New EU Directive 2023/1791: Everything changes for Italian companies. Here’s what to know (and what to do)

•

2 minutes of reading

In September 2023, the European Union approved the Energy Efficiency Directive 2023/1791, which introduces a structural change in EU energy policies.
The most important change? It is no longer the size of the company that counts, but actual energy consumption.

A real revolution for Italy’s manufacturing fabric, historically composed of SMEs, many of them energy-intensive.

A central piece of the European Green Deal

The directive is part of the strategic framework of the “Fit for 55” package, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
In the context of the Green Deal, energy efficiency is a key driver for decarbonizing the economy: 75 percent of the EU’s emissions come from energy production and use.

Objectives and basic principles of Directive 2023/1791

The standard introduces the “Energy Efficiency First” principle, according to which every energy-related decision must consider efficiency as a priority.

Here are some concrete goals:

  • Reduction of 11.7 percent in energy consumption by 2030
  • Cap on final energy consumption: 763 Mtoe
  • Promotion of energy management systems, particularly the ISO 50001 standard
  • Strengthening energy diagnosis and reporting requirements

Key deadlines to know

Businesses need to prepare for a clear roadmap:

DateObligation
11/10/2025Transposition of the directive into national laws
11/10/2026Mandatory energy diagnosis for enterprises with > 10 TJ/year
11/10/2027ISO 50001 implementation for enterprises with > 85 TJ/year
15/05/2026First energy reporting requirement for data centers > 500 kW

Impacts for Italian companies

This new approach radically changes the paradigm:

  • Companies will no longer be ranked by turnover or number of employees, but by their energy impact.
  • Even an SME may be subject to stringent obligations if it consumes a lot of energy.
  • Companies that act early will be able to improve their competitiveness, reduce costs, access incentives, and enhance their ESG profile.

How to prepare (now)

Here are the first actions to consider:

  1. Mapping energy consumption and assessing whether you are within the new parameters;
  2. Plan an updated and compliant energy diagnosis;
  3. Evaluate the adoption of certified energy management systems (ISO 50001);
  4. Monitor regulatory deadlines to avoid penalties and take advantage of possible incentives.

Our advice? Turn obligation into opportunity

This directive is not only a regulatory constraint, but a concrete opportunity for:

  • Investing in operational sustainability,
  • Reduce consumption (and costs),
  • Improve positioning toward customers, stakeholders and lenders.

Scritto da Clara Sorrentino