National energy system: 40% of energy from renewables sources in November 2023

In November 2023, Italy experienced a 1.4% increase in electricity demand compared to November 2022, reaching a total of 25.3 billion KWh. This increase represents a partial recovery from the 6.2% decrease recorded in November 2021.

National energy system: declines in the ceramics, glass, and non-ferrous metals sectors

This increase occurred in a context of stability, with the same number of working days and nearly unchanged average temperatures compared to the previous year. The detailed IMCEI index by Terna, which monitors the energy consumption of about 1,000 energy-intensive companies, showed varied dynamics.

While companies connected to high voltage saw a 0.7% increase in their energy consumption, those connected to medium voltage experienced a significant decrease of 9.1%. Different sectors responded differently: significant increases were seen in the transport, paper, cement, lime and gypsum, iron, and steel sectors.

Conversely, there were declines in the ceramics, glass, non-ferrous metals, food, mechanical, and chemical sectors. Seasonally, calendar, and temperature-adjusted electricity demand showed a slight decrease of 0.8% compared to October 2023.

However, it is noteworthy that, during the same period, the IMCEI index showed a 0.9% increase. These data suggest some short-term volatility but also a tendency towards equilibrium in the medium term.

National energy system: hydropower grows by 86.6% compared to november 2022

Analyzing cumulative data, in the first 11 months of 2023, total electricity demand in Italy decreased by 2.8% compared to the corresponding period in 2022. It is worth noting that the most significant declines occurred in the first six months of 2023, but from July onwards, this trend gradually lessened.

Geographically, electricity demand in November 2023 was positive across all Italian regions. The North recorded a 1.4% increase, the Center 0.9%, and the South and Islands saw a 1.9% increase. This uniform distribution of demand growth suggests widespread economic recovery throughout the country.

In terms of energy production, 82% of Italy’s electricity demand was met by domestic production. A particularly encouraging aspect was the significant increase in energy production from renewable sources.

Hydropower, for example, grew by 86.6% compared to November 2022, mainly due to the greater availability of water resources. Similarly, wind and photovoltaic energy production increased by 51.9% and 28.1%, respectively, thanks to both the increased availability of resources and the expansion of installed capacity.

Renewable energy sources covered an important 40.9% of electricity demand in November 2023, up from 29% in November 2022. Notably, Terna observes that the total capacity from all renewable sources in Italy increased by 4,938 MW, marking an 85% increase compared to the same period in 2022.