Territorial analysis for the potential of hydroelectric energy production and its impact in the Dora Riparia, Sangone and Stura di Lanzo catchments (Turin)

It is now generally assumed that a radical reversal in economy is needed in order to cope with the effects of climate change and to improve the resilience of local populations. In relation to these effects.
European policies for climate change and economic recovery due to Covid-19 (Guidance to Member States, Recovery and Resilience Plans, 8th Environmental Action Program) are supposed to work in synergy to promote green and efficient production of energy, shifting the cost/benefit ratio in favor of renewable natural resources. As part of these policies, Italy is increasing the number of mini-hydroelectric plants, which are considered advantageous both in economic and environmental terms, avoiding contrasts with the surrounding environment. The first goal of this study is to evaluate the potential production of hydroelectric energy in the western area of the Province of Turin (Piemonte Region, Nort-western Italy), in particular in the Dora Riparia, Sangone and Stura di Lanzo catchments. It is performed with RENERFOR methodology, that will be employed to calculate the Flow Duration Curve (Ganora et al., 2009). The second aim of the study will be to produce data congruent with European and national guidelines regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment. This will be performed considering geological, hydrogeological, morphological, ecological and climatic territorial components. Three parameters will be assessed to quantify environmental impact on superficial water bodies: sediment transport rate, fauna components and water quality. Sediment transport rate will be estimated by reconstructing, through remote sensing, hystorical series describing the evolution of channel features and the changing anthropic landscape. Impacts on fauna will be analyzed not only with the tools provided by actual regulations, but also through models of the habitat of target species (Vezza et al., 2014). Water quality will be evaluated following the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC and the Decreto Legislativo n°152/2006.