The role of renewable energies in landscape transformation. Methodological proposal and application to the Valdagno case study

Energy has consistently exerted a profound impact on the landscape and human settlements, and it continues to serve as a pivotal force in the formation of our environment. The current era is characterised by an energy transition, driven by an increasing necessity to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. In evaluating the adoption of these new energy sources in a specific area, it is essential to consider not only the technical aspects but also the landscape and social factors. This paper examines the significance of harmonising energy requirements with landscape conservation, emphasising the imperative for strategic and methodological approaches to integrating renewable energies into landscape and social contexts. The main renewable energy sources are reviewed, their impacts analyzed, and recommendations for better integration into the context are identified. The objective is to propose an analytical methodology that ensures a balance between energy efficiency and landscape conservation, thereby fostering careful design and conscious integration in order to minimise visual and environmental impacts while contributing to energy sustainability. The methodology is then applied to the case study of the Municipality of Valdagno in Italy.