The NRRP and the Italian energy transition. Interest groups in implementation, between structural power, insiderness and new coalitions

Italian energy policy has traditionally been significantly influenced by large state-owned companies, commonly referred to as national champions, as well as by fossil fuel interests. The impact of the energy transition on this situation has been limited, as the adoption of renewables in Italy has not been accompanied by the emergence of a robust green coalition. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan provided an opportunity to address this situation. Through process tracing and interviews with key policy actors, this article examines the implementation of energy transition measures outlined in the plan during the recent administrations of Draghi and Meloni. The analysis underscores the changing role of relevant interest groups and business actors in this sector. It reveals that the structural power of national champions and the influential position of core insiders have not diminished, particularly following adjustments to the recovery plan prompted by the Russia-Ukraine war. Nonetheless, the article notes that green outsiders have, through coalition dynamics, increased their involvement in policy implementation. Additionally, it emphasizes that the unfolding energy transition is driving a reconfiguration of interests that transcends the traditional divide between fossil fuels and renewable energy.