The European Commission (EC) has approved, under EU state aid rules, an Italian scheme to support a total of 4590 MW of new renewable electricity capacity.
The scheme contributes to the EU’s strategic objectives related to the European Green Deal, while helping to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition, the EC said.
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 December 31, 2028, will be financed by a levy on final consumers’ electricity bills.
The scheme will support the construction of new plants based on innovative and immature technologies. In addition to biogas and biomass, these include geothermal, offshore wind (floating or fixed), thermodynamic solar, floating solar, tidal, wave and other ocean energy.
The plants are expected to add a total of 4590 MW of renewable electricity capacity to the Italian power system.
Depending on the technology, the timeframe for successful plants to become operational varies from 31 to 60 months.
“This scheme allows Italy to support the production of renewable electricity from different technologies, including innovative ones. The measure will help Italy meet its emission reduction and electricity production targets. It will also contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal, while limiting possible distortions of competition,” said Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President in charge of Competition Policy.