Power sector: CO 2 emissions and other impacts. Edition 2026
The report elaborates CO₂ emissions in the power sector and national emission factors for the electricity generation and consumption, in compliance with MASE Ministerial Decree no. 224/2023.
CO₂ emissions from power sector in 2025 are estimated at 70.7 Mt, of which 58.6 Mt for electricity generation and 12.1 Mt for heat generation, 4.2% more than the previous year. Despite this short-term increase, the long-term trend highlights substantial decarbonization: between 1990 and 2025, CO2 emissions by electricity generation declined by 48.8% while electricity generation increased by 28.2%. Emission factors for electricity production have steadily decreased because of the growing share of renewable energy (48% of national electricity generation in 2025), improvements in power plant efficiency, and the gradual shift toward lower-carbon fuels. Regional analyses reveal significant variability in emission factors, reflecting differences in energy mixes and electricity import-export balances.
For municipal waste-to-energy plants generating electricity, the post-incineration waste generation factor was calculated to be 324.1 g/MWh of electricity produced in 2024.
The report also investigates long-term trends in hydropower generation, showing a decline in actual productivity linked to reduced water availability. In addition, it evaluates land-use impacts associated with renewable energy deployment, estimating the current and future land occupation of photovoltaic and wind power installations up to 2030.
The findings provide a robust reference framework for energy and climate policy planning and support the assessment of emission reductions achievable through energy-efficiency measures and the further expansion of renewable energy sources.