Italy energy and mobility transition: demand peaks and infrastructure shifts

Italy is experiencing a significant shift in its energy and mobility landscape. In September 2026, national electricity demand reached 27.8 TWh, a 6.5% annual increase and the highest level since 2014. This surge is attributed to rising temperatures and the growing integration of data centers, heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The power conversion market is projected to reach approximately $95 billion by 2030, driven by AI-related energy needs and electrification. To support the European Green Deal, estimates suggest that up to €24.7 billion is required for public charging infrastructure by 2030, though smart charging could reduce this investment to €14.1 billion.

In the mobility sector, Italy is classified as a country ‘in transition’ with a score of 54/100 in the European Mobility Guide 2026. While electric vehicles offer significant savings—potentially over €850 annually compared to gasoline—many Italian metropolitan families face a ‘local petrol tax.’ This indirect cost, averaging €600 per family annually, stems from a heavy reliance on private vehicles due to insufficient public transport.

Logistics are also evolving, with Amazon expanding its low-emission delivery network to 14 Italian cities through new micro-mobility hubs. Additionally, the SmartHydroGrid project has concluded, successfully piloting green hydrogen integration into gas networks in Arezzo and Fano.