Italy's Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin has issued a directive to cease electricity production from fuel oil and minimize the use of coal in response to the scaling back of emergency measures implemented last year.

Italy increased its coal-based electricity output to 7.5% of the total from 4.6% in 2021 due to the need for an alternative to Russian natural gas resulted from the energy crisis following the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022.

Coal and oil-fired power plants pose higher carbon dioxide emissions compared to gas-fired plants, while gas-fired pollutions are more severe than renewables.

The minister stated in early June 2023 that if natural gas prices could remain at their current levels, Italy may phase out coal-fired power plants by 2024, one year earlier than the original plan.

Gilberto emphasized that increased gas storage, boosted renewable production, reduced electricity demand, and enhanced hydroelectric power availability have all contributed to the country's ability to expedite decarbonization while ensuring energy security.

The country also recognized the need to invest more and accelerate efforts to fulfill its carbon emissions reduction target set by the European Union for 2030 in a government document.

(Writing by Riley Liang  Editing by Harry Huo)
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