THEItaly is confirmed in at the forefront of the race for decarbonisation, with a significant acceleration of investments in energy infrastructure. This is what emerged from the analysis presented by act during the event The role of utilities and their networks in achieving a net-zero economy, organized within Net Zero Milan 2025. The report highlights a positive dynamic for our country, which is reacting decisively to the challenges of the energy transition, standing out in the European context for speed and consistency of interventions.
Investments in strong growth: +18% multiutility, +26% network operators
In 2024 investments in electricity, gas and district heating networks have reached altitude 10,5 billion euros, up from 9 billion in 2023. The increase was mainly driven by multiutility and energy companies, which increased spending by 18%, and the network operators, with a 26% jump. The priority areas of intervention were digitalization, network resilience, infrastructure replacement and modernization, and adaptation for the transport of hydrogen and biomethane.
A solid trajectory to 2035
According to Agici estimates, the trend is set to strengthen in the next few years. The planned investments will amount to 14 billion euros in 2025, will rise to 15 billion in 2026 and to 16 billion in 2027. In the horizon to 2035, the total volume will reach 64 billion euros, of which 37,6 billion from network operators and 26,4 billion from multi-utilities and energy companies. This growth confirms the'structural commitment of the Italian industrial system towards a modern, efficient and decarbonised energy infrastructure.
Strategic M&A to consolidate Italian leadership
The transition does not only involve direct investments, but also aintense activity di M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions). In 2024 alone, the mergers and acquisitions in the network sector they have surpassed the 5 billion euros. Among the most significant, the entrance of Snam in Open Grid Europe and the acquisition of 2i Rete Gas by Italgas, which have strengthened the European positioning of the two Italian companies. Also A2A played a leading role, with the acquisition of Duereti, becoming the second national operator in terms of number of electricity meters managed. In addition to these, there is the purchase of Egea by Iren, the agreement between Terna e Areti for high voltage infrastructures in Rome and the cession of gas assets di A2A to Ascopiave.
The European comparison: Italy ahead in the transition
Italian dynamism fits into a growing European context. In 2024, the main European energy companies increased investments by 22% compared to the previous year, focusing on digitalization, renewables and internationalization. Agici estimates that by the 2028 The planned investments in Europe will reach 66,7 billion euros. In this context, Italy is positioned among the top performer on a continental level.
Another 1.010 billion needed to complete the transition
Despite the progress, the path towards the Net Zero 2050 is far from over. According to Agici, it will be necessary further investments of approximately 1.010 billion euros by mid-century, to be allocated to the residential, tertiary and transport sectors. residential sector alone will absorb 785 billion euros, of which 545 billion for energy efficiency measures. The tertiary sector will require 185 billion, while mobility will require 110 billion, mostly for the development of electric charging infrastructure and hydrogen stations. In particular, the installation of 17.533 electric columns and 691 hydrogen refueling stations is planned.
The transition currently underway concerns all network infrastructures, which will have to be rethought in physical and digital key to host new clean energy sources and support advanced mobility and heating modelsThis is a profound transformation, which can only be achieved with the collaboration between public and private, and with a shared vision of the evolution of the national energy system.
Marco Carta (Agici): “Italian utilities among the best performers”
“On the path towards the Net Zero objectives, Italian operators have demonstrated great reactivity in adapting their networks to the challenges of the energy transition, placing themselves among the top performers at European level”, declared Marco Carta, CEO of Agici. “Although the road is still long, the investments already made and those planned testify how the importance and urgency of the transition have been received and integrated into the strategies of development of Italian utilities".