The renewable energy (RES) targets outlined in the national plans for 2030 and 2050, in the context of the decarbonization process, foresee the installation of massive amounts of wind and photovoltaic (PV) plants. The objective of this work is to develop methodologies and tools to provide technical and environmental feasibility assessments concerning the national territory’s capacity to host the expected RES power installations.

In particular, detailed evaluations were made regarding the availability of areas for the installation of wind and photovoltaic systems, based on studies conducted in 2018 to support the drafting of theIntegrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) for 2030.

For wind energy, the evaluation procedures for territorial potential were automated using GIS-based models and Python scripts. The methodology developed allows for the assessment of different scenarios for the annual composition of wind capacity up to a target year, also highlighting the contribution that could come from repowering plants at the end of their life cycle. For photovoltaic energy, a calculation model was developed that allows the target capacity to be distributed according to available surface areas and different land-use assumptions. GIS-based analyses of potential rooftops and land-use categories that could host these plants were refined and updated. Additionally, a geographic analysis of areas hosting PV plants with a capacity exceeding 1 MW was carried out.

For scenario evaluation, several territorial occupation indicators were developed, differentiated by plant type (wind, rooftop PV, and ground-mounted PV).

Thanks to these methodologies, it was possible during the year to provide indicative assessments concerning the RES targets being discussed in the context of the definition of the PNIEC and the Long-Term Strategy, highlighting key considerations to be presented to the respective technical committees. The plan is to continue the activity with direct discussions with several regions to validate the methodologies based on locally generated data and criteria, thereby contributing to the process of defining regional contributions to the PNIEC targets.