In 2025, Italy's electricity landscape reflects a mix of both fossil fuels and low-carbon sources. Fossil energy, accounting for about 41%, is still a significant component of Italy's electricity consumption, with gas representing nearly 38% and coal a minor 3%. Low-carbon energy contributes around 35% to the mix, with solar power leading at about 13%, closely followed by hydropower at 12%, and wind energy making up roughly 8%. Net imports, which can be a mix of both clean and fossil-generated electricity, account for about 19%. Notably, biofuels, while classified as low-carbon, only contribute a small 2% to the electricity palette. This balance between carbon-intensive and low-carbon sources showcases the transition challenge Italy faces as it moves towards cleaner electricity solutions.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Italy?
Despite Italy's efforts, the electricity consumption indicators reveal a concerning situation. In 2025, per capita electricity consumption stands at 4553 kWh, which is a significant decrease from the peak of 6112 kWh recorded in 2006, marking a drop of 1559 kWh per person. This decline is paired with a concerning reduction in the generation of low-carbon electricity, which has decreased by 597 kWh per person compared to 2024, when it was at an all-time high. Such trends highlight not just a stagnation but a backwards step in Italy's electricity growth, a scenario that is both worrying for meeting future energy demands and combating climate change.
Suggestions
Italy has a promising pathway to boost its low-carbon electricity production, and expanding its solar capacity seems to be a logical next step given its existing contribution and the country's favorable climatic conditions. Furthermore, Italy can draw inspiration from regions excelling in low-carbon electricity generation. For instance, France and Slovakia generate more than 65% of their electricity from nuclear energy, a testament to the potential of this clean source. On the solar front, states like Nevada and California lead with solar, representing 33% and 29%, respectively, of their electricity mix. Similarly, in wind energy, Denmark's impressive 59% penetration rate underscores the latent potential of wind power. By learning from these regions, Italy could develop a balanced and robust low-carbon plan, incorporating an expanded role for nuclear and solar energy.
History
Examining the historical trajectory of Italy's low-carbon electricity illustrates both potential and pitfalls. In the late 1970s, hydropower saw significant growth, only to suffer setbacks in the 1980s and early 1990s, while surprisingly showing recovery in the early 2000s. Notably, the late 1980s saw a stark decline in nuclear power, a lost opportunity in clean energy. The early 2010s marked an upswing with solar energy, contributing significantly alongside periods of hydropower recovery. However, the recent years exhibit troubling volatility, with hydropower especially showing declines, most notably with a drop of over 21 TWh in 2025. Such historical insights stress the need for a stable, multi-pronged low-carbon strategy to sustain gains and prevent rollbacks in Italy's clean electricity future.
