Many people don't know that Italy is currently the world's largest renewable energy operator. Italian power company Enel and its subsidiary Green Power are currently the largest global power management company in the renewable energy sector, which accounts for a managed energy capacity of 53.4GW of wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power plants operating in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania by 2021.
The key to Italy's sustainable development Striking balance for a suitable energy-mix policy_Interview with Davide Giglio, Representative of the Italian Economic, Trade, and Culture Promotion Office in Taiwan

The key to Italy's sustainable development Striking balance for a suitable energy-mix policy_Interview with Davide Giglio, Representative of the Italian Economic, Trade, and Culture Promotion Office in Taiwan
Davide Giglio, Representative of the Italian Economic, Trade, and Culture Promotion Office in Taiwan
By Xin-En Wu
The Italian Economic, Trade, and Culture Promotion Office in Taiwan was established in Taipei in 1995. It promotes economic, commercial, and cultural relations with Taiwan. Trade between Italy and Taiwan is robust, totaling 4 billion euros, and the pandemic has not dented its upward trend. Italy is the third largest trade EU partner for Taiwan.
Diversify the local impression-Italy's three significant energy industry advantages
Davide Giglio, the Representative of the Italian Economic, Trade, and Culture Promotion Office in Taiwan, said that Taiwan's impression of Italy was positive and stereotypical, such as food, fashion, football, and sports cars. Most Taiwanese consider Italy the most romantic country, rich in art and culture. Still, they are often surprised that Italy is not only the second-largest manufacturing country in the European Union but also the third-largest economy in the Eurozone (reference 1) and the eighth-largest in the world.
Reference:
1. The Eurozone is a monetary union of 19 of the 27 EU members
"One of our goals is to help diversify Italy's local perception." Taiwan is the fifth overseas country in Giglio's career as a diplomat. "I have been in the foreign service for 28 years. Mainly in the Asian region, particularly in East Asia. The development model of the Italian industry is similar to that of Taiwan. The manufacturing and service industries as the mainstay. Many people don't know that Italy is currently the world's largest renewable energy operator. Italian power company Enel and its subsidiary Green Power are currently the largest global power management company in the renewable energy sector, which accounts for a managed energy capacity of 53.4GW of wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power plants operating in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania by 2021," said Giglio.
Italy is also a leader in the circular economy. Giglio explained that Italy is the European country with the highest rate of special and urban waste recycling (79.4%). This figure is much higher than the European average (48.6%) and Germany (69.1%), France (66.2%), and Spain (48.7%). This figure represents Italy's annual reduction of at least 23 million tonnes of oil equivalent and 63 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions for the world.
Additionally, with a score of 268 points out of 300, Italy is first in Europe in terms of efficiency in the use of resources. An indicator that takes into account the productivity in the use of raw materials, water, energy, and the intensity of GHG emissions. A figure higher than the EU average (147 points) and that of Germany (157), France (152), and Spain (142).
"Italy used 44.1% less raw materials applied to the same production in 2019 compared to 2008, against an EU average of -33%. Results also linked to green investments: a third of Italian manufacturing companies have made eco-investments in the last five years. On average, these companies had more turnover, exported more, and generated more employment," said Giglio.
Russo-Ukrainian War broke out Energy security and energy allocation are critical to the country's sustainable development
"Key priorities for Italy's sustainable development are energy security, interconnections, and the reduction of the dependency on imports from outside the EU, especially related to gas," said Giglio.
Even though natural gas is still Italy's primary energy source, Italy is moving strongly towards green energy development. Giglio said that Italy aims to achieve 30 percent renewable energy use. Judging by the percentage, comparing the existing mainstream energy of Italy currently, it's a very ambitious goal that was set, just like Taiwan.
On February 4, 2022, the Russo-Ukrainian War broke out. The conflict between the two countries forced Italy and other European countries to purchase natural gas from countries other than Russia. At the same time, the government decided to make the most efficient use of existing gas pipelines that are underutilized and complies with the EU's proposal to replace about 80% of gas supply from Russia in 2022.
"Europe now faces a sense of urgency for energy security. For example, Italy needs natural gas, but Russia has been excluded from the purchase option. Now that all European countries have restarted their energy allocation strategies and policies, with the goal of no longer relying on Russian for the natural gas supply in the next two years," Giglio explained.
Based on its geographical location, Italy must acquire natural gas from the east. One is from Azerbaijan, the other is from Kazakhstan, but Russia is in the middle. To get natural gas safely, the pipeline must bypass Russia and pull to Azerbaijan, Turkey, and even Africa, a common challenge for other European countries.
Italy decided to acquire natural gas from Algeria, which had abundant natural gas and became the leading supplier of natural gas to Italy. "Congo is another country we are contacting. The supply of natural gas in Congo is also rich. The thinking of energy allocation must be oriented towards diversification. Renewable energy plays an important role here. Italy is in good condition and has plenty of sunshine, and in the coming years, there will also be plenty of resources to be used in floating technology. In the past, Italy has begun to think about efficiently managing the grids and scaling," Giglio indicated.
Over the past decade, extensive renewable energy technology developments, new regulatory and policy directives have led to a dramatic increase in the level of distributed generation connected to the distribution grid.
"It is undeniable that the increasing complexity of distribution networks poses challenges for energy and power operators. The inextricable relationship between renewable energy, distributed energy resources (DER) management, and efficient energy use mean that operators must aggregate large amounts of asset, market, and grid data from external energy supplies more seamlessly and consistently, which also indicates that today's utilities must manage the grid with greater agility and flexibility," said Giglio.
As more distributed energy resources are connected to the grid, advanced digital solutions are critical to managing increasingly complex power networks and reducing the risks posed by changes in renewable energy loads.
Europe now faces a sense of urgency for energy security. For example, Italy needs natural gas, but Russia has been excluded from the purchase option. Now that all European countries have restarted their energy allocation strategies and policies, with the goal of no longer relying on Russian for the natural gas supply in the next two years.
It also drives Italy's determination to become an essential global player in developing green energy and electronic technologies. In fact, in 2021, Italy has established and approved an industrial recovery and resilient development plan to restart the economy after the pandemic's impact. The program, which brings in €70 billion from Italy and Europe, focuses on the green revolution, ecological transformation, and greater emphasis on energy efficiency.
Policy sets goals-Making progress depends on changes in daily behavior
"Italy's middle and long-term goals, similar to Taiwan, are to reduce and eventually reach carbon neutrality following the environmental standards established by the European Union. The definition of an Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan to set the national goals for 2030 has been fundamental to this process," said Giglio.
Giglio emphasized that everyone, not just Taiwanese, Italians, Europeans, or Americans, must start thinking about adjusting their habits and behaviors throughout life. "Policy points the way, but unless we change the day-to-day behavior of individuals, I'm afraid we won't make much progress. Overall, the social atmosphere is moving towards a positive trend, not only in Taiwan but also in Italy. As mentioned, we've made real progress in recycling, we've made a lot of achievements in paper, plastics, waste oil, and batteries, and now all the raw materials are becoming part of the circular economy. We are on the way forward and cannot be ignored," Giglio indicated.
Italy's long-term goal is to achieve the environmental and decarbonization targets established by the European Union. All energy policy decisions, therefore, aim to improve our environmental and decarbonization standards, which are already among the world's highest, and to ensure that Italy acts as an example at a global level. "Whether the net-zero targets are achieved or not is bound to be considered as a whole along with electricity and energy use," said Giglio.
Therefore, educational activities are necessary. "My family and I have been in Taipei for three and half years. I've seen progress, and frankly, I'm confident. I've noticed that those, especially the younger generation, tend to be more focused on sustainability and energy use, and Taiwan is becoming increasingly aware of that," said Giglio.
Taking the net-zero goal into account, it is also necessary to stabilize the country's energy without being extremely costly and requires a suitable energy-mix policy. "In terms of nuclear power, although the Italian mainland has gradually removed the nuclear power plant, nuclear energy is still in the national energy program. We can still export nuclear energy from neighboring countries such as France and Slovenia. I don't think nuclear energy is anachronistic, and countries may decide not to set it up locally. Although energy use depends on the states' and regions' status, the concept of energy use must return to the energy allocation, rather than putting all the eggs in one basket,” Giglio thought.
Giglio believes that just as he has seen Italy make progress towards the goal of developing renewable energy, he does not think that natural gas must be replaced entirely. It's a very important mindset, and so do the countries that deal with the oil and petrochemical industries. “These goals are ambitious, but given the various factors, we must also face industrial, environmental realities, international realities and trends," said Giglio.
"Taiwan is a small island, but Taiwan's economy is enormous. I find it commendable that Taiwan aims to meet those ambitious targets despite not being formally a party to the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. It is evidence that Taiwan intends to be a responsible stakeholder in the international community. Considering the relevance of Taiwan's economy in this region and worldwide, the local government's decisions have broader and significant implications. The achievement of the 50% net-zero emissions goal depends on the concerted efforts of the government, the industry, and the public. A shared awareness of the relevance of this challenge for the present and future generations will be critical to creating the necessary long-term commitment," said Giglio.
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