The Italian National Integrated Plan for Energy and Climate (PNIEC) of 2019, enacting EU Regulation No. 1999/2018 on the European climate framework, establishes different strategies that have to be implemented for Italy to align with the European sustainability targets. In particular, these strategies relate to (i) decarbonization, (ii) energy efficiency, (iii) energy security, (iv) the internal market, and (v) research, innovation and competitiveness. The PNIEC also provides for specific interim targets related to each of the topics above. With reference to decarbonization, the Italian PNIEC aims to reduce CO2 emissions in accordance with the European targets established by the Green Deal:
- 43.7% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels)
- Net zero by 2050
With reference to energy efficiency, the PNIEC sets a target of reducing primary energy consumption by 43% and final energy consumption by 39.7% (compared to the 2007 reference scenario) by 2030, with different participation from different sectors (i.e., real estate field — 3.3 Mtep per year; transportation field — 2.8 Mtep per year; industrial field — 1.0 Mtep per year; service field — 2.4 Mtep per year).
The PNIEC aims to reach these targets through different tools, such as the following: (i) creating a list of technologies, systems and products to reduce the use of carbon in the Italian economy; (ii) financing decarbonization and energy efficiency measures in the industrial sector with the revenue from the EU ETS mechanism; (iii) promoting green buildings and energy efficiency in general; (iv) promoting reuse and recycle practices in the industrial sector; and (v) promoting green transport.
In July 2023, Italy notified a proposal for updating the PNIEC to the European Commission. Upon review, the European Commission highlighted the need for Italy to amend the PNIEC to better align it with the climate targets established by the Green Deal.
Another Italian measure aimed at implementing the EU targets is the National Energy Strategy. This act was approved by an intra-ministerial decree in 2017 and provides for a 10-year plan defining the objectives, policies and actions to improve the national energy sector. In particular, the National Energy Strategy is built around five main topics: (i) diversifying the energy sources by increasing the share of power from renewable sources; (ii) promoting measures and policies to improve energy efficiency in various sectors, such as the building, industrial and transport sectors; (iii) promoting environmental sustainability by adopting policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, manage energy waste and protect ecosystems; (iv) ensuring the security and resilience of the country’s energy supply, diversifying sources and promoting energy autonomy; and (v) supporting technological innovation and research in the energy sector.
Under Legislative Decree 192/2005 (mentioned in "Energy Performance Certificates and Minimum Energy Standards"), which relates to the minimum requisites regarding energy-saving in the real estate sector, all new buildings, owned and occupied by both public and private entities, must be “nearly zero-energy buildings” beginning 2021. (“Nearly zero-energy buildings” refer to buildings whose energy consumption is very low or almost zero and is met, to a significant extent, by energy produced on-site from renewable sources.)
Lastly, following the recent increase of energy costs, the EU approved the “Save Gas for a Safe Winter” resolution. It aims to reduce the overall European consumption of gas by requesting member states to adopt measures to reduce — among other things — gas consumption in public and private buildings, with a few exceptions concerning critical infrastructures (e.g., schools and hospitals) and particular circumstances (e.g., the limits do not apply with reference to the parts of buildings that are meant to be operated 24/7).
Italy enacted the European resolution through Decree of the Ministry of Environment No. 383 of 2022, which established new temperature thresholds for public and private buildings featuring thermal air-conditioning systems fueled by natural gas, as well as new time frames for their operativity. In particular, the decree reduced the systems’ overall time frame to 15 days with reference to their ignition period and one hour with reference to their daily ignition duration. Moreover, the maximum air temperature values have been reduced by 1°C.