Aree

The indicator concerns atmospheric emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), a primary precursor of acidification processes. Sulfur dioxide emissions originate predominantly from energy-related activities. In 2023, such activities accounted for 92.1% of total SO₂ emissions. These emissions primarily result from the combustion of fossil fuels (including power generation plants, residential heating systems, and transport). Mitigation of SO₂ emissions can be achieved through improvements in fuel quality and/or via flue gas treatment technologies. The reduction in SO₂ emissions from energy-related processes (−96.1% in 2023 compared to 1990 and −98.1% compared to 1980), attributable to the use of low-sulfur fuels and the deployment of emission abatement systems, has thus far ensured compliance with international protocols addressing acidification. Overall SO₂ emissions in 2023 were 82.5% lower than those recorded in 2005.

White Certificates, also known as “Energy Efficiency Titles” (EET) were introduced by Ministerial Decree of 24 April 2001 to promote the implementation of energy efficiency measures in end-use sectors to meet national energy savings targets for obligated parties. TEE are tradable securities that certify energy savings achieved in energy end-use through the implementation of specific interventions to increase energy efficiency. Each certificate represents a saving equivalent to one tonne of oil equivalent (toe). The White Certificates (WC) mechanism has been gradually modified over the years, in line with legislative developments. In the 2006-2023 period, additional primary energy savings equal to approximately 29.3 Mtoe were certified and 58.5 million energy efficiency certificates were recognised.

The indicator is based on the ratio between atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions and final energy consumption by sector. The average value of emission intensities shows a difference between sectors related to the varying adoption of renewable sources. Overall, the emission intensity for final uses has decreased by 25.1% from 1990 to 2022.

The indicator measures the primary energy, expressed in MJ, required to produce one kWh of electricity, or more precisely, it reflects the efficiency of converting primary energy from fossil fuel sources into electricity for final consumption. Available data highlight a reduction in specific energy consumption related to electricity production of 18.4% for gross production and 20% for net production between 1996 and 2022. The long-term trend of the indicator therefore shows an improvement in the electricity generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power plants.