Managing local resources: the role of electricity from biomass based cogeneration

The aim of this work, a case study for a province of half a million people -Northern Italy (PP), is to analyze and compare different energy development scenarios in order to provide a strategic assessment of measures for the local energy planners, by means of an optimization bottom-up model (MarkAl Standard). PP-MarkAl Model (PPMM) represents the whole energy system and the main features are: (i) detailed modeling of the residential sector (final energy demands and technologies);(ii) detailed modeling of electricity supply sector ; (iii) detailed modeling of biofuels production subsector. PP-MarkAL model provides an integrated analysis of the province, focusing on the achievement of the EU 20-20-20 targets and the role of cogeneration from local and imported biomass. The study is based on the assessment of feasible use of local biomass, related with the energy modeling of the territory, by focusing on non industrial energy and the analysis is performed from the policy maker's standpoint in order to evaluate the economic condition under witch new technologies become competitive, the role of decentralized power generation and the sustainability of using endogenous or imported biomass.The the impact of alternative technologies and the role of the public commitment is highlighted in terms of effective policy that could drive both the technological competition and the real estate market to achieve the optimal configuration of the energy system by means of subsidies for renewable technologies (solar, biofuels, …) and for more efficient end-use technologies.