The network of renewable energies that is enveloping Italian municipalities is attracting new capital and high-profile collaborations. In the days in which the data of the Municipalities that have switched to alternative energies are released, Enel and Cnr sign an agreement for a joint laboratory for the study of renewable technologies. A new synergy that brings together experience and quality research. Enel is committed through Enel Green Power, the Cnr with the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems. The center will be built inside the Enel Innovation Lab in Passo Martino, near Catania. Months of work with fresh capital to study innovative solar cells and photovoltaic systems with attention to reliability and costs. The challenge of renewable energy in the area has been launched, as the latest statistics tell us. Renewable Municipalities rose to 3.021, of which 40 at 100%. There are a total of 1 million plants with clean sources and the energy bill of Northern and Southern Municipalities is decreasing. Legambiente has just recognized the Municipality of Cavalese (Trentino Alto Adige) and that of Castellammare di Stabia (Campania) with awards for their commitment to the development of renewables. The data from the environmental association had the approval of the GSE, the manager of the national electricity grid. 396 megawatts of photovoltaics, 282 of wind, 140 of geothermal, 513 of bioenergy and 346 of mini-hydroelectric are installed.
All in all, a package that satisfied more than a third of the total electricity consumption. We are on the road to the Paris 2015 climate change accords, the ones Donald Trump doesn't like. If the President looks to Italy, perhaps he will come to terms with it. Our cities have gone from 356 in 2005 to 7.978 in 2016. In addition to climate protection, there are advantages for businesses and households with smart grids, electric cars and energy storage. It is significant that this trend is affirming itself in a country that has overcome bureaucratic obstacles, antiquated rules, uncertain procedures. The uncertainty of the procedures - say Legambiente and GSE - is in fact still today one of the main barriers to the diffusion of both small and large sized plants. A lot has been invested since 2015, often using European funds. The 180 photovoltaic solar systems (25% of all those installed) are the figure of a culture that is asserting itself. A further boost will come from the national energy strategy prepared by the government, now in consultation, which will have to keep renewables and traditional ones in balance for a few more years.
