Introduction

Varese Ligure towards 100% renewable

Objectives and target audience

A comprehensive programme of sustainable development was put in place to achieve self-sufficiency through the promotion of renewable energy sources and through energy efficiency.

Within the energy framework, the objectives are the following:-
Promotion of renewable energy sources: the focus is on wind (two wind-power generators with a capacity of 2 millions kWh/year will soon be installed), solar (a third solar-photovoltaic installation on the public wastewater treatment station is scheduled) and biomass technologies.
Promotion of energy efficiency: focus on biomass: the authorities are promoting the use of pellet boilers by encouraging local production of pellets as a means of generating income and contributing to forestry maintenance.
Awareness-raising: One of the main actions is the participation in the EU project for schools called FEE (Force Energetique par les Enfantes), to raise the awareness of pupils, families and local stakeholders on energy issues (energy saving and renewable sources) and to the environment in general.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

The wind farm was financed by the EU and regional funds (30%) as well as by private
investments (60%) giving a total of €1,800,00.  The photovoltaic installation was funded by regional and local funds (€155,000).

The partners involved were Varese Ligure Municipality, ARE Liguria (Regional Agency for Energy).  Liguria Region, EU, citizens, enterprises, stakeholders’ forums.
Process
The strategy is managed by the City Council under the direct supervision of its mayor, who is supported, as far as the environmental certification aspects are concerned (periodical audits), by an ad hoc committee.  The strategy will result in an improvement of the environment and health protection, more security, comfortable lives and higher standards of living.

Results

The local authority is now completely self-sustainable as far as electricity is concerned thanks to two wind-power generators able to produce 4 million kWh/year and two photovoltaic plants with a capacity of 23.000 kWh/year and meets 98% of the municipal building needs.  In addition, 39 PV panels have been installed on a school that produces 4600 kWh.  Other two wind-power generators with a capacity of 2 millions kWh/year will soon be installed.  The establishment of these plants brings also about a considerable CO2 reduction (approximately 9600 kg/year).

In January 2004, at the European conference on renewable energy in Berlin, the local authority received the award of “Best rural EU-local authority for the promotion of renewable energy”.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges