The Italian government has reduced the regions’ influence on photovoltaic and wind energy permits by centralizing the decision-making process. It has also issued new tax relief rules under the so-called Transizione 5.0 decree.
Italy’s Council of Ministers approved a new decree on Friday introducing new provisions regarding the Transizione 5.0 tax credit and the identification of suitable areas for large-scale wind and solar energy projects.
As for the tax benefit, the government has decided to bring forward the deadline for submitting applications to November 27, up from the previous date of December 31. Those who submitted applications after November 7 will have the opportunity to submit any additional payments requested by the Italian energy agency – the Gestore dei servizi Energieci (GSE) – before December 6.
Furthermore, it specifies that the measure cannot be combined with the Transizione 4.0 tax credit, and that companies applying for both incentives must choose one over the other.
Finally, €250 million has been earmarked for 2025 to support applications for the Transizione 5.0 plan.
Concerning the suitable areas for the use of PV and wind, the decision is increasing the role of the state in establishing binding criteria for the location and approval of projects. Under previous rules, regional authorities had been given strong autonomy in the decision-making process, with some regions such as Sardinia even introducing moratoriums on the development of sustainable energy projects.
The new provisions also stipulate that for projects in eligible areas, the landscape assessment will become mandatory but not binding. In addition, the deadlines for the single authorization process, the so-called Autorizzazione Unica (AU), are shortened.
In addition, the decree introduces a new definition of agrivoltaic systems, which are now labeled as photovoltaic installations that guarantee the continuity of crop and grazing activities at the installation site. Before these new rules, the height of the panels was a key factor defining this project typology.
“To ensure the continuity of crop and grazing activities, the system may include the rotation of modules placed high above the ground and the application of digital and precision agricultural tools,” reads the text of the decree.
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