Technical features and Italian regulations for small hydropower plants: a case study in Southern Italy

Abstract

The exploitation of small waterfalls to produce

electricity is a topic of considerable interest today, not only for

the benefit that it can draw the small community but also for the

opportunity to further increase the electricity derived from

renewable sources. Then, after a historical examination of

hydropower in Italy, technologies, constructive features and

guidance on best choice of sites with particular reference to

small system will be shown, other than the main legal

references and incentives. In conclusion, a study conducted in

the late 80s, following an agreement between ENEL and seven

Italian University, with the aim to examine in detail the

feasibility and affordability of small hydropower in some Italian

regions, will be described. In particular the results derived in

this study for the Region Campania and Basilicata will be

explored.