealing
with manifold energy-environmental-resources optimal management.
The aim of this work is to strengthen the idea that such models, even with the limits that have been
underlined, can continue to contribute as a valid tool to assist local policy makers to have a better/
objective idea of the impact and potential of certain actions. Besides, it provides a non-biased tool in
case incentive resources run out and a diverse portfolio of actions to achieve set environmental targets
does exist. In times where economic crises strike every sphere of political and civil actions, it is more important
to be able to rely on objective instruments to support choices at every level. Thus the local level
becomes more and more strategic.
The paper deals with an application of the Standard MarkAl model to a Northern Italian province (190
municipalities and half a million people), in order to give useful circumscribed information on the results
coming out from a simple, but interconnected, optimized energy model, when a previous skimming has
been performed to identify the target actions of possible incentives.
The choice is to benefit only few actions, in order to make the effect of it keener.
In this case the two competing actions in the residential sector are (i) fostering more efficient buildings
vs. (ii) additional support for renewable technologies.
The scope of the applied research is to give economic and environmental indexes useful to decide
where to invest the limited local resources. For this scope different energy development scenarios have
been analyzed and their performance indicators identified.
Developing consistent local energy plans, by using a consolidated bottom up approach and by a combination
of long-term planning strategy based upon technological development and replacement is still far
from a routine procedure from a local policy makers' standpoint.
The study focuses on the thermal use of energy in the residential sector, being it the main target of the
EPB Directive (2002/91/EC), whose impact, along with the role of renewable energies, are investigated
with and without a public support.
Also, the role of the public commitment is highlighted in terms of effective policy that could drive the
technological competition and the real estate market to achieve the optimal configuration of the energy
system (the lowest cost and the lowest environmental impact), by means of subsidies for thermal solar
and biomass technologies.

Keywords

• local energy policy
• Renewable Energy
• MarkAl model

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