Potentialities and development of renewable energy sources in an integrated regional system: Tuscany

Today renewable resources are recognised by the International Community as fundamental elements of an energy policy whose purpose is to pursue a sustainable development. The accomplishment of such policies has a particular effectiveness at regional scale because of the "local" character of these resources and their positive impact on socio-economic development and local employment. The minimisation of environmental impact is a further important aspect of the use of renewables compared to fossil fuels. This paper presents the scenario of renewable resources in Tuscany in regard of hydroelectric, geotermic, solar, eolian and biomass resources, with particular focus on the actual exploitation and further potentialities. There are remarkable potentialities in the development of renewable sources in Tuscany, particularly for what concerns the multipurpose use of geothermal fuels, solar heating and biomass fuel utilisation. The localisation of wind energy favourable places needs necessary more detailed "in situ" measurements. Use of this source will allow recovery of unused lands and enhancement of rural electrification (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.