In recent years, energy security and climate change have emerged as central issues in transatlantic relations. The prolonged effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East have highlighted the urgency of accelerating the transition to sustainable energy systems and intensifying efforts to ensure security and economic stability. Whether it is strengthening security of supply or implementing innovative clean energy technologies, transatlantic cooperation can play a key role in addressing global challenges. This is what emerged from the discussions of the second bilateral "Opportunities and challenges for Italy - US cooperation on energy and circularity", organised at the Italian Embassy in Washington by Wec Italia - Italian National Committee of the World Energy Council, Wec USA, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center and Globe Italia, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in the United States and with the support of Edison, Italgas, Us Wind and Engreen.
"Now that we are emerging from the energy crisis, we must work to strengthen transatlantic cooperation in the energy sector," said Italian Ambassador to the US Mariangela Zappia. "First: we need to work together on supply chains for clean energy production and reliable supply chains for critical minerals; dialogue with third countries is crucial because we want the energy transition to be an opportunity for equitable growth for all, and in this sense the Mattei Plan for Africa is the model for win-win cooperation in areas such as energy and infrastructure," she explained. "Secondly, we must seek to better coordinate our industrial policies towards our common goal of zero net emissions. Third: we want to continue to increase our cooperation in the research and development of innovative technologies that can help us achieve our decarbonisation goals; fusion energy is one of the most promising areas of cooperation: on 6 November, Council President Meloni will host the inaugural ministerial meeting of the World Fusion Energy Group in Rome, together with the Director General of the IEAA,' he continued.
"Finally, as the current G7 Presidency, Italy is committed to promoting ambitious goals, also with a view to the next COP 29: our country, with its companies and its government, wants to be a driving force for continuing to strengthen and deepen our transatlantic cooperation," he concluded. Wec Italy President Marco Margheri emphasised that 'cooperation between Italy and the United States represents a fundamental strategic lever to address global challenges such as energy security, the development of advanced industrial policies, and technological innovation. Through the bilateral dialogue initiated by the Wec Italy and US committees, together with Globe and the Atlantic Council, we have strengthened the debate on these crucial issues, laying the foundations for building more resilient and sustainable supply chains, as well as a shared and technology-neutral approach to the topics. On these issues, Italy has shown that it is at the forefront, and with the G7 Presidency, important results have already been achieved. Our work intends to highlight how the integration of new technologies and inclusive policies can lead to a fair and inclusive energy transition, paying special attention to the development of third countries'.
The debate between institutional stakeholders, think tanks, US industrialists, and Italian energy and circular economy excellences, present in Washington with a delegation, deepened the contribution of industry and the opportunities for collaboration between Italy and the United States for an energy transition capable of responding to global challenges such as climate change and energy security. A special focus was given to the prospects of US energy policy, and the vertical theme of energy communities as an element of security and resilience of energy systems, the Italian experience on the subject, and the role this model can play in the Ukrainian context.
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