Environment & energy — Italy · Synthesis

Moderate and falling emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions stand at around 380–400 MtCO2e (ISPRA), on a downward trend. Per capita, they are lower than Germany's, thanks to a coal-free (or marginal) electricity mix and a lower industrial weight.

An energy mix dependent on gas. Italian electricity relies heavily on natural gas, complemented by (historically important) hydropower and rapidly growing solar. The share of renewables in final consumption is around 19%. The absence of nuclear power (abandoned by referendum) distinguishes Italy from France.

Strong solar potential. The south of the country benefits from strong sunshine, and solar is growing rapidly. Northern hydropower remains an important component, but is sensitive to droughts.

High exposure to climate risks. Italy is particularly exposed to climate extremes: droughts (Po valley), floods, landslides, heat waves, retreat of Alpine glaciers. Adaptation is a growing challenge, beyond mitigation alone.

Energy dependence. Heavy dependence on energy imports (gas, formerly Russian) is an economic and strategic vulnerability, which weighed during the 2022 shock (see Prices and Economy categories). Diversification (LNG, pipelines from North Africa, renewables) is a priority.

Accelerating renewables. Meeting European climate targets requires a sharp acceleration of solar and wind deployment, slowed by permitting delays and local acceptance. The PNRR includes investments to this end (see Economy category).

Securing supply. Reducing dependence on imported gas via diversification (LNG, Mediterranean pipelines) and renewables is an energy-security and price issue.

Adapting to extremes. Faced with droughts, floods and heat waves, adaptation (water management, risk prevention, infrastructure) is becoming a priority undertaking in a highly exposed country.

Decarbonising industry and transport. As elsewhere, decarbonising the diffuse sectors (transport, buildings, industry) is the next challenge, harder than decarbonising electricity.

The open questions. Three issues will shape the decade: (1) accelerating renewables; (2) securing energy and reducing gas dependence; (3) adapting to climate extremes.

Placed in its environment, Italy presents moderate per-capita emissions for a large economy, but high energy dependence and climate exposure.

Three takeaways. (1) Volume: moderate. At ≈ 380–400 Mt, Italian emissions are close to those of France and the United Kingdom, well below Germany (≈ 670 Mt), and incomparable to China or the United States.

(2) Per capita: below Germany. Thanks to a coal-free mix and a lower industrial weight, Italian per-capita emissions are below Germany's, but above France's (heavily decarbonised by nuclear).

(3) Energy and climate vulnerability. Dependence on imported gas and exposure to climate extremes distinguish Italy — vulnerabilities more pronounced than among several neighbours.