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This paper aims at evaluating the best allocation of potential biomethane generation for the decarbonization of the transport system, presenting a case study in Italy. The country has some peculiar features, such as several operating biogas plants, additional potential feedstock for biogas/biomethane generation, a well-developed natural gas network and established relevant natural gas uses in different final sectors, including transport. Based on current estimates for sustainable biomethane potential by 2030, ranging from 2.3 to 7.6 billion cubic meters depending on the scenario, the analysis compares technologies for the generation, distribution and final use of biomethane. The results of the analysis confirm the potential interesting contribution of biomethane in decarbonizing the Italian transport system: a billion cubic meters of biomethane can lead to 2.33–4.37 Mt CO 2 e savings, depending on the feedstock mix and the application. On a national basis, annual climate emission savings in 2030 range from 10.0 to 26.7 Mt CO 2 e , depending on the scenario. Additional 3.1–8.1 Mt CO 2 of emissions can be avoided if the CO 2 captured during the biomethane upgrading can be stored or reused. The proposed methodology could be used to extend the analysis to other countries, and to the European context. • We analyze the climate emissions of biomethane for different supply chains. • We evaluate the effects of feedstock, distribution strategy and electricity mix. • The results confirm the important role of biomethane for transport decarbonization. • We discuss the best allocation in transport segments based on emissions savings. • We compare alternative biomethane scenarios for Italy in 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes data about recharge of electric cars in Rome during 2013 as a part of a national research project (P.R.I.M.E.). The electric vehicles were recharged through the public Enel Distribuzione recharging infrastructure. For each recharge, the initial and final time were registered together with the electricity absorbed from the grid. The total number of recharges was about 7700. The first step of the investigation is the statistical analysis of the distribution of recharges in daily time slots in order to analyze the recharge behavior of Italian drivers. For each day and for each time slot, literature data from the Italian national grid operator (Terna) were used to retrieve the energy mix used to produce electricity in that day and in that time slot. In the third step, electricity generation mixes were used to obtain emission factors for greenhouse (CO 2 ) and pollutant emissions (CO, NO x , HC and particulate). Using information about the electric consumption of vehicles registered in Rome, the emission factors in g/km were obtained and compared with the limits set by European legislation for conventional (gasoline and diesel). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper presents an energy and environmental extended input–output model combined with the life cycle assessment, applied to assess the energy and environmental benefits arising from the Italian policy of tax deduction for energy retrofit actions of buildings. The study allowed to assess the advantages due to the above policy, taking into account both direct and indirect energy saving and avoided CO2 emissions obtained with the retrofit actions and indirect energy consumption and related CO2 emissions due to the realization of the above actions. Moreover, the authors defined an original model to assess the indirect rebound effect caused by the energy saving actions. The obtained results showed that a reliable evaluation of the benefits arising from sustainable policies strongly depends on the indirect rate of the energy consumption and energy saving, that in the examined case study has the same order of magnitude of the direct one, and on the rebound effect, that can partially avoid the obtained benefits. The study represents one of the first Italian experiences aimed at assessing the effectiveness of sustainable production and consumption strategies. It can be used to support decision-makers in the selection of policies aimed at reducing energy and environmental impacts caused by final consumptions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]