Sardinia has the potential to become the next green energy model for the Mediterranean

Sardinia has all the characteristics necessary to become a virtuous model of the energy transition that we are experiencing. The goal of developing clean energy and the electrification of consumption is an ambitious one and the Enel Group intends to play an active role in achieving it, powering this Mediterranean island thanks to its abundant renewable resources. Once the process of electrification and developing renewable energy is completed, a series of initiatives will be promoted in tandem: sustainable tourism activities will feature environmentally friendly vehicles on land and sea, while power stations and means of transport that rely on fossil fuels will gradually disappear. This is a transformation that fully reflects Enel’s renewables paradigm as a “Super Major”: combining the development of new technologies with promoting decarbonization and the careful use of energy and other resources. In line with the Enel Group’s national commitment, the goal in terms of sustainability is to eliminate the use of both coal and natural gas entirely, starting with the promotion of sustainable and green solutions for energy production. In just a few years, if we take advantage of the resources and opportunities that are available locally, even cars and boats will be able to use electricity, freeing the island from oil, diesel engines and greenhouse gas emissions. The perfect island for a sustainable model Sardinia has some unique geographic, economic and demographic features, which are partly responsible for some of its structural differences compared to other Italian regions. Historically, its insularity has limited the development of energy infrastructures to such an extent that it was even left out of the country’s methanization. Natural resources like wind, water and solar energy are abundantly available, making it possible to build power plants that can efficiently generate large amounts of green energy. The structural metamorphosis of the energy sector is also supported by the “Green Electrification of Sardinia” project, included in the Multi-Stakeholders Energy Compact of the United Nations and considered a model for the spread of electrification and the energy transition world-wide. The initiative was presented at the end of January during an online event organized by Enel and the Rossi-Doria Centre at Roma Tre University, with the support of the Sardegna Rinnovabile alliance, which brings together WWF, Greenpeace, Legambiente, and the Kyoto Club. In addition, it’s what the island’s inhabitants want: they’ve declared they’re ready and willing to make this change. A poll conducted by WWF Italia revealed that 94% of Sardinians interviewed believe that it would be beneficial or very beneficial to move from coal to renewables in order to protect the environment and reduce the severe effects of climate change. The prospects for the green transition, heading towards 2030 and 2040 Based on estimates of Sardinia’s energy demand, it is expected that the region could cut its use of coal and natural gas to zero and rely only on renewable sources as early as 2040. Most of its power stations will be fueled by sun and wind energy; when added to the hydroelectric plants already in place and its energy storage systems, we’ll be able to generate an energy mix that can ensure the continuity and safety of the power supply. By improving the efficiency of the enabling regulations and current authorization timelines, this scenario could bring concrete benefits to people’s health and the environment in just a few years, turning Sardinia into an energy reference model for green development that could be replicated elsewhere. Thanks to the creation of partnerships and agreements, in which the Enel Group will play an active role, developing state-of-the-art power plants and innovative infrastructures will also have a significant economic impact on the island’s development, with the creation of between 10,000 and 15,000 new jobs by 2030 and 15 billion euros in investments. The virtuous circle that would be created (supported by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan) could lead Sardinia to a prominent position in the Mediterranean, both in terms of energy and the road to decarbonization, and in terms of infrastructure.

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Sardinia has the potential to become the next green energy model for the Mediterranean

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