Despite moderate capacity expansion in recent years, Italian Enel Green Power managed to achieve a new renewable energy production record in 2021.
Enel Green Power produced around 119 TWh of renewable energy in 2021, reaching a new record. The 55.4 TWh generated by wind and solar accounts for the majority of the capacity expansion, up 9 TWh from 2020 projections. Hydroelectric produced 57 TWh, whereas geothermal contributed 6 TWh – a very modest but constant amount.
In terms of national power consumption, renewables delivered 36% of Italy’s entire need in 2021. This is really a decrease from the 38 percent proportion of renewable energy in 2020. This “small rise” is seen as troublesome for a nation like Italy, which relies significantly on imported gas, according to cosvig.it. A clumsy bureaucracy and regulations at the municipal and regional government levels have stymied the construction of new renewable plants.
According to the Green Deal 2030, Italy aims for a 72 percent renewable contribution of the power generating mix. This might result in annual savings of up to 30 billion euros.
Bagnore 4 was the latest geothermal plant completed in Tuscany eight years ago. Despite this slowing expansion, the geothermal business is still regarded as one of the most lucrative renewable energy sources.
Geothermal energy contributes to 70% of all renewable energy in Tuscany and meets more than 34% of the region’s electrical consumption. It also generates around 454 GWh of heat. This equates to around 121,000 tons of CO2 emissions.