COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Italy Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union
Date: 2015-11-18
Institutions: European Commission, Secretariat-General
Subjects: Italy, competitiveness, economic and social cohesion, electrical energy, energy policy, gas, innovation, reduction of gas emissions, regional cooperation, regions of Italy, single market

EN 

   EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 18.11.2015  SWD(2015) 229 final   COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Italy Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK  State of the Energy Union  {COM(2015) 572} {SWD(2015) 208 à 209} {SWD(2015) 217 à 228} {SWD(2015) 230 à 243}  
 
 
Towards an Energy Union  
           Italy 

Macroeconomic relevance of energy 

IMPORTANCE OF THE ENERGY SECTOR 

The energy sector in Italy accounts for a smaller share of gross value added total employment than in 
the  EU  as  a  whole.  While  the  share  of  energy  in  Italy's  gross  value  added  has  slightly  increased 
between 2005 and 2012, the share in total employment has decreased over the same period. 

Source: EUROSTAT – National Accounts 

According to EurObserv'ER, in 2013, the share 
of  direct  and 
indirect  renewable  energy 
related  employment  in  total  employment  of 
the  economy  in  Italy  was  at  about  0.43%, 
below the EU average of 0.53%. 

Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EurObserv'ER  and 
EUROSTAT 

TRADE BALANCE OF ENERGY PRODUCTS 

In  2014  the  overall energy  trade  deficit  of  Italy  was  slightly larger  than  that  of  the  EU28  while  the 
opposite was true in 2006. The largest component of the deficit is the oil trade balance but in  2014 
the  gas  component  has  also  become  significant.  In  spite  of  the  deterioration  of  the  energy  trade 
deficit, the country moved from a current account deficit in 2006 of almost 2% to a current account 
surplus in 2014 of about 2%. 

0.00.40.81.21.62.02.420052012ITEU27Value added of energy sector% of grossvalue added (total economy)0.00.10.20.30.40.50.620052012ITEU27Employment in energy sector% of total employment 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Italy 

Source: EUROSTAT 
Note: Current account balance for EU28 from European Commission (AMECO) 

1. Energy Security, solidarity and trust 

ENERGY MIX 

The energy mix of Italy differs to some extent from the one of the EU-28, with the notable difference 
of a higher share of gases and the absence of use of nuclear. Compared to 1995 data, the  share of 
petroleum and oil products decreased (from 58% to 37% of gross inland energy consumption), while 
the share of solid fuels and renewable energy increased, by 2 and 8 percentage points respectively. 
The share of gases increased considerably, from 28 to 36% of the energy mix. 

Gross inland energy consumption in 2013  

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

IMPORT DEPENDENCY 

Italy  has  an  import  dependency  above  the  EU28  for  fossil  fuels.  Import  dependency  is  particularly 
high for petroleum products and gas. A high share of gas imports are from Russia1, but otherwise, gas 
supply  sources  are  relatively  well  diversified.  As  such,  the  country  supplier  concentration  index  is 
relatively low. Still, Italy experiences an energy trade deficit (expressed in percentage of GDP) above 
the EU average. 

1  

Top non-EU gas suppliers table is based on EUROSTAT data. The share of imports from non-EU countries is calculated 
as the ratio between volumes of imports from that specific non-EU supplier and total imports  (from EU and non-EU 
countries). 

2 

-4-3-2-1012ITEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2006 -4-3-2-1012ITEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2014  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Italy 

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

2. A fully-integrated internal energy market 

INTERCONNECTIONS 

The interconnection capacity for electricity was 7,4% of installed capacity 
in 2014  for  Italy. Italy  still  has  to  improve  its  electricity interconnection 
capacities  with  the  neighbours  as  it  relies  on  significant  power  imports 
with  the  risk  of  serious  congestion  problems.  Overall,  Italy  has  31 
Projects  of  Common  Interest  (PCIs),  of  which  19  are  in  the  electricity 
sector, with a focus mainly on interconnectors between Italy and France, 
Switzerland  and  Austria,  and  the  necessary  internal  reinforcements. 
Altogether  such  investments  will  ease  the  grid  constraints  and  reduce 
differences  between  price  zones.  The  implementation  of  these  PCIs  by 
2020  would  improve  Italy’s  interconnection  capacities  with  neighbours 
to around 12% when completed. 15% by 2030 can be reached with the 
implementation  of  new  PCIs.  The  new  1000  MW  High  Voltage  Direct 
Current (HVDC) interconnection line between Villanova (Italy) and Lastva 
(Montenegro)  is  also  very  important.  The  available  interconnection 
capacity  is  not  always  fully  exploited.  In  this  regard  further  capacity  on 
internal 
the  national  network  should  be 
bottlenecks and to take into account the needs of security and flexibility 
of the system.  
Italy plays an important role in the creation of a Mediterranean gas hub. 
The  strategy  for  the  diversification  of  gas  supply  appears  so  far  to  be 
oriented  towards  the  Southern  Corridor.  Within  the  Southern  Gas 
Corridor,  the  construction  of  the  Trans  Adriatic  Pipeline  (TAP,  a  critical 
project 
in  the  European  Energy  Security  Strategy  (EESS)), 
transporting  Azeri  gas  from  the  Turkish  border  to  the  South  of  Italy 
through Greece and Albania, is expected to start in 2016 despite a strong 
opposition from local authorities. Italy has also PCIs ensuring additional 
reverse flow capacity towards the north western markets by 2018. 

important  to  overcome 

listed 

3 

Source: European Commission 
based on ENTSO-E scenario 
outlook and adequacy forecast 
2014 
Note: Reference to 2030 target 
is  based  on  October  2014 
European  Council  conclusions 
stating  that  "the  Commission 
will also report regularly to the 
European  Council  with 
the 
objective  of  arriving  at  a  15% 
target by 2030" 

Top non-EU gas suppliers in 2013 (% in total imports)ItalyEuropean Union country[%]country[%]Russia45.3Russia39.0Algeria20.2Norway29.5Libya9.2Algeria9.7Qatar8.6Qatar6.784%77%92%91%85%88%52%53%82%87%57%65%200520132005201320052013All fuelsPetroleum andproductsNatural gasITEU28Import dependency 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Italy 

ELECTRICITY AND GAS MARKETS 

Market concentration index for power generation 
(left) and gas supply (right) (2013) (Herfindahl index – 
10000 means monopoly) 

Sources: European Commission based on ESTAT, CEER and 
Platts Power Vision 

Sources:ESTAT and European Commission Calculations 

Concentration on power generation and gas supply markets continues to improve, with ratios lower 
than  EU  average.  Despite  rather  low  market  liquidity,  the  level  of  competitiveness  on  gas  markets 
was enhanced by early introduction of congestion management rules at the Northern border. 

Competition  in  the  electricity  market  has  been  enhanced  by  the  development  of  the  electricity 
network and the excess of supply caused by demand reduction and growth in renewables. Despite all 
this, power prices in Italy are generally still higher than in other EU member states.  

Domestic retail prices for electricity are in general above the EU average, with the exception of the 
smallest consumption classes (which are however representative for Italy), while the price of gas is 
for all consumption one of the highest among EU Member States. At retail level, electricity network 
costs, policy measures costs and taxes account, respectively, for 17%, 23% and 13% of the final price 
paid by consumers. Italy has recently adopted some measures (so-called "Taglia bollette") to reduce 
the burden of renewable energy support schemes on consumers and industry. In gas, network costs 
and taxes account, respectively, for 18% and 36% of the final price paid by consumers.  

Customers  are  relatively  active  in  switching  suppliers.  However,  electricity  and  gas  retail  markets 
remain  concentrated.  Despite  the  numerous  active  electricity  suppliers  (about  140),  the  standard 
(monitored) offer market ("mercato tutelato", which is available to households only) is dominated by 
one company with a 85.4% market share. The assessment of both retail electricity and gas markets in 
Italy is the 5th lowest in the EU and well below the EU average2.  

Smart metering deployment on ENEL's meters started already in 2001 and was completed in 2006. As 
regards smart meters for gas, the current target is at 60% by 2018 for smaller gas customers. 

CONTRIBUTION OF ENERGY TO CONSUMER PRICE EVOLUTION 

In the run up to the crisis, the Italian inflation rate was in line with the average inflation rate in the 
Euro  area.  Its  decomposition  shows  a  slightly  smaller  contribution  of  the  energy  component 
compared to the Euro area. Since 2012 both the energy and the non-energy component of inflation 
declined, and the overall Italian inflation rate has fallen slightly below the Euro area average in 2014. 

2  
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/consumer_evidence/consumer_scoreboards/10_edition/index_en.htm 

10th Consumer Markets Scoreboard (June 2014),   

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Italy 

Source: DG ECFIN based on Eurostat 

VULNERABLE CONSUMERS 

living 

to  assess 

Based  on  a  EUROSTAT  survey  on  income 
three  proxy 
and 
conditions, 
indicators  were  used 
fuel 
poverty.  They  indicate  an  acute  issue  for 
Italy. A last resort supplier and social tariffs 
available  for  vulnerable  customers  who 
suffer  from  financial  hardship  or  serious 
health  conditions  have  been  introduced. 
Moreover, 
legislation 
adopted  in  2014,  a  redefinition  of  the 
compensation  for  vulnerable  consumers 
will take place. 

according 

to 

 Source: European Commission, based on on EUROSTAT SILC survey 

3. Energy Efficiency and moderation of energy demand 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGET 2020  
(158.0 Mtoe primary energy and 124.0 Mtoe final energy) 

Italy's 2020 energy efficiency target is 158 
Mtoe  expressed 
in  primary  energy 
consumption (124 Mtoe expressed in final 
energy  consumption).  The  target  was  set 
at  a 
level  that  would  allow  energy 
consumption to grow in the coming years. 
Italy’  current  primary  energy 
Even 
is 
consumption  (153.7  Mtoe 
below its 2020 target, considerable efforts 
to  keep  the  primary  energy  consumption 
at  this  level  are  still  needed  to  decouple 
the  expected  GDP  increases  during  the 
next five year period. 

in  2013) 

if 

 Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EUROSTAT  and  on  national 

energy efficiency targets as declared by the MS under the EED 

5 

-10123420052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsItaly : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices-10123420052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsEA : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Italy 

ENERGY INTENSITY 

Primary energy intensity in Italy is below the EU average, and has decreased since 2005. An 
high energy intensity reduction is recorded in the industrial sector, which remains below EU 
average. 
Primary energy intensity of the economy   

Final energy intensity in industry 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT and European 
Commission/AMECO 

Specific  energy  consumption  by  households  is  below  EU  average  but  increased  since  2005.  The 
specific energy intensity of passengers' cars decreased between 2005 and 2010 which reflects a more 
efficient usage of cars. However, the specific energy intensity for freight transport increased over the 
period  2005-2010  (by  8%),  i.e.  from  the  same  unit  of  energy  fewer  tons  of  good  are  transported 
and/or on shorter distances (or the filling factor of goods in freight vehicles are lower). 

Final  energy  consumption  per  m2 
residential sector, climate corrected 

in 

Specific  energy 
transport3  

intensity 

for  passenger  cars  and 

freight 

Source: European Commission based on  Odyssee 

database 
EU legislation sets mandatory CO2 emission reduction targets for new cars and vans. By 2021, the 
fleet average to be achieved by all new cars is 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre. For new vans, the fleet 
average is set at 147 g/km by 2020. 

Source:  PRIMES  model  background  data  and  estimations  based  on  EU 
Commission and EU MS inputs   

3  

Statistics  on  energy  demand  for  passengers  and  freight  transport  are  not  available  and  model  estimates  have  been 
used instead. These issues should be borne in mind when comparing energy intensity in freight or passenger transport 
between Member States, which should be regarded as merely indicative. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Italy 

Source: European Environmental Agency. 2014 values are provisional. 2013 EU average refers to EU-27 

Regarding transport performance, in EU-28 the inland freight modal shares are 71% by road, 17% by 
rail, 7% by inland waterways and 5% by pipelines. The respective inland passenger modal shares are 
82% by private car, 9% by buses and coaches, 7% by railways and 2% by tram and metro. 

Modal shares Italy 

Source: Eurostat and EU transport in figures 2015. Data refers to 2013. Modal shares based on tonne-kilometres for freight sector and 
passenger-kilometres for passenger sector, freight data based on activity within country territory. Estimates are made when data is missing. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Italy 

4. Decarbonisation of the economy 

NON-ETS GHG EMISSION REDUCTION TARGET 2020  
(-13% by 2020 as compared to 2005 in the non-ETS sector) 

Italy  has  decreased  its  emissions  by  22% 
between  2005  and  2014  approximated 
data. 
According  to  the  projections  submitted  in 
2015,  Italy  is  on  track  to  reach  its  2020 
greenhouse  gas  (GHG)  emission  reduction 
target,  with  a  5%  margin  as  compared  to 
2005.4  
The national strategy for the reduction of 
 GHG   was   updated   in   2013. The   2015 

Emissions 

Non-ETS 
(vs. 2005) 
Projections with 
existing measures 
2020 
Proxy 2014 

Projections/proxy 

target 

-18% 

-22% 

-13% 

-10% 

Source:  European  Commission    based  on  EEA.  Based  on  preliminary 
inventory data. 

ESD (Effort Sharing Decision) emissions are the emissions from sectors not 
covered by the EU ETS. 

National Reform Programme  as well as the Report of 
the Minister of the Environment, Land and Sea on the 
status  of  implementation  of  commitments  to  reduce 
greenhouse  gases  emissions  annexed  to  the  2015 
Financial  and  Economic  Document  mention  both  the 
measures already in place and the new measures  for   
GHG   emission   reductions. 

RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARE TARGET 2020 (17%) 

for 

energy 

renewable 

support 
photovoltaic 

With  a  renewable  energy  share  of  16.7%  in  2013, 
Italy has nearly achieved its 17% target in 2020. 
According  to  a  recent  hearing  in  the  national  high 
chamber5 by the relevant Government agency costs 
reached 
of 
EUR 307/MWh 
and 
solar 
EUR 120/MWh  for  other  renewables.  This  led  the 
Government  to  restructure  the  support  schemes 
which in turn caused widespread protest.   
Current  uncertainty  on  future  renewable  support 
schemes  may  create  new  challenges 
for  the 
development of this important sector. 
The  support  scheme's  framework  has  in  the  recent 
years  progressively  shifted  to  a  more  balanced  and 
diversified  system, 
in  the 
heating sector, biofuels, and efficiency measures. 

including  renewables 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT 

4  

5

The  reference  energy  scenario  at  the  basis  of  the  evaluation  of  the  emissions  path  here  recalled  has  been  updated 
compared  to  the  one  referred  to  in  section  3.  For  further  details  see  document  ‘2015  Italy  Climate  Policy  Progress 
Report Submitted to the European Commission pursuant to Regulation No 525/2013/EC, Art. 13 and Art. 14’. 

https://www.senato.it/application/xmanager/projects/leg17/attachments/documento_evento_procedura_commissio
ne/files/000/002/514/2015_04_01_-_GSE.pdf.  

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Italy 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INDICATORS 

 
 

In Italy the carbon intensity of the economy in 2013 was 14% lower than the EU average.  
In 2014 the revenues from the auctioning of ETS allowances amounted to EUR 408.6 million, 
out of which 50% are planned to be used for climate and energy related purposes.      

Largest Sectors of GHG 
Emissions in 2012(*) 

Energy/power industry  

Transport 

Industry  

Agriculture (incl. forestry & 
fishery) 

Residential & Commercial 

Waste & others 

Italy 

29% 

23% 

18% 

9% 

17% 

4% 

EU 
Average 

33% 

20% 

19% 

12% 

13% 

3% 

GHG Emissions 

Italy 

EU 

EU ETS auctioning revenues 
in 2014(EUR millions) 

408.6 

3205 

Share of ETS emissions in 
2013 

GHG emissions/capita in 
2013 (tCO2equivalent) 
Carbon intensity of 
economy in 2013 
(tCO2equivalent/EUR 
millions) 

38% 

42% 

7.3 

8.5 

283 

328 

Source: European Commission  based on EEA 

(*) Sectoral breakdown for 2013 data not yet available 

ENERGY & TRANSPORT TAXATION 

Taxation of energy and transport in Italy was in 2005 slightly above the EU28 average mostly due to 
higher heat and electricity taxes. By 2012 the gap with the EU average had considerably widened in 
particular because of the increase in transport fuel excise duties. 

Source: Eurostat 

5. Research, innovation and competitiveness 

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 

Italy  is  near  the  EU  average,  above  the  US  and  below  Japan  and  South  Korea  in  terms  of  public 
support  share  allocated  to  research  and  innovation  in  the  field  of  energy  and  environment.  These 
levels are however lower than those of other large euro area economies such as France or Germany. 
In  terms  of  intensity  of  low-carbon  technologies  patents,  Italy  is  much  behind  the  EU  average  and 
main worldwide partners.  

9 

0.01.02.03.0ITEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2005TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity0.01.02.03.0ITEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2012TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Italy 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT   

COMPETITIVENESS 

The  real  unit  energy  costs6 are  higher  in  Italy 
than in the EU or in the US. The energy intensity7 
of  Italy's  manufacturing  sector  is  slightly  lower 
than  the  EU's  and  much  lower  than  of  the  US, 
while real energy prices are higher vis-à-vis both.  
Regarding  electricity  prices  paid  by  industrial 
customers,  Italy  experiences  one  of  the  highest 
prices  in  the  EU,  and  higher  than  most  non-EU 
trade  partners  too.  There  is  however  a  large 
discrepancy  between  minimum  and  maximum 
prices  paid 
level  of 
consumption.  Taxes  and  levies  on  electricity 
prices  went  up  significantly  in  recent  years, 
large 
especially  for 
majority  of  Member  States  the  share  of  taxes 
and levies is still below 10% of ex-VAT prices, for 
Italy  it  exceeds  20%.  Gas  prices  are  much  lower 
for industry, and recently fell. 

industry.  While  for  the 

industry,  based  on 

Real unit energy costs (% of value added) 

Source: European Commission 

Source: European Commission based on EUROSTAT and IEA 

6  
7  

This indicator measures the amount of money spent on energy sources needed to obtain one unit of value added. 
The  energy  intensity  presented  here  is  derived  from  Use  Tables  of  WIOD,  see  "Energy  Economic  Developments  in 
Europe SWD(2014)19".  

10 

11.49.58.214.713.28.815.913.78.0024681012141618ITEU27US200020092011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Italy 

6. Post-2020 Energy and Climate policy Strategy  

COMPREHENSIVE MEDIUM TO LONG-TERM STRATEGY (post-2020) 
FOR CLIMATE AND ENERGY  

 

Italy has yet to establish a comprehensive medium to long term strategy for energy and climate 
2030 and 2050 objectives. 

  Climate and energy targets in Italy are outlined in the  "National Energy Strategy" (2013), which 
mainly focuses on 2020 objectives. The Strategy refers to the long run only in a general way, by 
including potential scenarios and pathways for 2050. 

NATIONAL TARGETS, especially for 2030 

Objective, 2030-2050 
GHG reduction 
Renewable energy share 

Targets 
No 
No 

Energy Efficiency / savings 

No 

Comments 

No specific target. However, according to the 
Energy Strategy possible scenarios, 
renewables are expected to reach a level of at 
least 60% of gross final consumption by 2050, 
with an interim level of 29% by 2030 
No specific target, but the Strategy indicates 
that primary energy consumption will have to 
fall in the range of 17-26% by 2050 compared 
to 2010 

7. Regional Cooperation 

Regional  cooperation  on  infrastructure  development  is  necessary  to  optimise  the  identification  of 
regional infrastructure priorities and to coordinate cross-border investments. Italy is a member of 5 
energy  infrastructure  priority  corridors  which  have  been  established  under  the  TEN-E  Regulation: 
North South Electricity Interconnections in Eastern Europe, North South Electricity Interconnections 
in  Western  Europe,  North  South  Gas  Interconnections  in  Western  Europe,  North  South  Gas 
Interconnections in Eastern Europe and the Southern Gas Corridor. 

In the context of regional  cooperation  with neighbouring countries, Italy is active in the context of 
the EuroMed platforms for gas and for regional electricity market which provide for cooperation of 
regulators  and  transmission  system  operators  around  the  Mediterranean  with  the  objective  to 
develop  a  plan  for  an  integrated  regional  network  including  identification  of  projects  of  Euromed 
common interest. 

8. Cohesion policy contribution  

The EU Cohesion policy provides for important investment possibilities to implement energy policy 
objectives in Italy which will be complemented by national public and private co-financing, aiming at 
optimal leverage.8 It also ensures integrated territorial solutions to challenges by supporting capacity 
building,  technical  assistance  and  territorial  cooperation,  including  the  Alpine  Region  and  Adriatic 
and Ionian Region macro-regional strategies in which Italy takes part. 

8  

The indicator target values in this section are based on the adopted operational programmes; they might be adjusted 
in the future. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Italy 

Internal  energy  market:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest  some  EUR  444  million  in 
smart electricity distribution grids in Italy. These investments are expected to contribute to around 
304 000 additional users connected to smart grids. 

Energy efficiency: Over 2014-2020, EU Cohesion Policy will invest around EUR 1 413 million in energy 
efficiency improvements in public and, to a lesser extent, residential buildings and in enterprises, as 
well  as  in  high-efficiency  cogeneration  and  district  heating  in  Italy.  A  further  estimated  EUR 
3 684 million  will  be  invested  in  supporting  the  move  towards  an  energy-efficient,  decarbonised 
transport  sector.  These  investments  are  expected  to  contribute  to  around  1  000  households  with 
improved energy consumption classification and a decrease of around 367 598 000 kWh per year of 
decreased  primary  energy  consumption  of  public  buildings,  as  well  as  to  around  270  km  of 
reconstructed or upgraded railway lines and 250 km of new or improved tram and metro lines. 

Decarbonisation: Overall, the EU Cohesion Policy investments in Italy over 2014-2020 are expected to 
contribute  to  an  estimated  annual  decrease  of  GHG  of  around  5 149 000  tonnes  of  CO2eq.  Over 
2014-2020, EU Cohesion Policy will invest some EUR 200 million in renewable energy in Italy. These 
investments  are  expected  to  contribute  to  around  405  MW  of  additional  capacity  of  renewable 
energy production. 

Research,  Innovation  and  Competitiveness:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest 
significantly  in  R&I  and  in  SME  competitiveness  in  Italy.  This  will  be  based  on  the  national  and 
regional strategies for smart specialisation. For Italy, the national strategy identifies five macro-areas 
of  specialisation,  including  one  on  smart  and  sustainable  industry,  energy  and  environment.  Many 
regional  strategies  further  develop  their  areas  of  specialisation  targeting  smart  and  sustainable 
energy, sustainable mobility, blue growth and green chemistry.   At this stage, at least EUR 33 million 
is foreseen for investments in R&I and adoption of  low-carbon technologies in Italy, but this might 
increase further in line with the evolving content of the smart specialisation strategies. 

12