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Coal-fired Power Plants Expected to End by 2025
In the race towards a more sustainable energy transition, Italy is preparing to play a trailblazing role, announcing its intention to eliminate the use of coal-fired power plants by 2025, at least in the continental territory. This ambitious objective emerged during the first day of work of the G7 Climate, Energy and Environment, which was held in the sumptuous setting of the Royal Palace of Venaria Reale, in Turin, on Monday 29 April.
The Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto PichettoFratin, confirmed the agreement reached between the G7 delegates, while specifying that at the moment it is only a technical agreement. However, the goal of a complete transition away from coal by 2030 was highlighted as a direction shared by participants. During the proceedings, delegates also addressed other crucial energy-related issues, including fission energy and the development of fusion energy. Minister PichettoFratin reported that these issues have been the subject of discussion and that further work is underway to develop concrete proposals, with the aim of presenting them within the Conference of the Parties (COP) 29.
The first step towards this ambitious goal has been identified as the need to redefine the scope of evaluations, in particular regarding climate finance and the fund for poor countries. Currently, as underlined by the minister, the evaluations are based on criteria that are too “voluntary”, without clearly defined boundaries. It is essential to establish clearer and more transparent contribution systems, so that the efforts of individual countries can be evaluated and classified based on the actions actually taken. Italy, through the leadership of the G7, is therefore committed to leading the path towards a more sustainable energy transition, which progressively reduces dependence on coal and promotes the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources. This announcement represents a significant step in the direction of a greener and more resilient future, not only for Italy, but for the entire global community.
The transition to a low-carbon economy will not be without challenges, but it is a challenge we cannot afford to ignore. A joint and coordinated commitment from all countries is needed to mitigate climate change and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. The G7 has the potential and responsibility to lead this process, acting as a catalyst for global action. Italy, by taking a leadership role in this context, demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability and people’s well-being, and prepares to be a source of inspiration for other countries that wish to embark on a similar path towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly and prosperous future.
The path to a coal-free future is essential to combat climate change and protect our planet. However, the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources presents several challenges that must be addressed with determination and commitment. One of the main challenges is represented by the need to ensure a fair and inclusive transition for all. While transitioning away from coal is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to consider the social and economic impacts this transition could have on communities dependent on the coal industry. It is essential to provide support and retraining opportunities for workers and communities affected by the closure of coal-fired power plants, ensuring that no one is left behind during this process of change.
The transition to renewable energy sources requires significant investments in infrastructure and innovative technologies. More efficient and reliable energy storage solutions need to be developed and implemented to ensure a stable and secure energy supply. At the same time, it is important to promote research and development of clean and sustainable technologies, such as solar, wind and hydroelectric energy, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and encourage greater energy independence. Governance and international cooperation are key to ensuring the success of the energy transition. It is necessary to establish coordination and collaboration mechanisms between countries, in order to share knowledge, experiences and best practices in promoting renewable energy and addressing the challenges related to the phase away from coal.Furthermore, it is important to strengthen international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, and commit to concrete and ambitious actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to acceptable levels.