Energy Day - Energy Transition: from vision to action

Energy Day as an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities of energy transition in Italy and in the European context

The main regulatory and authorization challenges in the field of energy transition, as well as the conditions necessary to move from vision to action, transforming objectives into actions capable of attracting investment, supporting competitiveness and generating sustainable development for our territory. These were the main topics discussed at Chiomenti Energy Day, held on 24th September at the Milan Auditorium, which brought together institutions, authorities and operators of the sector. 

The event started with an interview with Paolo Arrigoni, President of GSE, conducted by Francesca Gambarini, journalist for Corriere della Sera, who highlighted how the energy transition is an inevitable process that must be managed with a pragmatic approach: in this scenario, Italy could take on a strategic role within the European Union. It is therefore necessary to reduce our country's energy dependence on foreign supplies, which are currently above the European average. The complexity of the energy system requires a holistic approach, capable of exploiting the opportunities offered by a more diversified energy mix. 

The first panel, moderated by Partner Pina Lombardi, highlighted how international market dynamics are pushing Italy to adopt effective strategies and tools to strengthen the security and competitiveness of its energy system, with the need to translate objectives into concrete development actions. The roundtable was attended by Gaetano Armao, President of the Technical Specialist Commission (CTS) for environmental assessments of the Sicily Region and professor at the University of Palermo; Simona Brancaccio, Head of the Special Office for Environmental Assessments of the Campania Region; Francesco Del Pizzo, Director of Network Development and Dispatching Strategies at Terna; and Paolo Del Vecchio, Deputy General Secretary and Head of the Legal Department at ARERA. The discussion focused on the regulatory uncertainty that still characterizes the renewable energy sector and how this complexity is managed, primarily at the regional level. In this context, dialogue between businesses, institutions, and regulators is central to promoting sustainable development in the region. 

After that, Tommaso Barbetti, Founding Partner of Elemens, gave a keynote speech focusing on the latest renewable energy sources auctions and the expected reform of connections. The speech pointed out the importance of a clear and stable regulatory framework, which is essential to ensure an effective energy transition.

The second roundtable, dedicated to investors, developers, and financiers, was moderated by Elena Busson, Partner, who highlighted how essential it is to reduce regulatory uncertainties to facilitate agreements between stakeholders who must effectively lead Italy along the path to decarbonization. The debate featured contributions from Paola Agrati, CEO Italy at ContourGlobal, a KKR company; Riccardo Cammalleri, VP and COO at ICS S.p.A; Luca Matrone, Managing Director, Head of Energy Industry, Global Corporate Department IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division at Intesa Sanpaolo; Pietro Pacchione, Head of Project Development and Asset Management at Tages Capital; and Fulvio Scia, Sole Director at Sinergia.

The event closed with final remarks by Carola Antonini, Partner, who emphasized how dialogue between industry players continues, developers can address the complexities of the context, and investors are showing growing awareness and interest in the country: the energy transition is no longer a program for the future, but rather a work in progress.