Elementi – June 2016

In the world, 40% of electricity is produced by coal, while in Europe this share is 28% followed by nuclear (24%). Italy is the only country in Europe that, although not using nuclear power, uses very little coal (13%).
The Italian electricity pie is unique in Europe: if here on average about 60% is generated from a variable mix of coal and nuclear, in Italy 38% is produced by renewables, another 38% from natural gas, 13% from coal , 2% from oil derivatives and 9% from other sources. This share of coal, while modest, is crucial in ensuring stability for Italy, as coal is a fuel characterised by certainty of supply, wide availability, cost competitiveness, safety in handling, transport and use, and compatibility with the environment thanks to new technologies.