Solar and wind cover a quarter of Italy’s electricity demand

According to data released by ANIE, solar and wind reached record generation levels in the first half of 2026. Solar PV led the growth, while a sharp decline in hydropower reduced the overall contribution of renewables.

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In the first six months of 2026, electricity demand in Italy increased by 2.5% compared with the same period in 2025. According to data released by ANIE, renewable energy sources generated around 67 TWh, covering 42.8% of national electricity demand and accounting for around half of the electricity generated in Italy.

The most significant result came from solar and wind power, which together generated 39.3 TWh, the highest level ever recorded in Italy during the first half of a year. The two sources met 25.1% of national electricity demand and accounted for almost 59% of total renewable electricity generation.

Growth was driven primarily by solar PV, which has become Italy’s leading renewable electricity source. With a record output of 26.3 TWh, solar generation increased by 19.2% compared with the same period in 2025 and alone covered 16.8% of national electricity demand.

Wind power also performed strongly, with generation increasing by 16.4% and meeting 8.3% of electricity demand.

The overall contribution of renewables was held back, however, by a significant decline in hydropower generation. During the first six months of 2026, hydropower produced 4.5 TWh less electricity than in 2025 and 9.4 TWh less than in 2024, representing a decline of more than 34% compared with two years earlier. Bioenergy and geothermal generation also decreased slightly.

Thermal power generation remained broadly stable, while electricity produced by coal-fired plants continued to decline, falling to around 1 TWh. Electricity imports also increased slightly.

In June alone, renewable energy sources covered 47% of Italy’s electricity demand. Solar PV was the only renewable source to increase its output compared with June 2025, while hydropower recorded a sharp decline.

Overall, the figures confirm the rapid expansion of solar and wind power in Italy’s electricity mix, while highlighting the extent to which total renewable generation remains affected by fluctuations in hydropower production.