Italy To Impose Fines On Unauthorized Green Energy Projects

Italy To Impose Fines On Unauthorized Green Energy Projects

The rules will be discussed and approved by ministers in the cabinet

Striving to develop green energy projects and protect its landscape and cultural heritage, Italy has decided to penalize unauthorized renewable energy projects.

A draft bill suggests fines of 1,000-150,000 euros ($1,091-$163,650) on the owner, builder and head of the construction built without a permit.

Small renewable plants such as solar projects with a capacity below 10 megawatts won’t require a permit unless built in protected natural areas or on protected properties.

The developers who hoped the government would streamline the authorization process for green projects by unifying the rules are disappointed. Earlier, they criticized the passing of legislation that curbed the installation of solar panels on agricultural land.

Meanwhile, the agricultural lobby, the key supporters of the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have desired curbs on solar panels, complaining that the land that can be used for cultivation is wasted.