The KEY Energy Summit, held within the framework of KEY – The Energy Transition Expo in Rimini, addressed emerging scenarios, technological developments and market dynamics shaping the energy sector.
During the summit, the study titled “Energy Transition, Between Global Scenarios, Technologies and Governance”, conducted by Althesys (TEHA Group), was presented in the presence of Italy’s Minister for the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin.
The research analysed the European electricity system, energy policies and market developments, highlighting the role of infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data centres and emerging technologies in the evolving energy landscape.
According to the study, data centre connection requests to the Italian electricity grid have reached 69 GW. While data centres accounted for less than 2% of national electricity demand in 2024, projections for 2035 indicate a share between 7.4% and 12.7% of final electricity consumption.
Following the presentation, a two-session roundtable brought together representatives from major industry associations including Elettricità Futura, ANIE Rinnovabili, ANEV, Italia Solare, Federidroelettrica, ASSOESCO, FIRE, H2IT, Coordinamento FREE and Motus-E.
Hydrogen Cooperation Between Italy and Germany
Another event focused on hydrogen cooperation between Italy and Germany. Organised by Hannover Fairs International and Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe, the session examined the current status and future prospects of hydrogen technologies in Europe.
Following opening remarks by Benjamin Hanna from the German Embassy in Rome, representatives from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the Italian Ministry for Environment and Energy Security and Hydrogen Europe Research shared insights on the development of the hydrogen ecosystem.
The event concluded with a roundtable discussion involving representatives from VNG Italia, FluxSwiss, Ansaldo Green Tech and Intesa Sanpaolo.
EPC and Finance Discussed for Renewable Projects
The conference titled “EPC and Finance: the new phase of renewables”, organised by Elemens and KEY, explored construction challenges and financing conditions for renewable energy projects.
According to data presented during the event, renewable energy projects authorised in Italy in 2025 reached 9.5 GW of solar and 1.5 GW of wind capacity.
The discussion also addressed regulatory developments, project bankability, financial leverage and market design in the context of Europe’s evolving energy policies.
Lorenzo Cagnoni Innovation Award Presented at KEY 2026
Innovation and technological excellence in the energy transition were recognised through the Lorenzo Cagnoni Innovation Award, presented during KEY 2026.
Among the awarded companies were IGreen System, Meteodyn, Clivet, CRRC Zhuzhou Institute, Alperia Green Future, Dragone Energy and ENEA.
In the Innovation District, start-ups including Taleta, Northernlight, I-Tes, CO2CO, AI-Cure, Powandgo and Enercade were recognised as the most innovative projects.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Focus
Another session at KEY examined the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Italy and Europe.
The conference, organised by GSE and Motus-E, gathered operators, institutions and regulators to discuss infrastructure development, tariff dynamics and the integration of charging networks into national energy systems.
Participants also addressed the National Infrastructure Plan for Electric Vehicle Charging (PNIRE) and the future outlook for electric mobility in Italy.
Author
Mesut Kul
Rüzgar Enerjisi (Wind Energy)Wind Energy Turkey · Ekim 2026 · Özel EkRead the latest issue free →
