The European Commission (EC) has approved, under EU State aid rules, an Italian scheme to support a total of 4590 MW of new capacity for electricity production from renewable energy sources.
The scheme contributes to the EU's strategic objectives relating to the European Green Deal, while helping to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels and fast forward the green transition, according to the EC.
The Italian scheme
Italy notified the Commission of its intention to introduce a scheme to support the production of electricity from renewable energy sources.
The measure, which will run until 31 December 2028, will be financed through a levy included in the electricity bills of final consumers.
The scheme will support the construction of new plants running on innovative and not yet mature technologies. As well as on biogas and biomass, these include geothermal energy, offshore wind power (floating or fixed), thermodynamic solar, floating solar, tidal, wave and other marine energy.
The plants are expected to add a total of 4590 MW of renewable electricity capacity to the Italian electricity system.
Depending on the technology, the deadline for successful plants to enter into operation varies between 31 to 60 months.
"This scheme enables Italy to support the production of renewable electricity from various technologies, including innovative ones. The measure helps Italy meet its emission reduction and electricity production targets. It will also contribute to achieving the European Green Deal objectives, while limiting possible distortions of competition," said Margrethe Vestager, executive vice-president in charge of competition policy.
Italy’s 4,590 MW renewables scheme receives EU approval
