The National Energy Strategy (NES) 2017 sets out a series of actions to be achieved by 2030. This path is also consistent with the long-term scenario for 2050 established by the European Road Map, which calls for a reduction of at least 80% in emissions compared to 1990 levels. The 2030 targets are in line with the Energy Union Plan:
- improving the country's competitiveness by continuing to reduce the energy price and cost gap with Europe in a context of rising international prices;
- to achieve and exceed in a sustainable manner the environmental and decarbonization targets for 2030 defined at European level, in line with the future targets set in COP21;
- to continue to improve the security of supply and flexibility of energy systems and infrastructure.
Also, NES lays down long-term indicative objectives for 2050. Among the most important:
1) The need to strengthen efforts in energy efficiency. Primary consumption will have to fall in the range of 17-26% by 2050 compared to 2010, by decoupling economic growth from energy consumption. In particular, efforts in building and transport will be critical; 2) The high penetration of renewable energy, than in any of the scenarios envisaged at the time is expected to reach levels of at least 60% of gross final consumption by 2050, with much higher levels in the electricity sector. In addition to the need of research and development for the reduction of costs, it will be fundamental to rethinking the market and network infrastructure; 3) A substantial increase in the degree of electrification, which will almost double by 2050, reaching at least 38%, particularly in electricity and transport; 4) The key role of gas for the energy transition, despite a reduction of its weight both in percentage and in absolute value in the span of the scenario.
