PNIEC and 2030 Targets: what changes for companies in terms of thermal energy efficiency

The PNIEC 2030 (National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan) is the main strategic tool to guide the energy transition of Italian companies towards decarbonization and consumption reduction targets by 2030.
Although much attention has been focused on electrification, thermal energy efficiency – particularly in industry – offers huge potential for optimization and energy savings for companies, still largely untapped.

This article analyzes the impact of the PNIEC on the industrial world, with a particular focus on energy efficiency in companies and the role that technologies such as thermal storage can play in the 2030 strategy.

PNIEC 2030: goals and impacts for industry

The PNIEC sets out clear targets for the next decade:

• 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
• Increase in the share of renewable energy up to 40% of gross final consumption.
• Improvement of energy efficiency in industry by reducing primary and final energy consumption.

These targets require industrial companies to undertake a deep energy retrofit of their systems and carefully plan their investments.

One of the most relevant aspects concerns the decarbonization and reduction of emissions from industrial thermal systems. In particular, the PNIEC introduces stringent limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other climate-altering emissions: Discover what the NOx limits regulations require and what companies must do.

Why focus on thermal energy efficiency

Although electrical efficiency is often at the center of policies and incentives, the thermal sector represents a significant share of corporate energy consumption, especially in sectors such as:

• food and beverage (pasteurization, sterilization processes);
• chemical and pharmaceutical (temperature-controlled processes);
• tourism and hospitality (large-scale domestic hot water production);
• public and collective residential (district heating networks).

Acting on this component allows companies to achieve:

1. Immediate reduction in consumption and operating costs.
2. Greater compliance with ESG criteria and access to public incentives.
3. Increased energy resilience and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
   

Technologies for thermal decarbonization: the role of storage

Thermal storage and PCM batteries

Thermal storage solutions for companies based on PCM (Phase Change Materials) thermal batteries like our I-TES systems allow companies to:

• store heat produced during periods of low demand (or from renewable sources) for use during peaks;
• reduce peak power demand from generators and optimize their sizing;
• utilize renewable energy more efficiently, promoting decarbonization.

This technology, already used in many of our projects, is a key driver for industrial energy efficiency.

Operational and strategic benefits

Among the main advantages:

• Flexible integration with heat pumps, cogeneration, or solar thermal systems.
• Reduced maintenance costs thanks to the elimination of bulky buffers.
• Compatibility with retrofitting in existing systems.
• Opportunity to improve the company's energy rating and access energy efficiency incentives for businesses.

Design approach: how i-TES supports companies

From diagnosis to integration

At i-TES, we don't just provide technology; we act as a design partner:

• We analyze thermal consumption profiles with a dedicated energy audit.
• We size the PCM thermal battery based on specific loads and needs.
• We support technical studios, ESCo, and companies in the integration phase of storage systems with existing plants.

This approach allows companies to develop truly customized corporate energy efficiency projects.

Application cases and target sectors

i-TES systems are used in:

• industrial processes with variable thermal cycles;
• hospitality and healthcare facilities with high demand for domestic hot water;
• public buildings and energy upgrading companies aiming to reduce CO² emissions and comply with PNIEC targets.

Incentives and opportunities for companies

The adoption of energy efficiency technologies for businesses such as thermal storage allows access to:

• White Certificates (TEE) for thermal efficiency improvements;
• incentives from the NRRP and regional calls;
• tax breaks for corporate energy upgrades.

These tools make it more convenient to anticipate the adjustments required by PNIEC 2030.

2030 strategy for corporate energy efficiency

The PNIEC 2030 marks a fundamental step in the energy transition of Italian companies. Investing today in thermal energy efficiency for industry means:

• meeting emission reduction targets;
• optimizing costs and improving competitiveness;
• contributing to the decarbonization of the industrial sector.

Our PCM thermal batteries are a strategic ally for companies and designers who want to make sustainability a real driver of growth and innovation.

Want to understand how to integrate thermal storage into your company’s energy strategy to align with PNIEC 2030? Discover how we can support you with customized technological and design solutions. Contact us for dedicated consulting.