Governo Italiano
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A Commitment to Global Energy Efficiency
Italy, by joining the “Three Percent Club Coalition” during the 2019 Climate Action Summit, committed to improving global energy efficiency by 3% per year through the use of existing and affordable technologies.
Launched in 2020, the 3DEN initiative aims to support developing countries in the decarbonization and modernization of energy systems. Promoted by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) in collaboration with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), it encourages the adoption of digital technologies to optimize energy production, distribution, and consumption.
This approach aims to:
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Improve energy efficiency
• Expand access to energy, with a special focus on the most vulnerable countries.
Governance of the Initiative
The initiative is led by a Joint Committee, formed by representatives from Italy, the IEA, and UNEP, which defines the strategies and oversees implementation. The Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) coordinates Italian activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
An Advisory Committee supports the technical activities of the IEA, involving 80 organizations, including public institutions, industries, research institutions, and multilateral agencies. The geographical composition is highly diverse, with strong representation from Europe, including significant Italian participation, as well as important contributions from Asia, the Americas, Africa, the MENA region, and international organizations, reflecting a global and inclusive perspective.
Objectives and Structure of the Initiative
Development of the Guidelines – The 3DEN Guidelines define a strategic framework for the digital energy transition, focusing on:
• Policies and regulations: Identification of necessary regulatory instruments and institutional changes.
• Technology mapping: Analysis of technologies and the development of a “Grid Smartness” index.
• Investments and financing: Estimation of economic needs and identification of innovative financing mechanisms.
• Environmental benefits: Assessment of emissions reduction, in line with the 2030 Agenda.
Pilot Projects in Vulnerable Countries – Pilot projects transform the Guidelines into concrete actions, promoting:
• Innovative technological solutions in energy sectors.
• Replicable financing and governance models.
• More equitable and sustainable access to energy in emerging countries.
First Phase (2020-2024)
In its first phase, the 3DEN initiative explored the role of digitalization in the decarbonization and modernization of electricity systems, addressing key issues such as innovative business models, energy efficiency, smart charging, and interoperability.
Key findings include:
- Report for the G7 (2024): offers recommendations to support city-led climate action through digitalisation, with a focus on African countries
- Smart Grids for Reliable and Efficient Power: presented at the Global Conference on Energy Efficiency (2023), analyses strategies to integrate renewable energy in emerging markets
- Empowering Cities for a Net Zero Future - recognized in the Joint Communiqué of G20 Environment and Energy Ministers (2021), highlights the role of cities in sustainable energy systems
- Towards net-zero - Interoperability of technologies to transform the energy system
- Unlocking the Potential of Distributed Energy Resources
- Empowering people – the role of local energy communities in clean energy transitions
- Power utilities need digital talent – but not all are searching for it
- Using Digitalisation in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies to Enable Demand Response in Buildings
- The Potential of Digital Business Models in the New Energy Economy
3DEN has also promoted exchanges with governments, international organizations, and the private sector, strengthening global cooperation for a sustainable energy future.
Between 2022 and 2024, four pilot projects were implemented in Brazil, India, Morocco, and Colombia, selected through a call coordinated by UNEP. These projects tested the Guidelines on regulatory, financial, and technological aspects, introducing innovative solutions to:
• Optimize the management of electricity networks.
• Improve energy efficiency.
• Reduce emissions, creating replicable models to accelerate the global energy transition.
Second Phase (2025-2028)
The second phase of the 3DEN initiative places a strategic focus on Africa, in line with the priorities outlined by the Mattei Plan and the Rome Process, and includes:
- Implementation of new pilot projects and sustainable business models aimed at promoting energy efficiency and the adoption of innovative digital technologies.
- Launch of the second international call to select projects in the agri-food and urban sectors to be implemented in priority countries: South Africa, Brazil, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. The call, launched on January 13 and ending on May 23, will offer funding opportunities to international consortia for projects that integrate scalable and replicable digital solutions, contributing to the modernization of energy systems and the global transition toward sustainable energy.
The call, launched on January 13 with a deadline of May 23, offers funding opportunities for international consortia to develop projects that integrate scalable and replicable digital solutions, contributing to the modernization of energy systems and the global transition to sustainable energy.
The webinar Digitalisation for Flexible and Resilient Energy Systems – Call for Proposals is scheduled for January 20.
- Strengthening collaborations with local institutions, multilateral banks, and international partners to ensure the greater impact and sustainability of the initiatives implemented.
Documentation and Resources:
NEW - Second call for proposals for Project Funding under the 3DEN initiative
2021 Call for proposals launched for funding projects under the 3DEN initiative
