The KEY – The Energy Transition Expo recently concluded, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. At the heart of the event was the second edition of the “Lorenzo Cagnoni” Award, celebrating groundbreaking projects across the energy sector. Seven distinguished companies—Horay Solar Co., Ltd, Italian Wind Technologies, Energy Dome, Rina, Renovis, Camel Energy GmbH, and Alperia—were honored for their innovative contributions. Additionally, the event recognized the potential of emerging startups, with Trailslight, Reefilla, and Sizable Energy receiving awards within the Innovation District. This recognition, spearheaded by industry leaders such as Maurizio Ermeti, President of Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), Corrado Peraboni, CEO of IEG, and Alessandra Astolfi, Global Exhibition Director of IEG’s Green & Technology division, highlights KEY’s commitment to fostering innovation and facilitating crucial dialogue among industry players, startups, and stakeholders. This platform provides a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies and address the challenges of energy transition and climate policy shifts in Italy and the Mediterranean region.
QualEnergia Science: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Industry
Further solidifying its role as a nexus for energy transition discourse, KEY – The Energy Transition Expo unveiled QualEnergia Science, a new scientific journal designed to connect research, industry, and institutions. This initiative, a spin-off of the well-established QualEnergia publication, is a collaborative effort between La Nuova Ecologia and the Italian Exhibition Group. Presented by Sergio Ferraris, science journalist and Director of QualEnergia, and Luca Biamonte, External Relations and Editorial Communication Director for La Nuova Ecologia, the launch event featured prominent figures like Christian Previati, KEY Exhibition Manager; Giorgio Graditi, Director General of ENEA; and Attilio Piattelli, President of Coordinamento Free. A video message from Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, added significant weight to the event. QualEnergia Science, published annually and available online, features 28 selected studies from over 80 submissions, providing in-depth analysis of key topics shaping the future of energy transition.
The Sustainability of Energy Transition: A Global Challenge
Amidst economic uncertainty and industrial challenges, the feasibility of the European Union’s 2030 decarbonization goals is under intense scrutiny. While renewable energy sources are increasingly competitive, electricity costs remain high, largely influenced by fluctuating gas prices. This issue is particularly critical for Italy, a leading European energy importer. At KEY25, a conference organized by Althesys, titled “Is the energy transition sustainable? The cost-benefits of decarbonization and consumer bills,” experts emphasized that electrification is progressing too slowly, and significant investment is required for infrastructure adaptation, especially in grid expansion and storage solutions. The discussions underscored the urgent need for Europe and individual nations to redefine their energy policies, balancing climate objectives with industrial competitiveness and affordability for consumers.
Innovative Finance and Skill Development: Building a Green Future
The energy transition is not only a crucial step in combating climate change but also a significant opportunity for industrial and employment growth. Coordinamento FREE’s latest report, presented at KEY, analyzed the economic benefits of the transition, projecting forward to 2030. Investment in renewable energy has tripled compared to fossil fuels in recent years, but further funding and financial security mechanisms are essential. Specifically, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for SMEs are crucial for fostering clean energy production and consumption. Spain, with its 60% renewable energy share, serves as a prime example of successful implementation, resulting in significantly reduced electricity costs. Another key announcement at KEY was the presentation of the SKILLBILL project, funded by the European Union. This initiative aims to bridge the skills gap through an online platform, interdisciplinary working groups, and specialized training courses. Projections indicate that by 2030, for every new worker entering the fossil fuel sector, three will join the renewable energy industry, and green jobs are expected to grow by 40% by 2050. As the energy sector undergoes rapid transformation, innovative financial tools and skill-building initiatives will be critical for ensuring a successful and sustainable transition. The discussions and reports presented at KEY25 highlight the essential steps needed to achieve a greener, more resilient energy future.
