Renewable energy in the Alps: A case study

The present paper concerns the role of the hydropower sector in an Italian area characterized by a multi-year tradition of water exploitation for energy purposes. The presence of Alps still makes it available a significant potential of energy from the rivers, as demonstrated by the local balances of energy sources. Other sectors evolving quickly thanks to the recent developed strategies (in particular the biomass one) are growing their relative importance but cannot reach the local contribution of the hydropower sector. Considerations on the role of plant upgrades, new authorizations and climate changes can be found in this paper.