Achieving the decarbonization targets set by the Fit for 55 package, in the wake of that outlined by the European Green Deal, requires as of now the involvement of all sectors of society, from industry to agriculture, from residential to transportation. Reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, with a view to total decarbonization by 2050, also requires prompt action.

In this context, this study turns its attention to the manufacturing and agrifood sectors, which are strategic in the national economic landscape and by relevance to the decarbonization process, assessing their critical issues and potential capabilities in the path to energy transition.

To this end, the study first examined the development of recent disruptions in energy markets, including as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war, and their economic impact on domestic manufacturing firms in terms of changes in costs, final prices and value added.

Next, it analyzed some of the tools and initiatives that companies will be able to put in place to achieve their designated climate goals, reducing the risks of possible future energy price hikes. In particular, the in-depth study continued on digital innovation opportunities supported by the Transition 4.0 Plan, expanding the pool of case studies collected in previous years. In addition, it presents the main technological solutions available for hard to abate sectors, considering their most significant aspects of feasibility and critical issues.

The report, therefore, presents the work of characterizing the production chains involved in the country’s energy transition process. The results obtained, starting from the analysis of input/output data of the production processes of the manufacturing companies involved in the survey carried out through questionnaires, may serve as support for possible future interventions by the legislator aimed at encouraging decarbonization policies and the adoption of green technologies.

Finally, it presents the results of the survey carried out on the wine and dairy supply chains in order to analyze the views of agribusiness operators on issues such as sustainability, technological innovation and the main benefits/barriers encountered in implementing measures with a view to decarbonizing their processes.