Between saying and doing for ensuring energy resources supply: The case of Italy in time of crisis

In recent years, the number of countries affected by deep geopolitical crises has grown, with global economic effects and implications on energy. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has highlighted the energy security of supply problems that characterize the European Union, heavily dependent on imported fossil sources from Russia. Italy is still very dependent on foreign energy imports. In this framework, it is crucial to investigate how much issues related to energy security have been considered by Italian governments to protect country's economic interests. The aim of this paper is to analyze to what extent energy security issues have been addressed in Italian energy policies and what actions have been implemented, using a content analysis approach. We have analyzed the reports published by Italian energy authorities in the period 2000-2020. According to our findings, several actions have been undertaken to address security of supply in Italy. The country is trying to diversify its fossil fuel mix and suppliers, even if a higher coordination among policy intervention is required. Several indicators such as CO2 emissions and geographical origin of imports confirm the difficulty to substitute fossil fuels usage in economic activities. However, other indicators, such as renewable energy sources consumption and carbon intensity of industry consumption show a positive trend. The results obtained reveal useful insights into changing policy priorities in security of supply.

Automated summary

In recent years, the number of countries affected by geopolitical crises has increased, leading to global economic consequences and impact on energy. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has drawn attention to the energy security concerns in the European Union, particularly its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels from Russia. Italy also heavily depends on foreign energy imports. This paper aims to analyze how much attention Italian governments have given to energy security issues and what actions have been taken to protect the country's economic interests. The findings reveal that Italy has undertaken various measures to address supply security, including diversifying its fossil fuel mix and suppliers. However, there is a need for better coordination among policy interventions. While indicators such as CO2 emissions and geographical origin of imports indicate challenges in substituting fossil fuels, positive trends are seen in renewable energy consumption and carbon intensity of industry consumption, highlighting changing policy priorities in supply security.