The space heating by district heating infrastructures in Italy has steadily increased on average by about 16 Mm3/y over the last 7 years, with respect to about 8 Mm3/y in the previous 14 years, reaching more than 260 Mm3 by the end of 2011. The main energy source used to feed the systems is the natural gas, though the renewable energy sources (mainly heat recovery from Waste-to-Energy and biomasses) are significantly growing. The geothermal resources are still marginal, but positive news is expected from a few new projects in Grado, Ferrara and Pomarance. Though there is a large potential for DHC in several northern Italy cities and towns, the main reason why it did not take off yet is mainly related to the high investment required to realize the distribution networks and to the lack of appropriate regulatory schemes and energy policies. The new Italian National Energy Strategy has identified priorities, actions and specific measures to save primary energy by energy efficiency and sustainable use of energy resources. DHC infrastructures have a significant role in this respect, but it will be crucial to identify and remove the regulatory and non–regulatory barriers.
