Decarbonisation Prospects of the Chemical and Petrochemical Industry in Italy

Giuseppina Di Lorenzo (), Aldo Bischi and Umberto Desideri
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Giuseppina Di Lorenzo: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Constructions Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Aldo Bischi: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Constructions Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Umberto Desideri: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Constructions Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-23

Abstract: Although the chemical and petrochemical (C&P) industry is a cornerstone of the Italian and European economies, it is also an intensive energy consumer and a high emitter of greenhouse gases. Europe’s decarbonisation trajectory is often examined through the lens of individual countries, as key factors such as industry status, structure and resource accessibility may differ across nations. This study specifically examines the Italian C&P industry, with an emphasis on the basic chemicals sector. It reviews the current status of the production processes, technologies, energy consumption and carbon footprint in the sector, along with advancements towards decarbonisation. Key decarbonisation technologies are reviewed, highlighting their current use or research and development status. The primary barriers to the adoption of prospective decarbonisation solutions (e.g., increased costs and need for additional renewable capacity and infrastructure development) are discussed. While the Italian C&P sector has adopted strategies to enhance energy efficiency and waste recovery and utilisation, it is uncertain whether the industry will be able to meet the 2050 carbon emissions targets by relying on these two decarbonisation approaches alone. A combination of additional decarbonisation technologies, including electrification, green hydrogen and carbon capture utilisation and storage, will likely be necessary. However, technical challenges exist due to the maturity level of these technologies and their applicability to highly integrated processes. Appropriate, timely policy support will be crucial to aiding the green transition of the Italian C&P sector while safeguarding its significant role in the Italian economy.

Keywords: basic chemicals; fuel switch; GHG emissions; sustainable transition; green industry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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