In this episode. Our host, Stuart Broadley, is joined by Sara Castiglioni, EIC’s Business Development Manager for Southern Europe, for a deep dive into the opportunities, challenges, and investment trends shaping one of Europe’s most dynamic energy markets: Italy. Reflecting on the discussions and outcomes from EIC’s Connect Italy event in 2026, Stuart and Sara explore the growing role of renewable energy in Italy’s investment landscape, where the majority of new energy projects are now focused on low-carbon technologies and attracting increasing levels of international investment. The conversation examines the country’s ambitions in floating offshore wind, grid infrastructure, sustainable fuels, hydrogen, and carbon capture, alongside the practical challenges that continue to slow project progression. Drawing on insights from industry leaders including Shell, Saipem, Baker Hughes, and Terna, the discussion highlights the importance of communication, cooperation, and ecosystem thinking in delivering complex energy projects. From feedstock availability and supply chain integration to financing and policy support, Stuart and Sara reflect on why collaboration across the entire value chain is becoming increasingly critical to securing final investment decisions. The episode also explores the enduring strength of Italy’s energy supply chain. Despite a relatively limited domestic oil and gas market, Italian manufacturers, engineering companies, and technology providers continue to compete successfully on a global stage, exporting expertise and equipment to projects around the world. Sara shares her perspective on why Italy remains an attractive location for data centres, innovation, manufacturing, and industrial growth, even as the energy sector undergoes significant transformation. At the heart of the discussion is a broader question facing energy markets everywhere: how can governments, investors, developers, and supply chains work together to accelerate project delivery? For Stuart and Sara, the answer lies in stronger partnerships, clearer communication, and a more integrated approach to building the energy systems of the future. What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operates internationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin. It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal. EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide. Stay Connected with EIC Learn more about the EICExplore EIC membership Learn more about Survive & ThriveLearn more about WESCALearn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply ChainLearn about EIC ConsultContact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at Stuart.Broadley@the-eic.com Produced, engineered, and promoted by: Samara Bernardo, Lucas Almeida, João Otero, Isabella Costa, Laura Carvalho, and Clara Machado.
