Exploring The Untapped Potential Of Existing Hydropower

How will a hydroelectric project benefit Italy?

The two groups commit to developing together hydroelectric storage projects in the South of Italy owned by Edison. The goal: generating at least 500 MW in pumped energy by 2030, allowing the Italian supply chain of the hydroelectric sector grow to raise Italy's energy autonomy and economic development.

What does Edison's pumped hydro project mean for Italy?

The two pumped hydro projects are part of Edison's strategy to allow renewable energy sources to grow in Italy. It foresees, by 2030, taking the Group's installed green capacity to 5 GW (from the current 2 GW).

Is hydropower still important in Italy's energy mix?

Over the last 60 years, the overall variation has remained below 10%, albeit with a succession of fluctuations which, alongside the growth in other energy sources, fossil or otherwise, has led to a significant drop in the relative importance of hydropower in Italy's energy mix.

Why is the Italian hydroelectric chain important?

The Italian hydroelectric chain, which includes pumped hydro, carries out an extremely strategic role both in terms of energy autonomy and with regard to the indirect benefits and economic development.

How much hydropower does Italy have?

According to the data gathered by GSE at the end of 2021, Italy has a total hydropower installed capacity of 19.72 gigawatts, which is around 33% of the total national capacity deriving from green sources. In 2008, capacity was 17.6 gigawatts, with average increases from one year to the next of just above 0.1 gigawatts.

When did small hydropower plants start in Italy?

The installation of small power plants, so-called mini hydro plants, began in the early 2000s, and progressed to the extent that the average size of hydropower plants in Italy fell by around half from 8.4 megawatts per plant at the beginning of the century to just under half that (4.1 MW) in 2021.