Italy faces delays in meeting 2030 emission targets

Italy may struggle to achieve its carbon reduction goals because of delays in renewable energy deployment and energy storage projects, according to a Reuters report citing a study by Edison and TEHA Group. The country could require up to ten additional years to develop the necessary green infrastructure.

The study highlights that streamlined permitting, investment certainty, and effective energy cost management are critical for Italy to stay on track. It also notes that integrating hydropower storage, advanced nuclear power, and carbon capture technologies could increase the economy by €190 billion ($222.2 billion) by 2050.

Italy has the potential to develop 13.6 gigawatts (GW) of hydropower storage across 56 sites, which would enhance both energy security and climate resilience.

Edison CEO Nicola Monti told Reuters that Italy needs to reduce reliance on foreign technology, strengthen domestic supply chains such as hydroelectric pumping, and develop European partnerships in emerging energy technologies, including next-generation nuclear and carbon capture.

The report also points out that solar projects in Italy face higher costs—around 20% above similar projects in France, Germany, and Spain—due to grid congestion, limited land availability, and slow approvals.