Milan Cortina 2026: Clean Energy Promises Under Scrutiny

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are set to utilize nearly all renewable electricity for their venues, a move organizers believe will significantly reduce the event's carbon footprint. Italy's largest electricity provider, Enel, has committed to supplying 85 gigawatt-hours of power sourced entirely from certified renewable origins.

This green energy pledge is supported by 'guarantee of origin' (GO) certificates, a European system ensuring that electricity consumed comes from renewable sources. Enel has purchased these certificates to cover the Games' energy demand, aiming to demonstrate the viability of cleaner energy solutions for major international events.

However, some experts, like Matteo Villa, suggest that while GO certificates can promote an event's green image, they do not necessarily translate into a cleaner or more renewable energy sector for Italy itself. The country's national grid still relies heavily on fossil fuels, despite Enel's significant carbon-free electricity production.

Beyond venue power, a substantial challenge remains in reducing emissions from spectator travel and accommodations, which contribute the largest share of the Games' carbon footprint. Organizers and the International Olympic Committee are exploring ways to mitigate these indirect emissions, even considering reducing event scale to protect winter sports long-term.