The industrial sector is called upon to address the ambitious decarbonization objectives set out in the National Integrated Plan for Energy and Climate (PNIEC) and the Green Deal. It is a challenge, but also an opportunity, for a significant paradigm shift compared to the past, capable of enhancing technological innovation and digitalization opportunities and promoting an approach to generate economic development, sustainability and social inclusion.

In this context, RSE, thanks to the experience gained in the field of energy efficiency within the industrial sector, has investigated the role of National Plan for Industry 4.0 (renamed Transition 4.0) as an effective tool to accompany the energy transition of companies in the desired direction of greater sustainability and economic development and lower resource consumption. The aim of the study is to provide analytical elements to support institutions and companies in the governance process of this transition.

In order to complete the picture of incentive policies to support energy saving and decarbonization, a brief excursus was dedicated to the measures implemented nationally and to the analysis of the changes, envisaged by the European Green Deal, to the Emissions Trading System (ETS).

The study then focused on the Industry 4.0 Plan, initially developed to Italy’s industrial sector with the management and production standards of the most advanced countries, and progressively addressed the efficiency and sustainability objectives defined by the energy transition process underway, as part of the new “Transition Plan 4.0”.

The study, carried out on approximately 300 companies that showed a tendency to implement innovation and digitalization measures, monitored the effects and impacts that “choice 4.0” caused on their energy and non-energy consumption models, on their environmental externalities and, in general, on other cost-related factors.

The feedback allowed us to collect significant case studies on the direct experiences of those who work in the sector and to create a micro-database for technical and economic evaluations.

In addition, the study delves into individual experiences documented, cases of excellence in the application of new technologies, highlighting the role and the potential that the “innovative/digital” approach can bring to the production efficiency process.

On the basis of the evaluation and analysis of completed projects and of the interaction with industry professionals, the impact of these interventions on the company’s energy performance was estimated and the achievability of the savings objectives set by the PNIEC was verified, also considering the aspects and barriers that are yet to be overcome.