Energy Studies
Florence Elective
Sustainable Energy Systems: Transition to Renewable Energy
Course Description
Italy presents a fascinating case study in renewable energy development, positioned at the crossroads of Mediterranean solar potential, complex geography, and European Union energy directives. This course examines Italy's energy transition, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in adopting sustainable energy practices. How is Italy balancing its energy needs with ambitious climate goals? What role do technological innovation, policy frameworks, and social factors play in Italy's renewable energy landscape? How do regional differences within Italy shape diverse approaches to energy transition?
Using Italy as both case study and classroom, students will explore the technological, economic, and social aspects of Italy's renewable energy projects. Through lectures, field visits to renewable energy installations, and project work, students engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications of renewable energy systems in Italy, developing their analytical, research, and problem-solving skills while preparing themselves to engage with complex energy transition challenges.
Building the energy transition
The shift to renewable energy is central to SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The course also engages SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure) through new technologies and grid systems, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) in urban energy planning, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) via efficiency and lifecycle thinking.
5 Key SDGs Addressed
Key Topics
The renewable energy landscape (solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal)
Energy policy and climate goals
Energy storage and smart grid technology
Local energy cooperatives and decentralized energy systems
The impact of renewable energy on local communities and industries
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1
Identify and explain key renewable energy technologies, their applications in the Italian context, and the evolution of Italy's energy system from conventional to renewable sources.
Assessment: Class Discussions and Debates and Quiz.
2
Evaluate the interconnectedness of technological, economic, policy, and social factors in renewable energy development, analyzing how interventions in one area impact others in the Italian context.
Assessment: Class Discussions and Debates and Case Study.
3
Assess the effectiveness of current renewable energy policies and initiatives in Italy, identifying strengths, shortcomings, challenges, and areas for improvement.
Assessment: Class Discussions and Debates and Research Paper.
4
Design innovative approaches to renewable energy implementation that address technical and social challenges, considering the unique geographical, economic, and cultural context of Italy.
Assessment: Class Discussions and Debates and Group Project and Presentation.
5
Formulate a compelling strategy for advancing renewable energy adoption, utilizing stakeholder engagement, technical feasibility analysis, and policy frameworks relevant to the Italian energy context.
Assessment: Class Discussions and Debates and Group Project and Presentation.
Course Format and Assessment Methods
20%
Class Discussions and Debates
Demonstrated engagement with assigned readings. Thoughtful contributions to class and Canvas discussions.
All LOs
10%
Quiz
Demonstrated understanding of renewable energy technologies and Italy's energy landscape.
LO 1
20%
Research Paper
A 10–12-page critical analysis of a renewable energy policy or project in Italy. Though not required, comparison with non-Italian approaches is welcome.
LO 3
10%
Case Study
A 3-page analysis of interdependencies of renewable energy systems in an Italian regional context.
LO 2
20%
Field Studies
Using class field visits to Italian renewable energy installations, identify and analyze two examples (10% each) of how renewable energy theory intersects with real-world implementation.
LO 3
20%
Group Project and Presentation
Collaborative research on a renewable energy challenge, solutions, and innovations (10%), and compelling articulation of findings with practical, action-oriented recommendations (10%).
LO 4, 5
Course Outline
The course traces the global energy transition — from foundations of energy science and policy through renewable technologies, grid integration, and the economics and politics of decarbonization.
1
Foundations of Renewable Energy SystemsCore principles, technologies, and frameworks of renewable energy systems, with specific focus on Italy's energy landscape and transition from conventional to renewable sources.
2
Italy's Energy System: Past, Present, and FutureHistorical context of Italy's energy development, current energy mix, and future projections, examining the drivers and barriers for renewable energy expansion in Italy.
3
Solar Energy in ItalyComprehensive exploration of solar energy in Italy, examining photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies, installation patterns, economic incentives, and regional variations in solar resource utilization.
4
Wind Energy Development in the Italian ContextAnalysis of Italy's wind energy sector, including onshore and offshore developments, geographical distribution, technical challenges, and social acceptance issues specific to the Italian landscape.
5
Hydroelectric Power: Italy's Traditional Renewable ResourceExamination of Italy's extensive hydroelectric infrastructure, historical development, current status, and future potential, including environmental considerations and competing water uses.
6
Geothermal Energy: Larderello and BeyondInvestigation of Italy's pioneering role in geothermal energy, focusing on the historical Larderello fields in Tuscany, modern applications, and future expansion potential in volcanic regions.
7
Bioenergy and Circular Economy ApproachesExploration of biomass, biogas, and waste-to-energy applications in Italy, examining agricultural connections, waste management integration, and sustainability considerations.
8
Energy Efficiency and Building Integration in ItalyAnalysis of energy efficiency measures and building-integrated renewable energy in Italy, including historical buildings constraints, policy incentives, and technological innovations.
9
Grid Integration and Energy Storage in ItalyExamination of Italy's electricity grid modernization efforts, smart grid implementations, and energy storage solutions for managing variable renewable energy resources.
10
Regional Variations in Italian Renewable Energy DevelopmentComparative analysis of renewable energy approaches across Italian regions, examining how geographical, economic, and social factors create diverse energy transition pathways.
11
Energy Communities and Decentralized Systems- Exploration of Italy's emerging energy communities, cooperatives, and decentralized energy models, examining their governance, benefits, and challenges in the Italian social context.
12
Policy and Economic Frameworks for Renewable Energy in ItalyAnalysis of Italy's renewable energy policies, incentive mechanisms, and market structures, including the influence of EU directives and national implementation strategies.
13
Social Dimensions of Energy Transition in ItalyExamination of public perception, community engagement, and social acceptance of renewable energy in Italy, including case studies of successful and controversial projects.
14
Future Directions: Innovation and Integration in Italian Renewable EnergySynthesis of key themes and exploration of emerging trends in Italy's renewable energy sector, examining technological innovations, sector coupling, and pathways to a carbon neutral energy system.
Field Visits and Guest Speakers
Solar PV installations in Tuscany, including both ground-mounted and building integrated systems
Wind farms in central Italy or along coastal regions
Geothermal facilities in Larderello, Tuscany - the world's first geothermal power station
Hydroelectric plants in northern Italy
Smart grid demonstration projects and control centers
Energy efficiency retrofits in historical buildings
Community energy cooperatives and municipal energy initiatives
Research centers focused on renewable energy innovation
Using the city as a classroom is an integral element of education abroad, and this course will include several field visits, as well as assignments that prompt students to engage actively with their host context. Field visits may include:
Readings & Resources
Films and Recordings
Reports and Documents
Books
Journal Articles
Bertolucci, Gianfranco. 2022. Energia Rinnovabile: Il Futuro Italiano [Renewable Energy: The Italian Future]. Documentary.
Greenpeace Italy. 2023. Italia Solare: La Rivoluzione Energetica [Solar Italy: The Energy Revolution]. YouTube Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKhW7GXUv5M.
Jacobson, Mark. 2020. 100% Clean, Renewable Energy and Storage for Everything. TEDx Talk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_MGM_PZnVY.
Pistoletto, Michelangelo, and Paolo Naldini. 2022. Third Paradise: Sustainable Energy
Communities in Italy. Conference Recording. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnVEaHJprLs.
RAI Documentari. 2023. La Transizione Energetica Italiana [The Italian Energy Transition]. Television Documentary.
ARERA (Autorità di Regolazione per Energia Reti e Ambiente). 2023. Relazione Annuale sullo Stato dei Servizi e sull'Attività Svolta [Annual Report on the State of Services and Activities]. Rome: ARERA.
ENEA (Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile). 2023. Rapporto Annuale Efficienza Energetica [Annual Energy Efficiency Report]. Rome: ENEA.
European Commission. 2020. The European Green Deal. Brussels: European Commission.
GSE (Gestore dei Servizi Energetici). 2023. Rapporto Statistico: Energia da Fonti Rinnovabili in Italia [Statistical Report: Renewable Energy in Italy]. Rome: GSE.
IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency). 2023. Renewable Energy Prospects for Italy. Abu Dhabi: IRENA.
Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Sicurezza Energetica. 2022. Piano Nazionale Integrato per l'Energia e il Clima [National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan]. Rome: Government of Italy.
Terna. 2023. Dati Statistici sull'Energia Elettrica in Italia [Statistical Data on Electricity in Italy]. Rome: Terna.
Bianchi, Alberto, and Giovanni Silvestrini. 2021. La Rivoluzione Energetica: Come il Mondo Passerà alle Rinnovabili [The Energy Revolution: How the World Will Transition to Renewables]. Milan: Edizioni Ambiente.
Clementi, Marco, and Giuliano Dall'Ò. 2022. Efficienza Energetica degli Edifici Italiani [Energy Efficiency of Italian Buildings]. Milan: Edizioni Ambiente.
Farinelli, Ugo, and Gianni Silvestrini. 2020. La Transizione Energetica [The Energy Transition]. Milan: Edizioni Ambiente.
Jacobson, Mark Z. 2020. 100% Clean, Renewable Energy and Storage for Everything. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Menichetti, Emanuela, and Sybille van den Hove. 2019. Renewable Energy Governance: Challenges and Opportunities in Southern Europe. London: Springer.
Testa, Federico, and Antonio Borghesi. 2021. Energia e Ambiente in Italia: Sfide e Opportunità [Energy and Environment in Italy: Challenges and Opportunities]. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Twidell, John, and Tony Weir. 2015. Renewable Energy Resources. 3rd ed. London: Routledge.
Zorzoli, G.B. 2019. Il Sistema Elettrico Italiano [The Italian Electrical System]. Rome: Editori Riuniti.
Antoniucci, Valentina, and Giulia Marella. 2022. "Small-Scale PV Development in Italy: The Role of Policy Design and Socio-Economic Factors." Energy Policy 165: 112942.
Bracco, Stefano, Federico Delfino, Paola Laiolo, and Michela Robba. 2021. "The Economics of Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Power Plants in Italy: A Post-Subsidy Business Model Analysis." Energies 14 (9): 2728.
Candelise, Chiara, and Gianluca Ruggieri. 2020. "Community Energy in Italy: Heterogeneous Institutional Characteristics and Citizens Engagement." AIMS Energy 8 (1): 103-131.
De Luca, Enrica, Cristian Nardi, and Francesco Giampaolo. 2021. "Sustainable Energy
Communities in Italy: Institutional Features and Governance Models." Energy Research & Social Science 78: 102123.
Desideri, Umberto, and Pietro Campana. 2022. "Energy Transition in Italy: Challenges and Opportunities." Energies 15 (4): 1360.
Magnani, Natalia, and Giorgio Osti. 2021. "Energy Cooperatives and Local Ownership in the Field of Renewable Energy: Empirical Insights from Italy." Energy Policy 109: 713-721.
Prontera, Andrea. 2022. "The New Institutional Politics of Renewable Energy in Italy." Environmental Politics 31 (2): 287-307.
Valenti, Fabrizio, Davide Astiaso Garcia, and Umberto Di Matteo. 2020. "Spatial Analysis of Renewable Energy Potential and Landscape Values in Italy: Trade-offs and Synergies." Renewable Energy 157: 532-544.