Abstract
Since ancient times water has been accompanying technological change in the energy sector. Used as a source of hydraulic energy, it currently generates one-fifth of the global electricity production. However, according to collective imagination, hydroelectric plants are constructions of high environmental, acoustic, and visual impact, which may harm the preservation of the territory. This paper intends to address the topic of mini-hydropower that, in addition to providing the production of renewable energy, ensures a limited environmental impact even in delicate contexts with high landscape values, by elaborating a research methodology that makes these interventions compatible with them. The process of “global compatibility” checks developed to assess the feasibility of the intervention will be explained in the paper. We intend to describe here the research process undertaken to make the planning of this type of system sustainable, in contexts that need to be rehabilitated in relation both to the accessibility of citizens and to the environmental enhancement. The intervention planned will be characterized by the combined use of other renewable energy sources, in addition to water. The proposed methodology has been tested on a case study in the village of Roccacasale, in the province of L’Aquila.
Highlights
There are many advantages in building plants to exploit water as a renewable resource
The research has deepened the exploitation of water with the general objectives of promoting small-medium-scale initiatives for the construction of mini-hydropower plants in sites of environmental value [2], while watching with interest the combination with other renewable energy sources [3,4]
This study, after examining the state of the art and its criticalities, aims to elaborate an operational tool, called the “environmental compatibility matrix”, which takes into account the main aspects needed to develop a sustainable project in contexts of high environmental value
Summary
There are many advantages in building plants to exploit water as a renewable resource. This study, after examining the state of the art and its criticalities, aims to elaborate an operational tool, called the “environmental compatibility matrix”, which takes into account the main aspects needed to develop a sustainable project in contexts of high environmental value. This definition refers to all those contexts as bearers of value that the national laws want to protect and safeguard through ad hoc laws. This tool, validated with a case study, can be enhanced by reducing the subjective rating variable through confrontation with national and international contexts and with long-term practical use
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