Italy's current state of electricity consumption is characterized by a near even split between fossil and low-carbon sources. Fossil fuels, including gas and coal, account for a little under 43% of Italy's electricity, with gas alone representing almost 37%. On the other hand, clean energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, biofuels, and geothermal together contribute over 41% to the electricity mix. Among the clean energy sources, hydropower leads with just over 16%, and solar makes up roughly 11%, followed by wind at 7%. It's noteworthy that these low-carbon technologies, particularly solar and hydropower, have been crucial in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which are infamous for contributing to climate change and air pollution. Meanwhile, electricity imported from other countries constitutes a little over 16% of Italy's electricity consumption.
Is Electricity Growing in Italy?
Examining the growth of electricity in Italy reveals somewhat concerning trends. At 5304 kWh per person, current electricity consumption is substantially lower than the peak of 6112 kWh per person reached in 2006, indicating a decline of over 800 kWh per person. Despite this decrease in overall consumption, low-carbon electricity generation has seen an encouraging increase. The latest numbers show that low-carbon generation per person is at 2193 kWh, surpassing the previous record set in 2014 by around 215 kWh. This rise in clean electricity helps offset the decline in total electricity consumption, but it also highlights a critical need for Italy to embrace more ambitious strategies to enhance electricity generation, particularly by focusing on expanding sustainable sources.
Suggestions
Italy can boost its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding solar power, a sector already significantly contributing to the country's electricity supply. This expansion would solidify Italy's commitment to reducing carbon emissions while meeting future electricity demands. Furthermore, Italy could look to countries like France, where nuclear energy meets nearly 70% of electricity needs, showcasing an exemplary model for sustainable and large-scale low-carbon electricity generation. Greece, with its noteworthy solar production, provides another example closer to Italy in geography and climate, illustrating that significant strides in solar expansion are both feasible and beneficial. Leveraging insights from these nations, Italy could effectively augment its clean energy capabilities and ensure a greener future.
History
In terms of historical low-carbon electricity production, Italy has experienced various fluctuations, particularly in hydropower generation, which saw substantial increases in the late 1970s and early 1990s but faced significant declines in the mid-2000s. Notably, the early 1980s witnessed a severe drop in nuclear energy, which represents a missed opportunity for Italy to establish a more robust nuclear infrastructure. Major increases in solar energy were observed starting in 2011, demonstrating Italy's capacity for growth in this sector. The consistent improvements in solar energy, coupled with the more recent increases in hydropower, illustrate potential pathways for expanding Italy's clean energy portfolio despite past challenges. To sustain this trajectory, Italy should focus on integrating advanced technologies and policies that will support a holistic and progressive energy strategy.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.