Green Energies: Abruzzo Towards an Eco-sustainable Future

The energy issue can be schematically summarized as follows: satisfying the energy service needs of an increasingly numerous humanity in a fair and sustainable manner, in a context characterized by the scarcity of fossil resources and the need for climate protection. Renewable energies are developing all over the world. In some industrialized countries, such as in Germany, non-negligible sections of the economy are beginning to move towards the production of the technologies necessary for the development of clean energy. On the other hand, it must be taken into account that alternative sources have not yet reached a degree of diffusion such as to allow effective cost reductions due to factors of production scale. The diffusion of renewable and energy saving technologies would allow to continuously improve the technical and economic yields, favoring cost reductions. Abruzzo is called the «green region of Europe». In order to secure concrete help for the development and protection of its territories, Abruzzo has become a pioneering region for clean energy such as windpower. In recent years, in Abruzzo, we have witnessed the spread of initiatives for renewable energy sources. This growth is due to both the growing environmental awareness and because in Italy these forms of green renewable energy enjoy an advantageous public incentive mechanism. As Abruzzo is characterized by a great variety of environmentally sensitive landscapes – which are rich in historical, cultural, and architectural value – wind farms (as well as photovoltaic apparatus) often risk compromising the natural beauty of the region. Thus, we are also witnessing strong criticism towards renewable energy sources. Despite the many acts of violence Abruzzo has already suffered, it is still characterized by landscapes of high value and great beauty, which if correctly managed and enhanced, can constitute the raw materials for sustainable tourism development which can translate into a resource rich innovative economy for the local populations.