Currently, electricity consumption in Italy demonstrates a relatively balanced energy mix. In the period from November 2024 to October 2025, fossil fuel sources accounted for almost half of the electricity generation at approximately 43%, with gas being the dominant fossil source at 36%. Low-carbon sources, which include hydropower, solar, wind, biofuels, and geothermal energy, provided close to 42% of Italy's electricity, with hydropower, solar, and wind together making up more than 35% of the total. Italy also relied on net imports for around 15% of its electricity needs. The country's efforts in low-carbon energy are evident, but there's significant room for growth to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase the contribution of green energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Italy?
Despite aspirations for growth, electricity consumption in Italy has not surpassed previous records. By 2025, the total electricity consumption was 5074 kWh/person, falling short by over 1000 kWh from the historic peak in 2006. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a decline, with the latest figure of 2125 kWh/person, which is approximately 76 kWh less than the previous record set in 2024. This trend of underachievement highlights the need for a stronger commitment to expanding clean electricity sources, particularly as the global demand for electricity continues to rise due to electrification and technological advancements like AI.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Italy should focus on expanding solar capacity. Solar power already accounts for a significant share of the country's electricity, and increasing this share would be a strategic move. Moreover, examining successful regions might offer valuable lessons. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia, where more than two-thirds of electricity is nuclear-generated, demonstrate the potential of nuclear energy as a reliable and large-scale low-carbon source. Similarly, Denmark's substantial wind reliance and the successful solar implementations in states such as Nevada can inform Italy's strategy. By embracing both solar and nuclear expansion, Italy can ensure a more sustainable and resilient electricity system.
History
Historically, Italy's low-carbon electricity landscape has experienced fluctuations. During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, hydropower has seen both significant increases, such as the 12 TWh rise in 1977, and notable decreases like the 17.2 TWh drop in 2022. Solar energy made a remarkable entrance in 2011, adorning the Italian grid with a profound 8.9 TWh increase and maintaining growth thereafter with notable 8.1 TWh and 6.5 TWh increments in subsequent years. Critical setbacks, especially the sharp reduction of nuclear power by 8.6 TWh in 1987, underscore the loss of an invaluable clean energy source. An unwavering dedication to fostering both solar and potentially re-adopting nuclear energy could pave the way for Italy's greener and more secure electricity future.
