Ricerc@Sapienza

The aim of the article is to analyse the evolution of spatial and energy planning integration, seen as a mean to foster local development, from the birth of the theme to the current prospects of shared sustainability and Decentralised Energy System (DES) solutions. The paper is a review of the evolution of the spatial and energy planning integration, exploring weaknesses

“Futures” studies have treated the issue of place-based approach and bioregionalism planning as tool to achieve a sustainable development in areas characterized by exclusive natural peculiarities (Gray, 2007; Tonn, English, Turner, & Hemrick, 2006). After reviewing theories and cases concerning the re-launch of this kind of territories, the study introduces the concept of inner areas (Barca, 2009). Inner areas, described as a specific territorial weak category, are central to the European and Italian debate about territorial inequality and fragmentation.