Design and Feasibility Study of a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Power Plant in Northern Italy: A Case Study in Trino, Piedmont

In last years the energy transition towards renewable energy became a global priority in order to combat climate change and ensure long-term energy security. According to European Union’s climate objective and the United Nations sustainable development goals Italy should achieve at least 72% electricity generation from renewables by 2030. Although renewable energy capacity is distributed across the country, Northern Italy which accounts for the highest electricity demand due to its dense population and industrial activity still depends heavily on electricity imports, particularly from France and Switzerland. To reduce electricity imports and improve regional energy self-sufficiency, it is essential to increase large-scale photovoltaic generation in Northern Italy, thereby contributing to national and EU climate goals. This thesis discusses the design and feasibility assessment of grid-connected photovoltaic power plant in Trino (piedmont) . the aim of this project is to demonstrate how local renewable energy in northern part can reduce electricity imports from France and Switzerland which account for a significant portion of Italy’s external energy supply valued at 6 € billion annually. The plant design includes site selection , technical configuration ,performance simulation , and economic analysis comparing local solar generation costs to imported one. In addition to evaluating the energy yield and cost-effectiveness , the thesis highlights the role of distributed solar infrastructure on lowering transmission losses , enhancing grid resilience and supporting regional energy autonomy ,the proposed PV plant demonstrates how renewable generation in northern part of Italy can contribute significantly to italy’s 2030 goals , not only but cutting carbon emissions , but also to reduce the electricity imports and enhancing energy independence in its most industrialized regions.