Territorial Energy Decentralisation and Ecosystem Services in Italy: Limits and Potential

Paolo De Pascali, Saverio Santangelo, Francesca Perrone and Annamaria Bagaini
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Paolo De Pascali: Department of Planning, Design and Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
Saverio Santangelo: Department of Planning, Design and Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
Francesca Perrone: Department of Planning, Design and Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
Annamaria Bagaini: Department of Planning, Design and Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: This article focuses on the complex relationships between energy processes and ecosystem services. It highlights the conflicts between them due to the anthropocentric value that characterizes their interrelationship. The article reports the initial results of ongoing research on energy decentralization processes in Italy, examining the Italian districts heating performance, concerning ecosystem provisioning and regulating services. The analysis is based on a sample of more than 150 Italian district-heating systems. Contrary to studies that positively evaluate processes of energy decentralization, the results of the research show some critical factors and impacts. An efficiency gap between districts heating and traditional energy systems emerged. The data processed show a critical situation in the development of local networks, highlighting that the decentralized energy model is not deeply rooted in the local area and is poorly characterized by shared governance, which instead would benefit from the integration of ecosystem services. The significant presence of large energy groups and the considerable use of fossil sources in Italy reduces the effectiveness of the decentralization of energy systems. The article presents some conclusive considerations, which outline some general guidelines for proceeding towards a more correct relationship with ecosystem services and greater integration with the territories.

Keywords: ecosystem services; energy decentralization; district heating; urban planning; energy transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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