Reconciliation of Energy Security and Climate Objectives: The Case of Italy

Traditionally, Italy is heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports, and the deployment of renewables has been hindered by chronic challenges such as lengthy procedures and social opposition. However, due to the dominant role of imported gas in the Italian energy mix (especially in power generation), the country’s households and industry were put under incredible pressure by the spike in gas prices during the 2021/22 energy crisis. In 2022, Italy focused its efforts to avoid supply disruptions by engaging with hydrocarbon producers, especially in the Mediterranean. While electrification and energy efficiency can strengthen energy security, policy measures in the field of molecules, such as addressing methane emissions and the development of hydrogen, are necessary to reconcile energy security with climate objectives.