Towards COP30: digitisation and renewables for a stronger and more connected Italian energy grid
The COP30 summit is about to open in Brazil and one of the main topics will be renewable energy. During the preparatory work, mixed data emerged from the International Energy Agency on the renewable energy front: 2024 was a record year, with 582 GW of new capacity installed worldwide. This is a strong pace, but not enough to maintain the trajectory set by the Dubai Accord. To reach the target, 1,122 GW of renewable capacity will need to be installed worldwide each year from 2025 onwards.
When, in a few weeks, we look back to recount the events of 2025, the blackout that hit Spain and Portugal on 28 April, leaving them without electricity for over 10 hours, will undoubtedly be included among the most paradigmatic events. In 2024, Spain became a global leader in renewable energy production, with more than 60 per cent of its electricity coming from clean sources. Encouraged by EU climate targets and public support, Spain has set itself the goal of achieving near-total decarbonisation of its grid by 2030. Although some have pointed the finger at renewables, the blackout was not caused by renewable generation, as there was no drop in production or unsustainable peak demand.
The blackout in Spain was caused by a voltage spike that was not adequately compensated, due to insufficient reactive power regulation, an operational planning error and shortcomings in the management of the high-voltage grid. The transmission grid was not yet fully equipped to handle a high share of non-synchronous generation (such as wind and solar), in the absence of voltage stabilisation and synchronous reserve systems.
Increased penetration of renewable energy sources does not cause blackouts per se, but significantly changes the way the grid must be designed and operated. Renewables, especially those connected via inverters, require new tools and strategies to ensure grid stability, including voltage support, frequency regulation and ancillary services.
Italy is following a decarbonisation path similar to that of Spain. According to data from some of the major players in the sector, renewables covered 41% of Italy's national energy demand in 2024. This is a record figure, mainly due to the growth of photovoltaics and the return to normality of hydroelectric production.
