Clean Energy Takes Centre Stage at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Organisers of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics have placed clean energy at the forefront of their sustainability efforts, pledging that virtually all electricity for the Games will be sourced from renewable sources. This commitment comes as concerns mount over the impact of global warming on winter sports, with prominent skiers like Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin highlighting the rapid melting of glaciers worldwide.
A Pledge for Green Power
The organising committee has stated that energy use represents the most significant area where they can make a meaningful environmental impact, given that it has historically been a major driver of planet-warming emissions at large-scale events. In a sustainability report released in September, the committee confirmed that Games-time electrical energy would be 100% green, supplied by certified renewable sources. For rare instances requiring temporary power generation, hydrotreated vegetable oil will replace traditional diesel fuels.
"This is also an opportunity to contribute to a broader shift — showing athletes, spectators and future host cities that cleaner energy solutions are increasingly viable for events of this scale," the committee said in a statement to The Associated Press. "We hope the steps taken for these Games can support ongoing progress across major events."
Enel's Role in Renewable Supply
Italy's largest electricity company, Enel, has guaranteed the supply of entirely certified renewable electricity for all event venues during the Olympics and Paralympics. Enel is providing 85 gigawatt-hours of power, backed by "guarantee of origin" (GO) certificates purchased from renewable energy plants across Europe. These certificates, established in 2001, correspond to 1 megawatt hour of electricity produced from certified renewable sources and are traded on the power market. Once used, they are canceled to prevent double-counting, supporting the development of renewable energy by helping companies meet green targets.
Enel emphasised that its commitment "translates the values of sustainability and inclusion inherent in the Games into concrete terms, combining technological innovation and environmental protection." The company has built new primary substations in Livigno and Arabba and upgraded distribution infrastructure in areas like Bormio and Cortina, benefits that will extend to residents after the Games conclude.
Criticisms and Broader Challenges
Despite the positive steps, the GO certificate system has faced criticism. Matteo Villa, who leads the data lab at the Italian Institute for International Political Studies, noted that while GOs are a "great way to promote your event," they do not necessarily make Italy cleaner or more renewable. He added that the Games can only be as sustainable as the entire country, pointing out that Italy's national grid still relies heavily on fossil fuels, according to data from the International Energy Agency.
In 2025, nearly three-quarters of Enel's electricity production in Italy was carbon-free, with about 50% from hydropower, 17% from geothermal sources, and less than 10% from wind, solar, and other renewables. The remainder primarily came from gas-fired power plants. Many hydropower facilities are located in northern Italy, leveraging mountainous terrain and rivers for high productivity.
Addressing Indirect Emissions
Matteo Di Castelnuovo, a professor of energy economics at the SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan, highlighted that the real challenge lies beyond clean energy. "The thornier issue for Olympic organisers, and for any business, is figuring out how to reduce the emissions they do not have direct control over, notably those stemming from transportation," he explained. The organising committee estimated that the Games' greenhouse gas emissions are equivalent to those of 4 million average-sized, gasoline-fueled cars driving from Paris to Rome, with the largest share coming from indirect activities like accommodations and spectator travel, particularly air travel.
Karl Stoss, chair of the Games' Future Host Commission, suggested that future Olympics may need to reduce the number of sports, athletes, and spectators to further minimise environmental impact and protect winter sports long-term. This aligns with broader sustainability goals, as researchers warn that the list of reliable Winter Games host locales will shrink significantly in coming years due to climate change.
Athlete Advocacy and Future Implications
During the Games, many skiers, including Team USA members Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, voiced concerns about climate change accelerating glacier melt, underscoring the urgency of these sustainability efforts. Their advocacy highlights the growing intersection of sports and environmental activism, pushing for greener practices in major events.
Overall, the 2026 Winter Olympics represents a significant step toward integrating clean energy into large-scale sporting events, though challenges remain in addressing indirect emissions and ensuring long-term sustainability in the face of a warming planet.
