In the latest episode of La Settimana Energetica, we break down the most critical energy news of the week:
Italy's renewables slowdown, but storage and "ready-to-build" projects are rising
🔸January saw a drop in newly installed renewable capacity (420 MW vs. 760 MW in December 2024).
🔸Yet, 8.5 GW of projects are ready to go, with solar dominating.
🔸Storage is gaining momentum, with 3.7 GW "ready-to-build"—a key factor for the upcoming Macse auction.
A world divided on energy transition
🔸China is taking the lead: 277 GW of new solar and 79 GW of wind in 2024, driving down renewable tech costs.
🔸The U.S. faces uncertainty: The Inflation Reduction Act fueled a clean energy boom, but shifting policies cast doubt.
🔸Europe remains ambitious but fragile: While renewables are now producing over 50% of the region’s electricity, political instability raises questions about long-term targets.
Agriculture & renewables: a win-win?
🔸Renewables in Italian farms are set to double by 2030 (from 4.7 GW to 9 GW). 🔸Agrivoltaics is a growing trend, but regulatory delays and fragmented incentives risk slowing down investments.
Energy storage & electrification: scaling up fast
🔸Global battery demand surpassed 1 TWh in 2024, with China leading new installations. 🔸The global push for electrification (EVs, data centers, industrial demand) is growing at 4% annually, but renewables seem up to the challenge.
Italy’s PPA market shake-up
🔸The newly approved Emergency Decree introduces a state-backed guarantee for Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). Could this finally unlock the Italian PPA market?
Useful links:
·      Rinnovabili: nuovi impianti in calo a gennaio, aumentano quelli “pronti a partire”
·      Dalla Cina agli Usa, dall’Europa all’Italia: progressi e ostacoli della transizione energetica
·      Rinnovabili in agricoltura: “raddoppio entro il 2030”
·      L’elettrificazione accelera, ma le rinnovabili reggono il passo
·      Batterie, nel 2024 la domanda ha superato 1 TWh
·      Via libera della Camera al dl Emergenze con novità su PPA e Gse