Antonio Caputo
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 28.1% from 1990 to 2023.
The indicator is based on the ratio between atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions and final energy consumption by sector.
The indicator illustrates greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy consumed and addresses the need to reduce the carbon content in final energy uses.
Although no binding limits are established by current legislation, the indicator falls within the framework defined by the so-called European Roadmap for “a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050” (Communication (2011)112), particularly with regard to energy efficiency aspects and the targets outlined in Communication (2011)109 “Energy Efficiency Plan 2011”.
ISPRA, Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, https://emissioni.sina.isprambiente.it/inventario-nazionale/
MASE, National Energy Balance, various years, https://dgsaie.mise.gov.it/bilancio-energetico-nazionale
The relevance of the indicator decreases when moving from the national to the local level, due to the spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of energy production and consumption across the national territory.
ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development)
EUROSTAT (Statistical Office of the European Communities)
MSE (Ministry of Economic Development)
Terna – National Electricity Transmission Grid Operator S.p.A.
ISPRA, National Inventory Document 2024 – Italian Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990-2022, https://emissioni.sina.isprambiente.it/inventario-nazionale/
MASE, National Energy Balance, various years, https://dgsaie.mise.gov.it/bilancio-energetico-nazionale
National
1990-2023
The indicator is developed by ISPRA based on emission data from energy-related processes estimated by ISPRA, and on sectoral energy consumption data collected by the Ministry of Economic Development. The sectoral energy consumption data are consistent with the emission data. Specifically, emissions from energy industries are attributed to the transformation sector, while emissions from the residential and tertiary sectors include emissions from agriculture and fisheries. Emission intensity is calculated as the ratio between emissions and energy consumption for the respective sectors. For the purpose of calculating this indicator, the total includes transformation sector consumption and excludes non-energy uses and bunkering. The indicator is developed at the national level.
In 2023, the emission intensity was 2.25 tCO₂eq/toe (Table 1). Specifically: energy industries reported an emission intensity of 2.8 tCO₂eq/toe; the manufacturing industry recorded a value of 2.16 tCO₂eq/toe. The transport sector showed a value of 2.9 tCO₂eq/toe, while the civil sector, together with agriculture and fisheries, registered a value of 1.46 tCO₂eq/toe.
Over the period considered (1990–2023), there is a clear and steady decline in total energy consumption, although emission intensity shows varying values and trends across different sectors (Table 1 and Figure 1). In particular, in 2023, energy industries recorded a 41.8% decrease in emission intensity compared to 1990, dropping from 4.82 tCO₂eq/toe to 2.80 tCO₂eq/toe. The manufacturing industry showed a 20.2% reduction. In the transport sector, the emission intensity was 2.90 tCO₂eq/toe, corresponding to a 8.2% decrease from 1990. The civil sector, together with agriculture and fisheries, registered a 30.4% reduction compared to 1990. Overall, the emission intensity for the considered energy consumption was 2.25 tCO₂eq/toe, representing a 28.1% decrease from 1990.
The average emission intensity values by sector show a marked difference, reflecting the varying penetration of renewable energy sources across sectors. All sectors exhibit a reduction in emission intensity; however, the transport sector shows the smallest decrease.