‘Ferragosto Al Buio,’ Courtesy of Renewables

The Italian town of Lignano, a major tourist seaside resort, was hit by a blackout on the night of Aug. 15. Such blackouts have proliferated in the last weeks throughout Italy, due to the increased use of air conditioners, but Lignano, with 6,000 residents, that accommodates 5 million tourists a year, is a warning for those who believed it is possible to promote tourism with a “renewable"-driven economy. Aug. 15, called “Ferragosto” in Italy, is the peak of summer holidays and is generally celebrated with events, fireworks, etc. A blackout like the one that hit Lignano is certainly no good advertisement.