National Energy Consumption: 25.7 Billion kWh Consumed in March

Terna's monthly report on energy consumption is back. In March 2024, Italy saw a slight reduction in electricity consumption, with a decrease of 1.4% compared to the same month in 2023, recording a total consumption of 25.7 billion kWh.

This variation fits within a context of moderate fluctuations in national energy demand.

National Energy Consumption: IMCEI Index Shows a Decrease of 5.2% in March 2024

Despite the apparent 1.4% decline, when considering the data adjusted for seasonal, thermal, and calendar effects, a slightly different picture emerges, with an increase of 1.1%.

This increase was influenced by the combined effect of the Easter holidays and the reduction in the number of working days, which were 21 in March compared to 23 the previous year, as well as an increase in the average temperature by 0.6°C compared to March 2023.

At the regional level, the distribution of electricity consumption shows significant differences: the North and the Center experienced a decrease of 2.2% and 1.1%, respectively, while the South and the Islands maintained a nearly stable level, with a slight increase of 0.3%. These data illustrate a varied energy reality across Italy, influenced by local dynamics and different weather conditions.

Analyzing the first quarter of the year, the overall energy demand in Italy showed a decrease of 0.7% compared to the corresponding period in 2023. This downward trend reflects some volatility in energy consumption, potentially linked to structural or temporary changes in the industrial and residential sectors.

From an industrial perspective, the IMCEI index, which monitors the consumption of energy-intensive companies, showed a significant decrease of 5.2% in March compared to 2023. A detailed examination reveals that among the various industrial sectors, only the cement, lime, and plaster sector registered an increase, demonstrating resilience in an otherwise contracted context.

National Energy Consumption: 79.6% of Demand Covered by Domestic Production

In terms of production and energy balance, Italy's electricity demand in March was covered 79.6% by domestic production, while 20.4% came from international exchanges. Imports saw an increase of 22%, contrasted by almost stable exports with a slight decline of 0.5%.

The monthly balance of imported energy reached 5.2 TWh, increasing by 23% compared to March 2023, highlighting an increase in cross-border exchanges in response to favorable market dynamics.

In the national production landscape, renewable sources have acquired an increasingly central role, covering 41.8% of electricity demand, with a notable increase compared to the previous year. Hydroelectric production grew by 140.4%, followed by increases in geothermal and photovoltaic production, while wind production declined. These changes reflect a progressive yet significant shift towards more sustainable energy sources.

Looking ahead, according to Terna's initial estimates, the first quarter of 2024 confirmed the growing trend of renewable energies, with an overall increase in installed capacity reaching 1844 MW, a 52% increase compared to the same period of the previous year, largely driven by the expansion of the photovoltaic sector. This is indicative of Italy's commitment to a greener and more sustainable energy transition.