Assessing the Potential Use of Solar Energy Source in Urban Areas Located in Natural Protected Sites

Fabrizio Cumo, Davide Astiaso Garcia, Franco Gugliermetti

Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Interdisciplinary Centre for Housing, Heritage and Environment (CITERA), Interdisciplinary Centre for Housing, Heritage and Environment, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.

DOI: 10.4236/nr.2013.41A013                

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to present an easy to use methodology for assessing the potential amount of electricity or thermal energy production in urban areas located in natural protected sites. The methodology is based on two different steps: a territorial analysis for the evaluation of solar radiation and usable surfaces for photovoltaic or solar thermal plant, and a plant analysis for highlighting those photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies which installation will not generate significant impacts in areas characterized by high environmental and landscaping value. The methodology was successfully applied in two case studies inside two different Italian natural protected areas. The obtained results were provided to local administrations and communities as a useful tool for sustainable energy planning.

Keywords

Potential Electricity and Thermal Energy Production from Solar Source; Sustainable Energy Planning; Sustainable Energy Balance

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	World Bank Staff, “Sustainable Land Management: Challenges, Opportunities, and Trade-Offs,” The World Bank, Washington DC, 2006.
[2]	International Energy Agency, “Promoting Energy Efficiency Investments. Case Studies in the Residential Sector,” OECD/IEA and AFD, Paris, 2008.
[3]	B. Metz, O. Davidson, P. Bosch, R. Dave and L. Meyer, “Climate Change 2007. Mitigation,” Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2007.
[4]	European Commission, “Horizon 2020—The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation—Communication from the Commission COM (2011),” EC, Brussels, 2011.
[5]	F. Cumo, D. Astiaso Garcia, L. Calcagnini, F. Rosa and A. S. Sferra, “Urban Policies and Sustainable Energy Management,” Sustainable Cities and Society, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2012, pp. 29-34. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210670712000182
[6]	F. Gugliermetti, F. Rosa and A. Violante, “Metodologia di Valutazione di Impatto Ambientale: Il Caso Studio Dei Sistemi Energetici a Biomassa in Aree Naturali Protette,” Proceedings of the 63rd ATI (Associazione Termotecnica Italiana) National Congress, Palermo, 22-26 September 2008, pp. 123-130.
[7]	L. Stefanutti, “Impianti per Gli Edifici Sostenibili. Guida ASHRAE Alla Progettazione, Costruzione e Gestione,” Tecniche Nuove Editore, Milano, 2009.
[8]	F. Cumo, “SoURCE. Towards Smart City,” Ugo Quintily Spa, Rome, 2012.
[9]	D. Astiaso Garcia, F. Cumo, V. Sforzini and A. Albo, “Eco Friendly Service Buildings and Facilities for Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Awareness in Protected Areas,” WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, Vol. 161, WIT Press, Southampton, pp. 323-330. doi:10.2495/ST120261