European Union Approves € 1.7 Billion
to Support Agri-Voltaics in Italy
The initiative is part of Italy’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy, thus aligning with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
The Italian Regime
This scheme aims to support the construction and operation of new agri-voltaic plants in Italy, which will have a total capacity of 1.04 GW and an expected annual production of at least 1,300 GWh of electricity. Agri-voltaic systems allow the same land to be used both for solar energy production, through the installation of solar panels, and for agricultural activities.
Aid Details
- Investment subsidies: a total fund of EUR 1.1 billion covering up to 40 per cent of eligible costs.
- Incentive tariffs: a fund of EUR 560 million, payable during the operation of the project for 20 years. The tariffs will be set through competitive auctions, based on the ‘pay-as-bid’ principle, and will provide for two-way contracts to cover the difference between the tariffs themselves and the market prices of energy. In the event of high energy prices, a claw-back mechanism will allow for the reimbursement of any surplus compared to the incentive tariffs
Commission Evaluation
The Commission examined the scheme based on EU state aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows states to support certain economic activities under specific conditions. The measure was deemed necessary and proportionate to achieve Italian and European environmental objectives, including safeguards such as a competitive auction for granting aid and a claw-back mechanism in the event of rising energy prices. The aid is seen as an incentive to make investments that would not otherwise take place, and its environmental benefits have been judged to outweigh any potential negative effects on competitive conditions. Based on these assessments, the Commission approved the aid scheme.
General Context
All investments and reforms involving state aid, including those in national recovery and resilience plans, must be notified to the Commission for prior approval, except in cases of exemption. The Commission provides guidance and support to facilitate the rapid implementation of the RRF, ensuring compliance with state aid rules to minimise market distortions and encourage private investment. The updated 2022 guidelines will help Member States to effectively support environmental and climate protection in line with the goals of the Green Deal, including increasing renewable energy production and reducing energy consumption.
MASE Decree
The Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) has launched a new decree to promote innovative agri-voltaics, with the aim of installing more than 1.04 gigawatts of plants that combine renewable energy production and agriculture. This decree, effective on 14 February, is supported by financial incentives from the NRP, which include a non-repayable grant of up to 40 per cent of eligible costs and feed-in tariffs for the energy produced. The operating rules will be defined by the GSE within fifteen days, and the procedures to access the incentives, including registers and competitive tenders, will take place in 2024. For more information and details on the decree and how to participate, visit the MASE website at the following link
How Does the Design of an Agri-Voltaic Plant Work?
Solar Panels
They are the heart of the system, in charge of converting sunlight into electrical energy.
Operating System
It can be either fixed or solar tracking, the latter allowing the panels to orient themselves by following the movement of the sun to maximise efficiency.
Supporting Structure
It supports photovoltaic panels, ensuring stability and weather resistance.
Ground anchorage
The foundations that fix the supporting structure to the ground are essential for the durability and safety of the installation.
Personalised PVclick services
At PVclick, we understand the importance of an installation that is perfectly tailored to your specific needs. For this reason, we help distributors and installers to import not only standard solar panels but also customised solutions directly from manufacturers. Find out more on the agri-voltaic page
Transparent Panels
These transparent panels are ideal for a variety of applications, including skylights, roofing and façades. They offer not only functionality but also attractive aesthetics, integrating harmoniously with any architectural design. You can customise the level of transparency according to the requirements of your project, ensuring seamless integration and increasing the aesthetic value of the building. Find out more on the transparent panels page.
Installation Considerations
For more information on how we can help you realise your agri-voltaic project, visit our website or contact us directly.
