
In 2024, the cost of electricity for Italian companies remained significantly higher than in other major European countries and the EU average. With an average of €100/MWh, Italy surpasses France by 15% (€85/MWh), Germany by 31% (€69/MWh), and Spain by 50% (€50/MWh). Compared to the EU average of €76/MWh, Italy records a 24% higher cost, as highlighted in the report by Unimpresa’s research center.
Despite slight improvements over previous years, due to stabilized markets and falling raw material prices, Italy continues to suffer from structurally high energy costs.
Why is Italy lagging behind in energy costs?
Unimpresa identifies several key reasons for Italy’s energy gap:
- Overreliance on fossil fuels, making the Italian energy system vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
- Limited integration of renewable energy sources, unlike Spain, which benefits from lower and more stable costs thanks to its successful energy transition strategy.
- Inefficient market structures, disproportionately affecting small and medium enterprises, the backbone of Italy’s economy.
Energy costs between 2021 and 2024
The report also details the changes in energy costs over the past years. In 2021, Italy already had the highest costs in Europe, with an average of €125/MWh. The situation worsened in 2022, peaking at €345/MWh, driven mainly by the energy crisis and rising gas prices.
In subsequent years, costs gradually declined:
- 2023: €280/MWh in Italy, compared to €220/MWh in France and €210/MWh in Spain.
- 2024: Italy reduced costs to €100/MWh but still lags behind Spain (€50/MWh) and Germany (€69/MWh).
A strategic plan is essential
According to Giuseppe Spadafora, Unimpresa’s vice president, the energy cost gap poses a serious threat to Italian companies’ competitiveness. “A structural intervention including investments in renewable energy and the development of next-generation nuclear power is essential,” says Spadafora.
These measures would not only ensure greater energy security but also align with energy transition goals, reducing the risk of losing further competitiveness to other European countries.
Conclusion
Energy remains a critical issue for Italy’s economic future. Concrete solutions and strategic investments could turn this vulnerability into an opportunity to strengthen the national production system.
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