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Italy's carbon reform and the ETS decree

Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Plugged In: the energy news podcast
Italy's carbon reform and the ETS decree
Mar 05, 2026 Season 8 Episode 10
Montel News

Italy has launched one of the most controversial proposals in the European energy market in years.

In a bid to lower electricity prices and boost the competitiveness of Italian industry, the government has proposed shifting the cost of carbon emissions from gas-fired power plants to consumers. Supporters say the move could reduce wholesale power prices and ease pressure on businesses facing high energy costs.

But critics warn it could undermine the foundations of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS); the cornerstone of Europe’s climate policy.

In this episode, Richard speaks with international experts about why carbon prices have been falling, what Italy’s proposed reforms could mean for the power market, and the potential impact on renewable investment and corporate PPAs. They also discuss whether the proposal could distort electricity markets across Europe and the legal challenges the European Commission may raise.

Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News

Guests: Hæge Fjellheim - Head of Carbon Analysis at Veyt
               Gaia Stigliani - Senior Principal at AFRY Management Consulting
               Lorenzo Parola - Managing Partner at Parola Associati
               Enza Tedesco - Montel News

Editor: Oscar Birk

Producer: Alexandra Carlon

#EnergyMarkets #EUETS #EnergyTransition #CarbonMarkets #ClimatePolicy #EnergyPolicy #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTrading #EnergyEconomics #EuropeanEnergy #CleanEnergy #Decarbonisation #EnergyPodcast