Gianluca Grilli

A multi-criteria framework to assess the sustainability of renewable energy development in the Alps

A multi-criteria analysis (MCA) was implemented to assess the best solutions for enhancing the production of renewable energy in the Alps. A set of criteria were selected based on the impacts of four renewable energy sources (forest biomass, hydropower, ground solar photovoltaic and wind power) on the three spheres of sustainability (environmental, social and economic). Three different scenarios are presented, each with a different set of weights for the criteria: the first scenario considers equally all three aspects of sustainability; the second scenario foresees an environmentally-oriented perspective, while the third scenario is more focused on the socio-economic aspects related to the development of renewable energy. Results show that forest biomass and hydropower seem to be the most viable solutions for enhancing the share of renewable energy in the Alps. Ground solar photovoltaic and wind power, on the other hand, seem to be less attractive alternatives due to their high impacts on land use.

Co-benefits of Smart and Sustainable Energy District Projects: An Overview of Economic Assessment Methodologies

The concept of “co-benefit” is commonly adopted to define any additional positive impact of a policy, program, or project, arising alongside the desired primary goal. Co-benefits relate to human health and well-being, as well as environmental, economic, and social aspects. The concept, investigated beginning in the 1990s, is recognized today, as supported worldwide by several notable organizations, to provide a better grasp of the economic value of foreseen or applied measures. Nevertheless, given the complexity of achieving complete pictures and understanding many interrelations or cascade effects, co-benefits are often only analyzed locally or measured qualitatively. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the methodologies for economic assessment that are applicable to the monetization of co-benefits related to Smart and Sustainable Energy District Projects. Starting from a previously defined framework of expected co-benefits, we analyzed the various techniques, identifying the most appropriate with respect to target stakeholders and expected outcomes. As a result, we obtained a clear and comprehensive assessment model, tailored to a specific project type, and operationally applicable. This model would sustain the funding, public acceptance, and political commitment of Smart and Sustainable Energy District Projects, enabling the various stakeholders to better understand the entire economic value of a project, in addition to energy saving and greenhouse gasses reduction.

Stakeholder analysis in the biomass energy development based on the experts’ opinions: the example of Triglav National Park in Slovenia

Abstract The paper presents a method for identifying and classifying local stakeholders involved in renewable energy development. The method is based on the expert assessment and comprises three main steps: (1) identification of the independent experts considering their expertise and knowledge of the local context; (2) identification of the local stakeholders based on expert assessment; and (3) analytical categorisation of stakeholders taking into account the professional relationship network. Using forest biomass (bioenergy) production as example, the stakeholder analysis is illustrated on the case study of Triglav National Park, which is characterised by a high potential of woody biomass production and a large number of stakeholders involved in land use and management. The first stage of stakeholder analysis identifies the key stakeholders to be involved in bioenergy development, through a survey with local experts. The results highlight eight key stakeholders and several primary and secondary stakeholders that should be involved to ensure socially acceptable decision-making about the renewable energy development in the Triglav National Park.

Power of Forest Stakeholders in the Participatory Decision Making Process: A Case Study in Northern Italy

Abstract In European countries, current forest use aims to enhance goods and services supplied by forest ecosystems, taking into account the multiple needs and interests of society through a participatory process. A successful participatory process requires a thorough analysis of stakeholders’ perceptions and preferences. The aim of this paper is to investigate the differences between stakeholders’ perceived influence and real power in forest management. A questionnaire survey was carried out among 51 forest stakeholders in a case study in the Italian Alps. Perceived influence was measured by asking stakeholders to rate on a 5-point scale the extent to which they can influence forest management issues. Real power was analyzed using social network analysis (SNA), investigating the relationships that stakeholders have with each other in the network. Real power was measured using a Freeman’s degree centrality measure, which focuses on the direct ties coming in and out for each stakeholder. The results show that public administration is the category of stakeholders with the most power in all forest management issues, while the actors of the tourism sector are in a marginal position. In addition, the results of the study suggest that in many cases stakeholders have a distorted perception of their own power.

Advertising value of the brown bear in the Italian Alps

Abstract In Italy, the reintroduction of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) has created conflicts with people because bears may damage livestock, crops, or honey farms. These damages—and their financial costs—are sometimes used as an argument by those who oppose the presence of this carnivore. Despite such damages, bears can provide economic benefits, such as attracting eco-tourists for bear-watching. The Advertising Value Equivalent was used to assess the value of the bears’ appearances in newscasts and documentaries from 2011 to 2015. The marketing value of the bear as a promoter largely exceeds the amount of reimbursements for damages. This method can be used to highlight the economic benefit that the bear can produce for a destination and contribute to complex discussions with managers and stakeholders.

Renewable energy and willingness to pay: Evidences from a meta-analysis

In the present paper, the relevant literature in the field of willingness to pay (WTP) for green electricity has been reviewed and collected. It was attempted to provide an overview of the research carried out so far and possible future areas of investigation. Globally, 34 papers, containing 151 observations, were gathered and included in a meta-regression. The econometric analysis was conducted with the aid of weighted least square models. The main objective of the proposed work is to understand the effects of some country-level variables on the stated willingness to pay for renewable energy, as well as, survey specific variables. In particular, it was found that the present level of CO2 emissions, the share of renewables and the specification of the energy source in the scenario are positively related to the stated. The actual level of energy consumption, conversely, has a negative effect on WTP. Interestingly, producing nuclear energy contributes to lower the stated WTP for renewables. In terms of WTP, on average people are willing to contribute to RE with 13.29 USD per month. The use of biomass for energy has a lower stated WTP, of 11.02 USD. WTP for wind and solar were assessed to be very similar, of about 14.14.66 USD and 14.40 USD, respectively. Eventually, WTP for hydropower and geothermal energy was of 9.57 USD and 36.90 USD. The present study also suggests that more research would be helpful in the renewable energy field, in particular in developing countries.

Assessing Preferences for Attributes of City Information Points: Results from a Choice Experiment

A choice experiment has been carried out to assess the preferred attributes of information points (called totems) to be installed in the city of Bolzano. Totems allow the acquisition, exchange and query of data in real time, as well as provide other services such as electricity or water supply. These infrastructures could be useful for both inhabitants and tourists in need of parking spaces, information about events or charging stations for vehicles. To design them in a cost-effective way, it is important to understand potential users’ preferences. For this reason, field surveys using stated preferences are important sources of information to tailor these totem effectively. In order to facilitate the interpretation of results for policy making, estimations are carried out in willingness-to-pay space and by means of a random parameters logit model. Results indicate that the preferred attributes are the presence of Wi-Fi “hot spots”, charging stations for electric cars and bikes and real-time information about available car parks.

European Union Research and Development Funding on Smart Cities and Their Importance on Climate and Energy Goals

The scope of this paper is to examine the European Union support in terms of research and development funding on the topic of smart cities. A detailed literature review, based on a project-by-project investigation, and a data analysis process identified these expenditures since the research on this topic was first funded. The portion of the Sixth and Seventh Framework Programs funding dedicated to smart cities is only 3 % of the total funding for energy projects and an all-time low of 1 % is expected within Horizon 2020. The low funding for the investigated field fails to capitalize on the high savings potential represented by the urban primary energy use in Europe. Restructuring the funding distribution for research and development in energy could better fulfill the potential primary energy savings of the European urban sector and contribute to achieving the European Unions climate and energy goals for 2020, 2030, and 2050.