The European Commission has approved the Italian decree encouraging the self-consumption of energy from renewable sources. The decree focuses on two measures: an incentive tariff on renewable energy produced and shared and a non-repayable contribution. The financeable power is equal to five Gigawatts in total, with a time limit at the end of 2027.
The decree will allow the Renewable Energy Communities (REC) to become a widespread reality throughout the country, contributing to the development of renewable sources. The importance of this measure lies in its direct impact on the participation of citizens in the production of renewable energy, allowing them to benefit economically from self-consumption without the need to directly have space for renewable plants.
The European Commission has validated the Italian model, paving the way for potential similar initiatives in other European countries, recognising the innovative Italian approach to the promotion of renewable sources.
The non-repayable contribution, which can reach 40% of the eligible costs for municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, is a significant step in making such initiatives accessible even in smaller contexts.
Focus | What are RECs
FUNDING AND BENEFITS
The PNRR will finance this measure with 2.2 billion euros, with the aim of realising a total power of at least 2 Gigawatts. The non-repayable contribution may be cumulated with the incentive rate within defined limits.
The expected benefits relate to all renewable technologies, such as photovoltaics, wind, hydroelectrics and biomass. For RECs, the recipients of the measure may be groups of citizens, condominiums, SMEs, but also local authorities, cooperatives, associations and religious bodies. The power of individual plants cannot exceed the Megawatt.
THE 'CER ECOSYSTEM' PROJECT: A USEFUL SUPPORT
The 'Transition to the Renewable Energy Communities Ecosystem' project, born within the LE2C Cluster, plays a crucial role in supporting the creation and dissemination of CERs.
As well as providing practical support – through the development of innovative management and optimisation software to support the monitoring of costs and incentives – the project aims to raise public awareness of the importance of renewable sources for environmental and economic sustainability.
For further details on the project, click HERE.
For more information on the decreto, visit the dedicated page on the MASE website.