Green jobs and energy efficiency as strategies for economic growth and the reduction of environmental impacts

The supply of electricity from renewable energy sources (RESs) represent one of the key measures to reduce environmental impacts on the basis of the new decarbonization target set by the European Union. However, the expected benefits do not refer only to the decrease in fossil fuel demand and the reduction of environmental impacts. Among the social impacts, employment increase represents one of the most important benefits, especially in a period of crisis economy. This paper aimed to investigate the potential of investments in the energy sector in Italy through the application of the Input-Output analysis. The assessment outcomes were tested investigating the PNIEC (Piano Nazionale Integrato per l'Energia e il Clima) provided by the Ministry of Economic Development in 2020. Specifically, the power systems that PNIEC planned to install until 2040 were analyzed, focusing on wind, photovoltaic, hydroelectric and geothermal infrastructures. The results showed that RESs investments can have a strong positive impact on the Italian economy both directly and indirectly. Sensitivity analyses highlighted that the import share of primary components of RESs strongly influences occupational performance, particularly for PV systems.

Automated summary

Investments in renewable energy sources have a strong positive impact on the Italian economy, particularly in terms of social employment aspects.