Primary energy consumption in Italy 2019-2023, by fuel

Primary energy consumption in Italy decreased by approximately 190 petajoules in 2023, when compared to the previous year. Oil was the leading source of primary energy in the Mediterranean country that year. Primary energy consumption describes the direct use of an energy source, without considering conversion or transformation processes.  

 Fossil fuels

Oil and natural gas remain the main primary energy sources used. In the last few years, the consumption of natural gas has become increasingly important in Italy, while oil consumption has decreased. However, oil surpassed natural gas in the primary energy mix during the global energy crisis in 2022 when gas prices increased to unprecedented levels.

Renewable energy

On the other hand, the consumption of renewable energy increased in 2022, amounting to some 760 petajoules. The consumption of hydro sources (counted separately from renewables due to the use of large-scale plants) declined. Among renewable sources, solar power accounted for the greatest installed capacity and was the second source of renewable power in 2021, after water.