Wind energy combats depopulation in San Sostene, Italy

In the Italian municipality of San Sostene, wind energy has become a tool to combat rural depopulation. Mayor Luigi Aloisio reports that the town is one of the few mountainous areas in Italy experiencing population growth rather than decline. The local wind farm, consisting of 43 turbines active since 2010, generates approximately 155 GWh annually and contributes 30% of the municipal budget, amounting to 300,000 to 400,000 euros per year.

While long-standing installations in towns like San Sostene and Ploaghe are often defended by residents, new large-scale renewable projects face significant opposition. Critics argue that massive wind turbines and vast solar farms can be incompatible with Italy’s specific landscape, history, and agricultural heritage. Experts suggest that for renewable energy to gain local acceptance, projects should be smaller, integrated, and better suited to the local territory to avoid disrupting local activities and cultural landscapes.