We consume too much energy; where will we get it from?

We consume too much energy — is a future filled with frequent blackouts approaching? To what extent can renewable energy help us? These are the questions from Aldo, an anxious reader. Vaielettrico responds. To write to us: Info@vaielettrico.it

We consume too much energy: from data centers to air conditioning...

“I really start to think that we might run out of energy soon, with very frequent temporary blackouts and perhaps even worse. I saw a report on TV, it seemed to be from Presa Diretta, about the alarming energy consumption of data centers for artificial intelligence. And we’ve just had a scorching summer (far from over), with equally alarming energy use for air conditioning. How can we get out of this, given that nuclear power, whatever people think of it, is still a long way off? Can renewable energy truly help us?” Aldo Marzoli

Terrible August: +16% higher energy consumption due to scorching heat

Answer. Indeed, we have been facing very high consumption levels for months now. In August, electricity demand reached its highest level ever recorded for that month: 28.9 TWh, an increase of 16.5% compared to August 2025. This is mainly due to heavy use of air conditioning. “During nighttime hours,” Terna notes, “the temperatures were on average 5°C higher than in August 2025, leading to greater reliance on cooling systems.” Renewables also played their role: electricity generation amounted to 12 TWh, covering 41.4% of the country’s electricity demand. In particular, solar power generated 6.2 TWh (+20.4% compared to August 2025), aided by increased installed capacity. However, new installations are progressing too slowly, and renewable energy generation in 2026 only increased by 1.2%. With an installed capacity of 88.1 GW, they have

42.4% of national demand was still met. But we can and must do much more by accelerating new installations and improving those that already exist.

We need to reach 60% coverage with renewables

It’s not us who say this, but Terna’s top executive, Pasqualino Monti: “At this stage, gas plays an important role in ensuring the security of the electrical system. However, it cannot serve as a long-term solution, especially because it exposes the country to price volatility. The energy issue concerns not only prices but also the ability to guarantee security and greater autonomy for the country. That’s why it’s necessary to diversify supply sources, increase renewable energy production, and have a more extensive and modern electrical grid.” It should also be less costly. Italy has the potential to cover at least 60% of its energy needs with domestically produced renewable energy. But it must overcome the countless objections that arise every time a new investment is proposed, by distinguishing between legitimate protests and excuses to halt processes of general benefit.

We need to invest in storage solutions to prevent energy from being wasted.

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