Energy

Information obtained from the NEB

The National Energy Balance is drafted every year. Thus comparing and contrasting the energy consumption is possible over the years by analysing the different origin (whether imported or home produced), the different composition (which energy sources were exploited) and the development of national consumption (whether increasing or decreasing) of energy. The information that can be obtained from the comparison of the energy consumption over the years is very important. For example, by comparing the primary energy consumption with the production data of a country one can see whether, over the years, the country succeeded in achieving a better management of the energy available, by using less energy to produce more. Else, one can check whether the renewable energy sources or those causing less polluting emissions in the air have progressively replaced the most polluting energy sources. A further useful piece of information is whether the country depends upon of energy imports. In countries like Italy, for example, energy resources under the surface are limited and there is a need to import over 80% of the primary energy from abroad. Since great part of our development and daily prosperity depends upon the energy available, countries like Italy, which are markedly dependent upon foreign energy supplies, need to maintain good and stable relations with the energy exporting countries.