The programme aims to develop scenarios and proposals for the decarbonisation of the steel, cement and chemical sectors – with a focus on refineries. Quantitative and qualitative analysis will provide possible decarbonisation pathways and identify the most cost-effective, financially feasible and socially just technological options. The industry programme will link possible industry decarbonisation choices to those in the European policy debate, including the reform of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), State Aid and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs). The programme will explore practical examples of just transition in the areas most affected by the industrial sector transition.
Eletrification of industrial heat: the key to a sustainable and competitive industry
March 2025
Decarbonising the industrial sector requires a targeted approach, with solutions that in most cases must be tailored to meet the needs of each industry. Amongst these, electrification appears to be the most competitive option and the only one capable of aligning decarbonisation objectives with energy security needs. This report presents the results of a specific feasibility study on the electrification of two key sectors in the Italian manufacturing industry: food and textiles.
EU ETS auctions in Italy: transparency and traceability of revenues
February 2025
An analysis of the public reports submitted by Italy to the European Commission between 2014 and 2024 highlights issues with the use of revenues generated from EU ETS auctions. Reviewing the revenues from the ETS auctions reveals significant shortcomings in expenditure planning and fund traceability, with only nine percent of the revenues generated by the system have been allocated to measures addressing climate change.
Industrial transformation policies: Green public procurement for construction materials
January 2025
The drive to innovate that has resulted from the need to meet today’s decarbonisation objectives has
given rise to a new industrial revolution based on clean technology. This policy briefing, which analyses the current situation in relation to public procurement legislation in Europe and Italy, sets out a proposal for revising the minimum environmental criteria for the public procurement of construction materials, which are currently under review.
Industrial transformation policies: the cement industry
September 2024
This analysis proposes a simplified and aggregated policy framework that’s consistent with the transition towards climate neutrality as well as an outline and assessment of the policies currently in place in the cement industry in Italy, which is the second largest producer of cement in the European Union and a major consumer of cement and concrete.
Industrial transformation policies: the steel sector
July 2024
The biggest obstacle for zero/low emission or green steel is the simple fact that, within the current market, it isn’t cost-competitive. In light of the complex regulatory framework that has been developed around energy and climate objectives, this policy paper offers a perspective and a conceptual outline for defining a policy framework that’s consistent with the country's emission reduction goals.
Industry and electrification: Strategic opportunities for the National Energy and Climate Plan
February 2024
The significant contribution to national emissions by the manufacturing sector depends on its reliance on the use of fossil fuels for energy purposes, as well as on emissions that are inherent in certain production processes (e.g. cement, chemicals, etc.). Framing the country’s industrial development prospects within the path of reducing greenhouse gas emissions represents a strategic opportunity. The definition of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) due by next June, is a unique opportunity for action.
Developing common standards for secure and resilient critical minerals supply chains
May 2023 WRITTEN BYMassimiliano Bienati
The increasing production and the pace of penetration of clean technologies required to a radical transformation of the global energy system critically depend on the availability of critical minerals.
The high geographic fragmentation of mining activities and the Asian dominance in the processing and refining stages of critical minerals require a progressive diversifying, reshaping and strengthening of the global supply chain structure in order to manage supply risks.
A strategy for green steel
September 2022 WRITTEN BYGiulia Novati
The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the technologies available for the decarbonization of the steel sector in Italy and to identify a decarbonization path in response, on the one hand, to the risks of de-industrialization and, on the other, to the risks of lock-in of investments in supply chains that are not compatible with the net zero emissions perspective.
Plastics in Italy
April 2022 WRITTEN BY Giulia Novati et al.
The report analyzes critical issues, solutions and future scenarios to promote a decarbonization of the plastics supply chain that will allow the sector to remain competitive and, at the same time, remain aligned with the 2050 climate neutrality goals.
Taranto, primary steel production
November 2021 WRITTEN BY Matteo Leonardi, Giulia Novati
Italy is the second largest steel producer in Europe and the 11th largest in the world. In 2019, 23.2 Mt of steel was produced at the Acciaierie d'Italia plant in Taranto (Ex Ilva). In this report we take an in-depth look at steel production in Italy, analyzing the specific case of the only Italian plant that currently produces it, namely the Taranto steel plant
Climate and development: an industrial strategy
November 2021 WRITTEN BY Matteo Leonardi, Giulia Novati
Full decarbonization by 2050 requires the development of new industrial strategies aligned with climate goals. In this study, we delve into emission reduction technology options and suggest industrial decarbonization strategies to address climate change through the levers of innovation, welfare, and employment.
