Solar-Backed Renewable Electricity Powers Milano-Cortina 2026

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games demonstrated how renewable energy — particularly solar-backed procurement — can power large-scale international events with a significantly lower carbon footprint. Clean electricity supply was embedded into the core operational strategy, signalling a shift from conventional energy sourcing to structured green procurement.

Enel, Italy’s largest power utility and the official Electricity Premium Partner of the Games, ensured that electricity demand across competition venues and operational facilities was matched with certified renewable energy. The supply mix included hydropower, wind, geothermal and solar generation, with renewable energy certificates used to guarantee traceability and compliance. Solar energy played an important role within this diversified renewable portfolio, reflecting its growing contribution to Europe’s power mix.

Beyond procurement, organisers emphasised energy efficiency, smart grid integration and optimised power management to reduce overall consumption. Grid upgrades and modern distribution systems strengthened renewable integration capacity, creating lasting benefits for host regions.

For the clean energy sector, the Games provided a high-visibility case study of how utilities and event organisers can collaborate to mainstream renewables. The model underscores how solar and other scalable technologies are increasingly capable of meeting complex, high-demand infrastructure requirements on the global stage.