Over the 12-month period from September 2025 to August 2026, Italy's electricity consumption showed a notable reliance on various sources of energy. Fossil fuels accounted for slightly less than half of the electricity generated, at approximately 45%, with gas alone contributing more than 41%. Low-carbon energy sources, which include solar, hydropower, and more, also provided close to half of Italy’s electricity, with their contribution standing at 40%. Among these, solar energy made up over 15%, highlighting its important role in the clean energy mix. Net imports and hydropower each contributed around 13% and 12%, respectively. Wind power generated more than 7%, and biofuels added close to 5% to the energy mix. Coal, oil, and geothermal each contributed less than 2%, indicating a minimal role in the overall energy landscape.

Is Electricity Growing in Italy?

Italy's electricity consumption per person has not yet returned to its historical peaks. The most recent figure, as of 2026, is about 5233 kWh per person, which is nearly 900 kWh lower than the 6112 kWh per person recorded in 2006. This decline is concerning given the growing importance of electricity in modern life, particularly with the rise of electronic devices and electric vehicles. In terms of low-carbon electricity, the most recent data indicates 2118 kWh per person, a reduction of 84 kWh compared to the record in 2024. These figures suggest a stagnation in electricity consumption, with a particularly worrisome decrease in the clean energy share.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Italy could further broaden its solar energy capacity, exploiting its abundant sunlight. Italy can draw lessons from regions where low-carbon sources dominate. Increasing nuclear energy production, similar to countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes substantially to electricity needs, could provide a stable backbone to Italy’s low-carbon energy transition. Likewise, the significant contributions of solar power in California and Nevada show that expanding solar infrastructure in sun-rich Italy could yield significant gains. By focusing on these clean, reliable energy sources, Italy can meet its energy needs sustainably while addressing environmental concerns.

History

Throughout its history, Italy's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced variations. In the late 1970s, specifically 1977, hydropower saw a significant rise. However, the late 1980s and early 1990s witnessed a decline in both nuclear, in 1987, and subsequently hydropower, with decreases notable in 1989 and 2002. Moving into the 21st century, fluctuations continued, with solar energy making a substantial entry in 2011, and hydropower showing significant gains in 2013 and 2018, albeit with intermittent declines. The more recent years saw solar making new strides in 2025, though hydro again faced declines. The critical setback in 1987 due to a reduction in nuclear electricity generation still casts a long shadow over Italy’s low-carbon energy strategy, underscoring the need for a robust and diversified approach in the coming decades.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Sep 2025 – Aug 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.