The term 'energy transition' refers to the transition from a model of energy production rooted in the exploitation of non-renewable fossil fuels, such as oil, methane, natural gas and coal, to renewable sources such as wind, photovoltaics and geothermal energy. In order to envisage a real transition towards clean and sustainable forms of energy, it is important not only to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix, but also to progressively modernise electricity grids.
Why it is increasingly important to invest in renewable energy
Decarbonisation continues to establish itself as an important structural investment trend. Achieving net zero, i.e. a commitment to remove as many emissions as are produced, does not just mean switching to electric vehicles and shutting down coal-fired power plants. The challenge is wide-ranging, involving many sectors including agriculture, transport, forestry, construction and even simple everyday activities.
In order to reduce the ecological impact of energy consumption on our planet, it is necessary to consider the diffusion of energy efficiency solutions in all sectors, not only in industry, but also in the service sector and in private buildings. Another decisive factor is to assess the storage capacity of renewable energy, which today plays a key role in the process of decarbonising the energy system.
When we talk about energy transition, we are not talking about replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, although this is important. Instead, we are talking about a real revolution in the way we produce and economise, including how we use the energy produced. The environmental problem is there for all to see, and because of the polluting emissions produced, the ongoing climate crisis and its consequences now seem unstoppable.
The rise in the planet's temperature, the alteration of the balance of ecosystems, the loss of biodiversity, not to mention the problems for human health, are just some of the consequences of the current system of energy production based on fossil fuels. Moreover, we are talking about limited and exhaustible sources, often the prerogative of a few states that make them pawns in the chessboard of world geopolitics.
The role of SMEs in the energy transition
Small and medium-sized enterprises make up the backbone of our national production fabric and contribute a significant share of energy consumption.
With the Green Deal, the European Union has directed policies, measures and instruments towards the green conversion of production processes. In this context, the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) makes available a significant share of resources for climate action.
Small and medium-sized enterprises must, therefore, be fully involved in the energy transition, putting in place new policies and measures specifically dedicated to push Italy towards its economic and environmental goals.
As indicated by the report drawn up by the Sustainable Development Foundation in conjunction with the National Confederation of Craftsmen and Small and Medium Enterprises (CNA), presented last May at the conference 'Not without SMEs', SMEs in Italy consume the same amount of energy needed to heat all the homes in our country.
The report shows that, in order to meet the European plan outlined in the 2030 Agenda, everything must be done to involve the hard core of Italian industry, which is mainly made up of SMEs.
What opportunities for Italian SMEs?
What often drives SMEs to undertake sustainable modernisation is the cost of energy. Out of the 1,000 companies surveyed, 50% of them have undertaken energy improvements over the last three years.
In 86% of cases, however, this involved simple measures in lighting and air conditioning to improve energy savings without implementing more complex structural measures. (For more information on the difference between energy saving and energy efficiency, please read this article). Of the companies that have focused on renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics and heat pumps, only 25% have benefited from incentives or benefits. This underlies once again how bureaucracy is the first obstacle to modernisation practices.
Starting from this data, CNA has drawn up five proposals addressed to government bodies to promote a more active role of SMEs in the energy transition process:
1. reorganisation of the incentive system by overcoming the fragmentation and complexity of procedures;
2. SME-friendly instruments by strengthening the green tax credit;
3. focus more on small-scale, diffuse self-production;
4. reforming the structure of the energy bill;
5. simplify authorisation procedures and access to incentives.
These points are fundamental to ensure that SMEs drive the entire country towards a more sustainable and environmentally aware future. It is impossible to achieve the objectives set without involving the realities that make up Italy's industrial fabric. Leaving SMEs behind and excluding them from this process means precluding the possibility of seeing a real change in mentality implemented in the light of an increasingly necessary energy transition.
Fortunately, positive signals are coming from the renewable energy supply market. These companies are playing a key role by working alongside small and medium-sized enterprises and accompanying them along the way. One extremely interesting project, for example, is carried out by Noleggio Energia - a green technology rental service for companies - which will soon be on our platform with a fundraising campaign.
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