Understanding the correlation between energy transition and urbanization.

• Energy transition process is evaluated on Italian regions according to their different urbanization levels. • Transition matrices showed weakness and strengthens according points of the regions. • The evaluation of the determinants allows to define policy indication according to different level of urbanization. • Findings showed that different energy paths are associated to different urbanization areas. Renewable energy and energy efficiency are recognized among the key factors of transitioning towards a low-consumption and low-carbon society. In order to achieve such transition, the government policies should be aimed at meeting the renewable energy generation and energy efficiency targets of specific localities. Nonetheless, these targets vary between different urban regions, and there is limited knowledge on the correlation between energy transition and urbanization levels. The aim of this paper is to identify that correlation in urban regions. This study places Italian regions under the microscope of an empirical investigation. The study adopts a two-step analysis that provides a useful model for regional analyses. The results of the study consolidates our understanding and highlights that the energy transition process requires greater efforts concerning social participation and provision of incentives for renewable energy production, mainly in the less urbanized areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]