A Clean Energy Portfolio (CEP) is already more competitive than new combined-cycle gas plants (CCGTs) in Italy. In this research, Foot Off the Gas finds that investment in new CCGTs would not only be bad for emission goals but also lead to comparatively higher electricity prices and could result in stranded asset risk.
In this report, Carbon Tracker analyses the financial viability of new gas-fired power plants in Italy. Carbon Tracker compares the cost of gas-fired power plants with those of a clean energy portfolio providing the same grid services (monthly energy, peak capacity, and flexibility). These CEPs combine clean energy technologies, including onshore wind, offshore wind, utility-scale solar photovoltaics (PV), battery storage, energy efficiency and demand response elements to provide the same grid services as gas-fired power plants.
Carbon Tracker finds that a CEP is already more competitive than new combined-cycle gas plants (CCGTs). Consequently, Carbon Tracker finds that investment in new CCGTs would not only be bad for emission goals but also lead to comparatively higher electricity prices and could result in stranded asset risk. In addition, based on the analysis provided in the research, Carbon Tracker provides relevant avoiding potential stranded assets to help Italy secure a clean energy pathway.