Italy achieved a new milestone in its energy transition in May 2025, with renewable energy sources covering 55.9% of the country’s electricity demand, the highest monthly share ever recorded, according to Terna, the national electricity transmission system operator.

In May, Italy’s electricity consumption totaled 24.2 billion kWh, marking a 2.7% decrease compared to the same month in 2024. Adjusted for calendar effects and temperature, the decline stands at 1.8%. The reduction was influenced by one fewer working day in May 2025 and slightly cooler average temperatures.

The renewable energy mix was led by significant growth in photovoltaic (+27.1%) and wind (+11.3%) power, along with a modest increase in geothermal energy (+2%). Meanwhile, hydropower production fell by 15.3%, and thermal generation decreased by 5.1%. During several hours in May, renewable sources supplied over 100% of Italy’s electricity demand.

New renewable capacity increased by 566 MW in May, although this figure is 14% lower than in the same month last year. Since the start of 2025, renewable capacity has expanded by 2,650 MW, a 12.1% slowdown compared to the previous year.

Credit: Terna.

Electricity demand declines across all regions amid seasonal and calendar effects

Electricity demand decreased across all regions: -3.1% in the North, -3% in the Center, and -1.6% in the South and islands. Overall, the national electricity demand for the first five months of 2025 was down 1.1% compared to the same period in 2024.

Terna also highlighted a 69.6% increase in electricity storage capacity compared to May 2024, reaching 14,708 MWh. This growth supports grid stability as renewable energy penetration rises.