In 2025, Italy's electricity consumption depicts a diverse energy mix, with a noticeable preference for fossil energy sources, which account for slightly over 43% of all electricity generation. Low-carbon energy sources including solar, hydropower, wind, biofuels, and geothermal energy collectively contribute approximately 41% to the electricity mix, showcasing Italy’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Solar energy is the leading low-carbon source, generating nearly 14%, closely followed by hydropower at around 13%. Wind, biofuels, and geothermal contribute smaller shares of around 7%, 5%, and 2%, respectively. Net electricity imports also play a significant role, accounting for almost 16% of Italy's total electricity consumption. The reliance on gas remains notable within the fossil category, constituting about 38% of the total energy mix.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Italy?
Examining the growth of electricity consumption in Italy, recent figures show a decrease in per capita electricity usage, with current levels at about 5368 kWh/person, down from the 2006 peak of 6112 kWh/person. This reduction represents a decline in electricity use, suggesting a troubling stagnation or reduction in growth during a time when increased electricity generation is crucial for meeting future demands. In the realm of low-carbon electricity specifically, per capita generation decreased slightly from the 2024 high of 2202 kWh/person to 2177 kWh/person in 2025. This minor decline in low-carbon generation contrasts sharply with the need for growth in clean, sustainable electricity and highlights the pressing need for renewed investment in low-carbon technologies.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Italy can build on its existing solar capacity, given its favorable solar conditions and current achievements. Expanding solar infrastructure offers an immediate path to increase clean electricity production. Additionally, Italy can benefit from lessons in nuclear energy deployment from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes more than half of the electricity generation, showcasing a reliable model that Italy could emulate to balance its energy portfolio. Furthermore, countries like Denmark and states such as Iowa have demonstrated substantial success in wind energy generation, offering insights on harnessing wind resources effectively. By focusing on solar and nuclear expansions, Italy can effectively transition toward a greener electricity grid, reducing its dependency on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change impacts.
History
Italy's history with low-carbon electricity reveals dynamics over the decades, particularly in hydro and solar. In the late 1970s, hydropower saw a significant boost, although it experienced several declines in subsequent decades, like in the late 1980s and early 2000s with reductions of over 6 TWh. The early 2010s marked a turning point for solar energy, with a remarkable increase in 2011 and 2012, pointing to successful solar investments. Conversely, the nuclear industry faced setbacks, notably in 1987 with a significant reduction of 8.6 TWh, a critical blemish in Italy's energy history that underscores the value of stable and proactive energy policies. Recent years have shown fluctuating patterns in hydropower but a strong resurgence in solar energy, particularly in 2025, with an increase of over 8 TWh, reaffirming the critical role of solar energy in Italy's future electricity landscape.
