EGE 2025: Emissions Up, Investments Down. Certification Makes the Difference.
After two years of positive trends, 2025 marks a reversal for energy efficiency in Italy.
According to the latest ENEA report, in the first half of 2025 CO₂ emissions increased by 1.3% compared to the same period in 2024, despite overall energy consumption remaining largely stable.
The main driver behind this result is the resurgence of natural gas, up by 6%, with a +19% rise in thermoelectric demand, offset by a sharp decline in renewables: -20% for hydro and -12% for wind power.
Photovoltaic energy remains the only positive exception, growing by 23%, though not enough to make up for the drop in other renewable sources.
The situation is further aggravated by an economic factor: in the first half of the year, the average electricity price in Italy reached €120/MWh — nearly double that of Spain and France, which stand at €62 and €67/MWh respectively.
A gap that weighs heavily on households and businesses, making it even more urgent to optimize consumption and improve energy management.
Energy Efficiency Investments Losing Momentum
Investments in energy efficiency in 2024 amounted to between €58 and €66 billion, down from €85 billion in 2023.
Most of the resources remain concentrated in the residential sector, though the pace has slowed due to reduced incentives and increasing bureaucratic complexity.
Despite this, Italy continues to rank among the most energy-efficient countries in Europe, with an Energy Intensity Index 16% better than the EU average.
However, this advantage risks weakening without a more structured and professional approach to energy policy. (*)
The Role of the EGE in the New Energy Challenge
In such an uncertain context, the role of the Energy Management Expert (EGE) becomes even more strategic to ensure effectiveness, credibility, and measurable results.
Certified according to the UNI CEI 11339:2023 standard, the EGE supports companies and public administrations in monitoring consumption, defining efficiency plans, and technically validating results — key steps for accessing incentives and funds from the PNRR and the Transition Plan 5.0.
With over €13 billion still available through various measures and incentives, relying on a certified professional means planning safe and sustainable investments that combine energy savings with economic growth.
Competence as a Guarantee
Now more than ever, certification of professional skills issued by RICEC is a guarantee of reliability, independence, and professional recognition.
RICEC certifies the EGE role according to the UNI CEI 11339:2023 standard, ensuring that companies can rely on qualified professionals capable of leading energy efficiency projects that are truly effective and compliant with regulations.
Energy efficiency can no longer be left to improvisation.
Only through certified and competent professionals will it be possible to reverse the trend, reduce emissions, and strengthen a truly sustainable development model.
The RICEC-certified EGE is the driving force of this change: an ally for businesses, a guarantor of results, and a pillar of Italy’s energy transition.
👉 Find out how to obtain EGE certification according to the UNI CEI 11339:2023 standard.
Source: Energy Efficiency Report 2025 – Politecnico di Milano
