Italy cracks down on illegal green energy plants

Ministers announced that Italy had passed a law on Wednesday to simplify the approval process for renewable energy projects. The move is part of an effort to increase green power production in order to meet decarbonisation targets and boost the nation's goals.

Giorgia Meloni, the right-wing leader of Italy's government, has pledged to boost solar power capacity by 50 gigawatts (GW) or more by 2030. It added almost 6 GW of green energy capacity last year, mostly through small solar project development.

A government announcement said that the new rules set out three distinct procedures for obtaining approval of new plants depending on size, location and type.

Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said at a press conference that the process of approval has been significantly shortened.

According to a draft bill that was seen before the cabinet meeting, small plants such as solar power projects below 10 megawatts would not require a permit.

The approval of small projects that are built on properties or in natural protected areas will be required. This is a disappointment to developers, who wanted to exempt such projects.

The draft bill also shows that the government intends to fine renewable energy plants illegally built between 1,091 and 150,000 Euros ($1,091-$163,650).

In the past, renewable developers have criticised government legislation which restricts solar panel installation on agricultural land.

Solar panels are a major concern for agricultural lobby groups who have been key supporters of Meloni’s government for years. They claim that solar panels take land away from cultivation. Reporting by Angelo Amante, Francesca Landini and Christina Fincher.

(source: Reuters)