Integrated Energy Methodologies for Urban Ecological Transition Transforming Kombinat into a Model of Renewable Energy Communities

Author
Karla CAVALLARI

Affiliation
PhD IDAUP / University of Ferrara, Italy

Abstract
Kombinat, in Tirana, is an area historically shaped by the urban planning of the communist regime, centered around the old textile factory. Originally designed as an industrial community, the region reflects the vision of industrialization and urban expansion from the 1950s and 1960s. Today, its strategic location and diverse urban characteristics make it a promising site for sustainable redevelopment initiatives and energy transition projects. The methodology was defined based on criteria of urban relevance, availability of open geospatial datasets, and suitability for remote processing through Google Earth Engine (GEE). The analytical workflow followed six main steps: study area definition, conceptual framework, data search and validation, preprocessing, individual modeling of renewable sources, and integration of results. This structured process ensured transparency and reproducibility of the analysis. The research employed a methodology based on cartographic analyses and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools to study the urban, rural, and industrial fabrics of Kombinat. Land use, energy potential, and demand were mapped, considering the life cycle of materials and local energy reserves. Three primary fabrics were identified: the urban fabric, characterized by high density and energy consumption; the rural fabric, suitable for biomass generation; and the industrial fabric, optimal for solar energy and the recovery. Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) were proposed as an integrated solution, defined as citizen-driven associations that jointly produce, consume, and manage renewable energy, reinvesting benefits locally. The analysis revealed that solar potential is high on rooftops and open surfaces, biomass can be derived from agricultural residues and organic waste, and small-scale hydro and wind have complementary though limited contributions. The results demonstrate that Kombinat has the capacity to host hybrid energy systems that link productive land use with conservation practices. By establishing RECs, the neighborhood can move towards energy self-sufficiency, environmental resilience, and local empowerment. In conclusion, the study highlights that an integrated spatial methodology, combining open data, GIS tools, and participatory energy models, can transform Kombinat into a replicable example of urban ecological transition.