Italy: Overall summary
Updated: 07.02.2019
In Italy, support schemes for RES-E are managed by Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE – Manager of Electricity Services). Electricity generated from renewable energy sources is promoted through VAT- and real estate tax deductions. The electricity from renewable energy sources fed into the grid can be sold on the free market or to the GSE on a guaranteed minimum price (“ritiro dedicato”). Alternatively, renewable energy producers can opt for net-metering (“scambio sul posto”) which provides economical compensation to PV-producers for the electricity fed into the grid. In March 2018 the Ministry for Economic Development approved a draft of the Renewable Energy Ministerial Decree (“Decreto FER 2018-2020”) governing support schemes for renewable energies. However, the draft is still subject to amendments and is therefore not included in here.
Grid operators are obliged to give priority access to renewable energy plants. They are also obliged to give priority dispatch to electricity from renewable sources. Plant operators can request the grid operator to expand the grid if the connection of a plant requires this expansion.
A price-based mechanism to support the development of RES-H installations is available. A tax regulation mechanism is also in place for the promotion of RES-H. District heating and cooling networks are managed at local level.
Biofuels are currently supported through a quota system in Italy. Its compliance is controlled through a biofuel certificates system. Advanced biofuels receive special incentivation through a simplified sale of biofuel to GSE or a Premium. Training programmes are being developed at regional level. Certificates of installed plants is obligatory. All new or refurbished buildings must integrate RES, with an additional 10% to the obligation level for public buildings. A guarantee fund is in place for supporting district heating network development. Currently, the investment loans to support research, development and new RES plants are not available, as the budget has been exhausted and for 2017 no funding has been foreseen.