Italy seeks to speed up the transition to green energy

As Europe continues to grapple with fuel shortages linked to conflict in the Middle East, energy technology experts have gathered in Milan to assess the path forward. 

The Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) trade fair is being closely watched as a platform to improve efficiency and accelerate the next phase of the green transition.

"We are living through a geopolitical crisis," Lorenzo Tavazzi, Partner at The European House – Ambrosetti, told CGTN. "A supply chain that produces elements and products for energy efficiency and transition becomes even more strategic."  

Italy remains heavily reliant on imported gas. While the country has diversified supply away from Russia, new dependencies carry their own risks as tensions persist in the Middle East. 

Davide Chiaroni, Co-founder of the Energy & Strategy Group at Politecnico di Milano, told CGTN that Italy is vulnerable for several reasons. "The decision to change the supply from the Russians to Qatar gas at this point, with the war in Iran, is a big issue." 

That urgency is driving interest in technologies such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that can cut consumption. Heating and cooling account for roughly half of Europe's total energy use. 

"HVAC plants can really play a significant role," Gloria Gualdi, Marketing Manager at MCE, told CGTN. "From homes and offices to schools, industries and hospitals, it involves every human activity."

Companies at the fair are racing to position themselves as part of the solution. Among them is Gree Electric Appliances, which was awarded for its state-of-the-art air-conditioning systems. 

Lisa Xu, Sales Manager at Gree, told CGTN that being across international trends is important: "For this fair, it's a good opportunity for Chinese companies to go overseas and show our products and our technology." 

However, experts caution that technology alone will not be enough. Policy and regulation remain key to unlocking investment. The European Union is pushing for faster emissions cuts and greater energy independence, but Italy's progress remains uneven.

"It's very complex to invest in renewables in our country," Chiaroni said. "We must still work to make the environment more favourable for investors."

For now, as global tensions continue, Italy's energy outlook – and rising prices – will remain closely tied to decisions made far beyond its borders.