How can we scale up hydro storage in northern Italy?

Addressing challenges such as grid integration and water availability constraints is vital for scaling up hydro storage. While this study focuses on Northern Italy, broader considerations for the entire power network, including interconnections and resilience to unforeseen events like droughts, warrant future investigations.

Why is water conservation a problem in Italy?

These are likely to become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Italy also consumes a high amount of water, 25% above the EU average. As a result, water conservation is a growing concern, particularly in agriculture. Failing infrastructure and leaky pipes are also an issue.

How much wastewater is reused in Italy?

According to a 2024 report by Community Valore Acqua, currently, only 4% of all wastewater in Italy is actually reused, as against a European average of 17% and a high of 35% used by Spain.

Should Italy invest 32.9 billion euros in water infrastructure?

According to calculations from the report “Water: Actions and Investments for Energy, People, and Territories,” Italy should invest 32.9 billion euros in water infrastructure to reduce losses and improve their usage. These investments would result in a short-term water savings of 9.5 billion cubic meters through infrastructure efficiency.

Why is sustainable water management important in Italy?

Sustainable water management is one of the most significant challenges of our modern age. Italy already has all the resources - natural, industrial and intellectual - to successfully address it, but it is crucial to act with vision, determination and responsibility.

Does Italy need a paradigm shift in water management?

The ever-worsening situation of water scarcity - exacerbated by climate change, infrastructural fragmentation and an inefficient use of resources - now demands a total paradigm shift in how we manage water, globally as well as, crucially, in Italy.