The United Nations Conference on climate changes (COP 26) of Glasgow reaffirmed the urgent need for action to reduce energy dependence on fossil fuels and instead develop renewable ones. A purpose that, in essence, requires planning on a global scale to be effective. And it is even more necessary for a nation like Italy, which imports over 73% of energy to meet its internal needs (produced mainly through natural gas and oil), and is in a fragile situation, confirmed by the dizzying rising prices of these raw materials and the resulting high bills. Yet, there are mature and science-based technologies renewables ready to use. Starting with photovoltaics. "We need a political will to accelerate the energy transition and support companies that are making efforts on this front" declares Michele Appendino, CEO of Solar Ventures, a company that deals with the construction and management of large photovoltaic plants. “The sun is an energy powerhouse that has been active for a few billion years and is destined to function for much longer. And yet, we continue to focus on resources destined to run out” adds the Piedmontese manager.
In light of the energy crisis we are experiencing, is solar energy a reasonable choice for the future?
“Just look at what happened just a few months ago. The Italian government has given the green light for an intervention worth over three billion euros, in order to contain the 'boom' in the costs of electricity and gas bills caused by the increase in the prices of raw materials of fossil origin. Our country largely depends on these resources, but one cannot think that, in the event of further price increases, it will always be possible to resort to extraordinary funds. The emergency could probably become chronic. For this reason, photovoltaics is a handy solution. It is based on a proven and modular technology, allowing to cover the needs of a private user up to the large company. Without forgetting that today it is already economically competitive compared to fossil fuels and by 2030, production costs should become even lower".
In concrete terms, what are the advantages of solar energy? And why should this technology be encouraged?
“We can start from a point that I believe is fundamental. Emissions of climate-altering gases are reduced, in line with national and international government policies, by avoiding the use of fossil fuels. Economic savings are increased in the medium and long term, since a photovoltaic system can generate an annual yield of 20-25%, with a return on investment within a few years. And we must not forget the issue of energy independence. Photovoltaics opens the door for procurement 'directly' from the sun, without intermediaries. Furthermore, Italy enjoys a high amount of sunshine per year (over 2500 hours in various areas of the South), which could help the country become a reference point for solar energy”.
Without a system for storing the energy produced by solar panels, a good part of it is practically lost. Can storage systems for photovoltaic systems help reduce waste and increase energy efficiency?
“Batteries make it possible to 'conserve' the energy produced by the systems and not consumed immediately, preserving it for subsequent supply. At the moment, the batteries with the best energy and economic performance available on the market are the lithium ion ones and, thanks to research, new chemical formulas will make it possible to increase their energy density and performance. However, the combination of accumulation systems and photovoltaic systems is already experiencing successful trials, even for utility-scale realities, i.e. large systems. For example, in California, various projects are being developed in which plants with power in the order of 50-100 MW are associated with batteries with capacities around 400-500 MWh”.
In recent years much attention has been paid to the issue of soil consumption, understood as the loss of biodiversity and landscape degradation with negative effects on the quality of our life. What do you think?
“We need a rational approach with an overall vision of energy and environmental protection aspects. The political and economic strategy should lead Italy to become a leader in clean energy, replacing fossil fuels. This operation is compatible with the need to protect the natural and architectural heritage, since it would require dedicating less than 0,5% of the national land to maximize the use of solar energy. And it must be remembered that in Italy there are more than 3,5 million hectares of idle land. An answer to enhance these lands could come from agrovoltaics, combining the production of electricity with agricultural activities”.
In order to ensure compliance with European targets and a transition towards decarbonisation, the use of renewables must be increased. Is the PNRR the right solution to redirect investments in the energy sector?
“It is certainly a starting point, since it offers a strategy and funds to relaunch the economy from a sustainable perspective. This is demonstrated by the almost 60 billion euros earmarked for the 'Green Revolution and Ecological Transition'. In more detail, there are 3,3 billion euros for the development of energy communities and agro-voltaics. In addition to the purely economic aspects, it is equally important that the plan pay attention to the regulatory ones. In fact, reforms are needed on the authorization mechanisms for the construction and operation of utility-scale plants, similar to what is happening in Spain. Efficient bureaucracy would be a driving force for the diffusion of photovoltaics, considering that Italy has gone from 100 MW to around 21,6 GW installed in just over 12 years. And we should reach at least 52 GW in 2030. The construction of new plants would also serve to strengthen and digitize the electricity grid and infrastructure, facilitating a more rational use of energy and 'intelligent' distribution according to demand. Of course we don't have to go around it: in a few years we need to make enormous progress, but the tools to make them are all there".
