The transition to a 100% renewable energy system in Italy by 2050 is technically and economically possible.
However, it requires integrated planning to face the remaining challenges. To support it is a study published in the scientific journal Energysigned by two Italian researchers, Alessandro Maria Pastore and Livio De Santoli, of the Department of Energy Engineering of the University “La Sapienza” of Rome. Research shows that complete decarbonisation based on national renewable sources can be achieved.
The context of the energy transition
The Paris agreement of 2015 set the goal of maintaining the increase in the average global temperature well below 2 ° C compared to pre -industrial levels, with the commitment to limit it to 1.5 ° C. To achieve this goal, a strong commitment from all countries to decarbonize energy systems is needed as quickly as possible. However, although this need is widely recognized by international governments and institutions, the consumption of fossil fuels has increased constantly in recent years.
The recent energy crisis highlighted the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to focus on internal resources. However, there is a risk that new investments in fossil infrastructure hinders the transition. The European Union aims at climatic neutrality by 2050, with an intermediate objective of reducing emissions of 55% by 2030. Italy aligns with this strategy.
The study and new technologies
The study, entitled “100% Renewable Energy Italy: A Vision to Achieve Full Energy System Decarbonisation by 2050”states that about 90% of electrical production could derive from photovoltaic and wind (onshore and offshore).
Even the electrification of buildings and light transport, through heat pumps and electric vehicles, together with district heating, is considered essential.
Strategies Power-to-x (P2X), or technologies that convert renewable electricity into other forms of energy or energy carriers, will play a fundamental role. Among these is the Power-to-gas (P2G)which converts gas electricity (hydrogen or synthetic methane) through water electrolysis and the Power-to-heat (P2h)which transforms electricity into heat using heat pumps.
These solutions allow:
Hydrogen and synthetic fuels are essential for heavy transport and industry, but the necessary infrastructures represent an economic challenge. Biocarburants can replace fossil fuels without radical changes, but their production is limited. The combination of biofuel and synthetic fuels can optimize the use of available resources.
Main results of the study
The analysis of the strategies for the decarbonisation of the most difficult sectors to break down is crucial for the planning of 100% renewable energy systems. The study shows that:
