Fact Check: "Italy and Spain are expected to declare themselves coal-free this summer."
What We Know
The claim that Italy and Spain are expected to declare themselves coal-free this summer lacks substantiated support. According to a recent report on Europe's coal exit, while Spain is making significant strides towards phasing out coal, it is not expected to be entirely coal-free until the mid-2020s. The report indicates that Spain has made commitments to accelerate its transition away from coal, but a definitive declaration of being coal-free by this summer is not supported by current data.
In Italy, the situation is similar. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has outlined that Italy aims to phase out coal by 2025, but there are no indications that this will be achieved by the summer of 2023. Italy's energy policy is still in the process of transitioning, and while there are efforts to reduce coal dependency, the timeline does not align with the claim.
Analysis
The claim appears to be an overstatement of the current status of coal phase-out initiatives in both countries. The sources reviewed indicate that while both Italy and Spain are committed to reducing their reliance on coal, neither country is on track to declare itself coal-free this summer.
The European coal exit report provides a comprehensive overview of national coal phase-out commitments and timelines, showing that while Spain is progressing, it is unlikely to be coal-free before the mid-2020s. Similarly, the IEA's 2023 Energy Policy Review for Italy confirms that the country has set a target for coal phase-out by 2025, which does not support the claim of an imminent declaration.
Moreover, the credibility of the sources is strong, as they are backed by reputable organizations and provide detailed analyses of energy policies. However, the claim itself seems to stem from a misunderstanding or miscommunication regarding the timelines set by these countries.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that Italy and Spain are expected to declare themselves coal-free this summer is not substantiated by the available evidence. Both countries are making progress towards reducing coal usage, but the timelines for complete phase-out extend beyond the summer of 2023. Further research and monitoring of developments in energy policy in these countries are necessary to provide accurate updates on their coal phase-out status.
