Energy Perspectives in Italy

The Italian Physical Society (SIF) has set up a Energy Commission to analyze the energy situation in Italy. As a result of various meetings a book has been published with title "Energy in Italy: problems and perspectives (1990-2020)", which is a comprehensive report about energy demand and consumption, as well as environmental effects generated by energy production. The present energy landscape and prospects forecast for Italy are examined in details. The book aims to make known the point of view of a group of experts, representing the scientific community, about the possible guidelines concerning the future Italian energy policy.

In very brief summary Italy uses little coal, more gas and oil for electricity production. Gas keeps replacing oil. No nuclear power plants (NPP) exist. About 14% of electricity has to be imported from French NPPs. The import is at the limit of the transmission lines. Owing to the large fraction of hydroelectric power, Italy can count on a considerable amount of renewable energies for its electricity production. Nevertheless, CO₂ emission has increased by about 10% (Kyoto goal: -6.5%) over the reference period.

The SIF Energy Commission suggests that the forecast gross consumption electrical energy in 2020 can be achieved by increasing the contribution from renewable sources (25%, about half of which from hydroelectric plants) and from imported nuclear power (15%), while keeping the thermal output (only carbon and gas) at the 2006 level (60%). The SIF Energy Commission also suggests to reconsider the nuclear option by installing III generation reactors in Italy and adopting more decisive policy of partecipation in international research into IV generation reactors.

For longer term perspectives in CO₂ reduction the SIF Energy Commission recommends the implementation of technologies for CO₂ capture and storage, the building of nuclear plants and - should it become sufficiently economical - the use of solar energy.

The book in English "Energy in Italy: problems and perspectives (1990-2020)" is available online.