1. Pilot community:
TIRANO
ITALY
Population: 9044 inhabitants
Area: 32,7 km2
Address: Piazza Cavour 18
Zip code: 23037
Phone: + 39 (0) 342 701256
Fax: + 39 (0) 342 704340
Mayor Della Vedova Gianmartino
e-mail: gian_martino_della_vedova@region
e.lombardia.it
website: www.comune.tirano.so.it
It is a rural community placed in the northest province of Lombardy Region. It is in the most narrow
point of Valtellina Valley, at 28 Km to the main town, Sondrio.
The area is already settled in the prehistoric era. There are numerous cave arts to testify that.
Tirano is placed at a crossroads point which connect Italy and Switzerland. It is very important since
XVI century in the commercial sector. Inhabitants are also involved in agriculture and animal breeding and
from these activities various traditional local products are made (wine, apple, cheese, bread, dried meat etc).
Also forestry industry is important.
The Rhaetian Railway and the Albula/Bernina cultural landscape, which includes the “Red Train” of
Tirano, has become an UNESCO world heritage site. About 500.000 tourists pass for Tirano every year.
Renewable Energy Sources
Now: A biomass CHP plant based on Organic Rankine Cycle turbogenerator (the first in Italy) supplies
the town of Tirano with district heating and electricity (an overall efficiency of about 89%). Thorough an
agreement with the TCVVV Inc, the 5% company’s gross sales is designed for a special Municipality’s budget
item which is aimed at renewable energy sources development.
Future: Give more prominence to projects of Forest-Wood Chain, which produces raw materials
(wood chips and sawdust) for biomass CHP plants.
Rational Use of Energy
Now: Biomass CHP plant, photovoltaic energy system.
Future: Work up opportunities coming from energy policies/strategies at national and sub-national
level. Provide incentives for energy saving.