With the entry into force of the Testo Unico on December 30, the renewable sector in Italy anticipates a transformation in the simplification of authorizations and the management of acceleration zones. However, uncertainties persist regarding other regulations, such as the implementation of the suitable areas decree. Piero Farenti asserts that the regulation for suitable areas should be canceled and replaced with decree 199/2021.
On December 30, the «Testo Unico Rinnovabili» came into effect, a decree that marks a milestone for the renewable energy sector in Italy. This legal framework aims to reorganize and simplify the regulatory system. «Developments in 2025 will be clearer and more streamlined,» says Piero Farenti, Head of Development at Horus Green Energy Investment, in an interview with Energía Estratégica España.
Among its main innovations, the «Testo Unico FER» introduces a simplification and reorganization of regulations for renewable energy plants. Farenti emphasizes, «It was a necessary measure because in recent years, there have been so many changes that they created confusion in the sector.»
With the entry into force of the new decree, three authorization regimes have been established: free construction, simplified authorization procedures, and a single authorization process. These apply to the construction of renewable energy plants, related infrastructure, and grid connection works for both distribution and transmission networks.
Another highlight of the Testo Unico is the introduction of acceleration zones, designed to promote the installation of renewable energy plants, which are viewed with interest by operators in the sector. However, there is skepticism about the timelines. «The deadline set for May 2025 will probably not be met, which will prolong the wait to have these zones available,» comments the representative from Horus Green Energy Investment.
The impact on the electrical grid: a challenge for the sector
While part of the renewable energy sector welcomes the new authorization measures and administrative simplifications for renewable projects, a major concern remains: the saturation of the electrical grid.
It is important to note that more than 300 GW in grid connection requests are pending, according to data provided by Terna, creating a virtual saturation of the grid.
In this context, the expert highlights, «There is a specific regulation that allows the authorization of grid works, even complex ones, through the same procedure as the system. For the first time, there is a specific reference to the works included in the connection solution issued by the grid operator. This regulation finally eliminates many doubts in this regard.»
Prospects for 2025: a decisive year for regulation
The delegated law will allow the government to make adjustments to the Testo Unico over the next 365 days. Among the urgent measures that Farenti considers priorities is increasing the exemption thresholds for environmental impact assessments. «My hope is that the government can improve the text,» he stresses.
Regarding other measures within the regulatory framework, he points out that the government must cancel the suitable areas decree, which has been temporarily suspended until the upcoming hearing next month.
«The suitable areas decree is a terrible measure. We, as sector operators, hope that on February 5, the Council of State will definitively annul it so that decree 199/2021 can be applied, or that another decree with less power for the regions can be enacted. This, in my opinion, would also bring greater clarity regarding suitable areas,» the expert concludes.
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