The Italian government has weakened the influence of regional governments on the approval of solar and wind power projects through centralized decision-making. In addition, the government has released a new tax incentive policy called "Transizione 5.0".
The Italian Council of Ministers approved a new decree on Friday, introducing new provisions related to the "Transizione 5.0" tax credit and the designation of suitable areas for large-scale wind and solar projects.
Regarding tax incentives, the government decided to move the application deadline forward to November 27th, from the previous deadline of December 31st. Companies that submit applications after November 7th can pay any additional fees required by the Italian Energy Services Authority (Gestore dei servizi energetici, GSE) before December 6th.
Furthermore, the government clarified that this measure cannot be used simultaneously with the "Transizione 4.0" tax credit; companies applying for both incentives must choose one.
Finally, the government has allocated €250 million to support applications for the "Transizione 5.0" program, with the funds earmarked for 2025.
Regarding suitable deployment areas for solar and wind power projects, the decree expands the state's role in setting binding standards for project site selection and approval. Previous regulations granted local governments considerable autonomy in the decision-making process, leading some regions, such as Sardinia, to even suspend renewable energy project development.
The new regulations also stipulate that landscape assessments are now mandatory, but not mandatory, for projects located in eligible areas. Furthermore, the timeframe for the single authorization process (the so-called "Autorizzazione Unica," or AU) has been shortened.
In addition, the decree introduces a new definition for agro-solar complementary systems, termed photovoltaic arrays, to ensure the sustainability of crop cultivation and grazing activities at the installation site. Prior to these new regulations, the height of the photovoltaic panels was a key factor in defining this type of project.
The original text of the decree states: "To ensure the continuity of crop planting and grazing activities, the system may include the rotation of high-mounted photovoltaic modules, as well as the application of digital and precision agriculture tools."
The Italian government has weakened the influence of regional governments on the approval of solar and wind power projects through centralized decision-making. In addition, the government has released a new tax incentive policy called "Transizione 5.0".
The Italian Council of Ministers approved a new decree on Friday, introducing new provisions related to the "Transizione 5.0" tax credit and the designation of suitable areas for large-scale wind and solar projects.
Regarding tax incentives, the government decided to move the application deadline forward to November 27th, from the previous deadline of December 31st. Companies that submit applications after November 7th can pay any additional fees required by the Italian Energy Services Authority (Gestore dei servizi energetici, GSE) before December 6th.
Furthermore, the government clarified that this measure cannot be used simultaneously with the "Transizione 4.0" tax credit; companies applying for both incentives must choose one.
Finally, the government has allocated €250 million to support applications for the "Transizione 5.0" program, with the funds earmarked for 2025.
Regarding suitable deployment areas for solar and wind power projects, the decree expands the state's role in setting binding standards for project site selection and approval. Previous regulations granted local governments considerable autonomy in the decision-making process, leading some regions, such as Sardinia, to even suspend renewable energy project development.
The new regulations also stipulate that landscape assessments are now mandatory, but not mandatory, for projects located in eligible areas. Furthermore, the timeframe for the single authorization process (the so-called "Autorizzazione Unica," or AU) has been shortened.
In addition, the decree introduces a new definition for agro-solar complementary systems, termed photovoltaic arrays, to ensure the sustainability of crop cultivation and grazing activities at the installation site. Prior to these new regulations, the height of the photovoltaic panels was a key factor in defining this type of project.
The original text of the decree states: "To ensure the continuity of crop planting and grazing activities, the system may include the rotation of high-mounted photovoltaic modules, as well as the application of digital and precision agriculture tools."
