Clean Energy Pledge for the Winter Games
Hosting the Winter Olympics requires vast amounts of electricity to power venues, lighting, broadcasting infrastructure and artificial snow production. For the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, organizers pledged that virtually all electricity used during the event will come from certified renewable sources.
The organizing committee has identified energy use as one of the largest drivers of climate impact at major sporting events. In its September sustainability report, it committed to supplying 100% green electricity during the Games. In rare cases requiring temporary generation, hydrotreated vegetable oil is expected to replace traditional diesel fuel.
Italy’s largest electricity provider, Enel, guaranteed delivery of entirely certified renewable power for Olympic and Paralympic venues.
How Renewable Certification Works
Enel will supply approximately 85 gigawatt-hours of electricity for the Games. To cover the full demand, the company purchased “guarantees of origin” certificates from renewable energy producers.
Under the European system established in 2001, each certificate represents one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from a certified renewable source. Once applied, certificates are canceled to prevent double counting. Supporters argue the mechanism encourages renewable development by enabling companies to meet sustainability targets.
However, critics question whether such certificates directly increase clean energy production in the host country. Matteo Villa of the Italian Institute for International Political Studies said the approach promotes the event’s green image but does not necessarily make Italy’s overall electricity mix cleaner. He noted that the sustainability of the Games depends on the broader national grid.
Italy’s Energy Landscape
Enel reported that nearly three-quarters of the electricity it produced in Italy in 2025 was carbon-free. Roughly half came from hydropower, 17% from geothermal energy and under 10% from wind, solar and other renewables. The remaining share was largely generated by gas-fired plants.
While northern Italy benefits from hydropower resources in mountainous regions, the national grid remains significantly reliant on fossil fuels, according to International Energy Agency data.
To support the Games, Enel constructed new primary substations in Livigno and Arabba and upgraded distribution infrastructure in Livigno, Bormio and Cortina. These improvements are expected to benefit local communities long after the Olympics conclude.
Beyond Electricity: Broader Emissions Challenge
Sustainability has become central to Olympic planning as climate change increasingly threatens winter sports venues worldwide. Researchers warn that suitable locations for hosting future Winter Games may shrink as temperatures rise.
Energy economists suggest that while transitioning event power to renewable sources is significant, larger challenges lie elsewhere—particularly emissions beyond organizers’ direct control. Transportation, accommodations and spectator travel account for a substantial share of the carbon footprint.
The organizing committee estimates total emissions associated with the Games are comparable to those generated by four million gasoline-powered cars driving from Paris to Rome. Air travel is among the largest contributors.
Some Olympic officials have suggested that future reductions in the number of events, athletes or spectators could further lower environmental impact. Prominent athletes have also voiced concern about glacier melt and the long-term viability of winter sports.
The Milan Cortina Games represent an effort to demonstrate that large-scale international events can integrate certified renewable energy at scale. Whether that model meaningfully accelerates broader decarbonization remains part of an ongoing debate.
