Italy has introduced new legislation to simplify the approval process for renewable energy projects, as part of its efforts to enhance green power production and achieve its decarbonisation objectives, ministers announced on Wednesday. The right-wing government led by Giorgia Meloni has pledged to increase solar energy capacity by approximately 50 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. In the previous year, nearly 6 GW of green capacity was added, predominantly through the development of small solar projects.
The new regulations establish three distinct procedures for obtaining approval for new plants, based on their size, type, and location, according to a government statement. Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin explained at a news conference, "We switch from five procedures to three ... the length of the approval process is considerably reduced."
A draft bill reviewed by Reuters prior to the cabinet meeting indicated that small plants, such as solar projects with a capacity below 10 megawatts, would not require a permit. However, small green projects located in protected natural areas or on protected properties will still need to undergo an approval process, disappointing developers who hoped for an exemption.
In addition to the streamlined permit procedures, the draft bill outlined plans to impose fines ranging from 1,000 to 150,000 euros on renewable energy plants constructed illegally.
Renewable developers have previously criticised the government for enacting legislation that restricts the installation of solar panels on agricultural land. Agricultural lobby groups, significant supporters of Meloni's government, have advocated for limits on solar panels, arguing that they reduce the land available for cultivation.
