In 2023, renewable power generation played a pivotal role in meeting 36.8% of Italy's national electricity demand, marking a significant increase from the previous year's 31%. Italy experienced a boost in its installed capacity, contributing to a 15.4% rise in renewable power output compared to 2022, according to data released by transmission system operator Terna SpA (BIT:TRN).
Hydropower plants (HPPs) led the charge with a notable 36.1% increase in electricity production, while wind and solar farms also made substantial contributions, lifting their annual outputs by 15.1% and 10.6%, respectively. However, geothermal facilities recorded a 1.9% decrease in yearly generation, standing as the sole exception to the overall upward trend in renewable power output.
This surge in renewable energy production correlates with the addition of 5.8 GW of newly commissioned capacity in 2023, representing a noteworthy increase of 2.7 GW from the previous year.
Conversely, the output from thermal power stations experienced a 17.4% contraction, with coal-fired power plants generating 41.7% less electricity compared to 2022. This decline is attributed to the suspension of initiatives introduced in response to the gas crisis.
In tandem with the rise in renewable energy, Italy's total power consumption witnessed a 2.8% decline in annual terms in 2023, reaching 306.1 billion kWh. This data underscores the notable impact of renewable energy sources in Italy's evolving energy landscape.
