Italy
May 16, 2025

Italy in numbers: Only 43% of renewable capacity reviewed in April and May approved; agrivoltaics takes the lead

Between April and May 2025, the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) assessed 43 renewable energy projects. Although more than 2,900 MW of capacity was reviewed, only 1,257.87 MW received a positive environmental evaluation, while 1,660.19 MW were rejected. Agrivoltaics dominated the proposals, with Sassari emerging as the most active location.
By Lucia Colaluce

By Lucia Colaluce

May 16, 2025
agrivoltaic

Italy’s commitment to clean energy remains firm, but recent figures from the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) reveal a complex landscape of opportunities and obstacles. Over just two months—April and May 2025—the country assessed an impressive 43 renewable energy projects, totalling nearly 2,918 MW of potential capacity. However, only 23 projects were granted positive environmental clearance, representing 1,257.87 MW, while a significant 1,660.19 MW across 20 projects failed to meet the required standards.

This outcome illustrates a delicate balancing act between accelerating the green transition and adhering to strict environmental and social criteria. Although the overall volume of projects under review remains high, the rejection rate, close to 47% in terms of project count and even higher when considering total capacity, suggests structural bottlenecks within Italy’s regulatory framework.

Agrivoltaics: The New Face of Italy’s Energy Transition

One of the most significant trends emerging from this analysis is the overwhelming preference for agrivoltaic projects. This technology, which integrates solar power generation with agricultural land use, offers dual benefits: boosting renewable energy output while preserving farming traditions and landscapes.

In fact, agrivoltaics accounted for more than half of all projects assessed during this period. This reflects a growing alignment with European sustainability policies that promote multifunctional land use. Such projects have become particularly appealing to regional authorities looking to balance economic development with rural preservation.

Sassari Leads the Way in Regional Development

The municipality of Sassari, located in Sardinia, has become a focal point for renewable energy investment. Its favourable climatic conditions, high solar irradiance, and availability of underutilised agricultural lands make it a prime target for agrivoltaic installations.

Government representatives highlight this trend as a strategic shift: “The leadership of Sassari in renewable project submissions underscores the growing importance of peripheral and island territories in shaping Italy’s energy future,” MASE officials state.

Key Industry Players and Emerging Investment Patterns

Major companies have taken a leading role in these developments. Iberdrola Renovables Italia S.p.A spearheads large-scale photovoltaic projects, while Guarda Veneta Srl focuses on agrivoltaic ventures. Notably, firms like Lagosanto Solar Srl and Tommaso Srl are advancing hybrid projects that combine solar energy with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

The inclusion of BESS technologies is especially relevant, as Italy aims to reinforce grid stability in the face of intermittent renewable energy production. These hybrid projects are essential for overcoming the limitations of variable solar output and ensuring a continuous energy supply.

Economic Implications and the Cost of Bureaucracy

Despite high investor interest, the rejection of over 1.6 GW of capacity raises concerns about the economic implications for the renewable sector. Delays and negative outcomes in the permitting process result in postponed capital deployment, higher project costs, and uncertainty for financial backers.

Industry analysts warn that prolonged regulatory hurdles may deter future investments. “Every month of delay translates into significant financial strain for developers and could ultimately compromise Italy’s ability to meet its 2030 energy targets,” notes a report from Strategic Energy.

Environmental and Social Considerations at the Forefront

The reasons behind the high rejection rate are multifaceted. Projects lacking comprehensive environmental impact assessments, those overlapping with protected ecological zones, and initiatives facing strong opposition from local communities have struggled to gain approval.

MASE representatives stress that new regulatory guidelines require developers to provide not only technical justifications but also detailed socio-economic studies and environmental mitigation strategies. “Developers must now demonstrate how their projects contribute positively to local communities while minimising environmental disruption,” they assert.

Looking Ahead: Will the Second Half of 2025 Bring Acceleration?

With these figures in mind, the challenge for the Italian government is clear: streamline permitting processes without compromising environmental standards.

The second half of 2025 will be critical as Italy moves closer to its target of generating 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The growth of agrivoltaics and the increasing implementation of energy storage systems will play a pivotal role in achieving these ambitions.

Whether Italy can turn this ambitious vision into reality depends largely on its ability to modernise its regulatory framework and unlock the full potential of the country’s renewable energy sector.

All projects:

Name Technology Location Company Power Date State
Agrivoltaici comune di Guarda Veneta (RO) GUARDA VENETA SRL 70 MW 01/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
“Unali” Agrivoltaici – BESS comune di Sassari (SS) BAIONA SUN 2 SRL 20 MW 02/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
“Nurra 2” Agrivoltaici comune di Sassari (SS) Tommaso Srl 41,1684 MWp 02/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
“Montalto Pescia” Fotovoltaici comuni di Montalto di Castro (VT)
e Manciano (GR)
IBERDROLA RENOVABLES ITALIA S.p.A 65,29 MWp 02/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
Fotovoltaici comune di Lagosanto Lagosanto Solar srl 21,600 MW 03/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
“Giambattista” Agrivoltaici comune di Sant’Ilario d’Enza LILO SOLAR SRL 80,0072 MWp 03/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
“Motta Regina” Agrivoltaici comune di San Severo (FG) PROGENERGY SOLAR PLANT 4 S.R.L. 19,051 MW 03/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
Impianti eolici onshore Comuni: Laterza, Castellaneta, Santeramo in Colle Santeramo Wind S.r.l 59,4 MW 04/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
“Solar Hills” Fotovoltaici comune di Manciano (GR) MAAG Ulivo S.r.l 85,118 MWp 07/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
“Abbila” Impianti eolici onshore comuni di Ulassai e Perdasdefogu Sardeolica S.r.l 44,8 MW 08/04/2025 Concluded “part positive/
part negative”
“Sessa Aurunca 1” Agrivoltaici Comune di Sessa Arunca (CE) Solar Invictus S.r.l 50,99 MW 09/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
“Su Murdegu” Impianti eolici onshore comune di Villanovafranca (VS) GRV Wind Sardegna 7 S.r.l. 42 MW 09/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
“Truncu Reale” Impianti eolici onshore comune di Sassari (SS) Fimenergia S.r.l. 36 MW 11/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
“Busia” Agrivoltaici comune di Sassari (SS) BAIONA SUN 1 SRL 20 MW, integrato con un sistema di accumulo BESS con potenza nominale di 18 MW 11/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
“Codrongianos” Agrivoltaici Comune di Codrongianos (SS) Whysol-E Sviluppo S.r.l. 18,0 MW 14/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
“FV_Licodia 177” Agrivoltaici Comune di Caltagirone (CT) GPE Licodia S.r.l. 177,77 MW 14/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
Impianti eolici onshore Comuni: Venosa, Maschito, Palazzo San Gervasio, Forenza, Acerenza, Montemilone Blue Stone Renewable I S.r.l. 46,2 MW 14/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
“85A” Agrivoltaici comune di agro di Avetrana (TA) HEPV 26 Srl 10,517 MW 15/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
“Lugo” Agrivoltaici comuni di Lugo, Alfonsine,
Fusignano, Bagnacavallo, Ravenna (RA)
Concetto Green S.r.l. 69.423,2 kWp 15/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
Fotovoltaici Comune di Catania (CT) Vatt Energy s.r.l. 79.61 MWp 15/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
Fotovoltaici COMUNE DI FERRARA C.L. Solar srl 28,1556 MWp E POTENZA NOMINALE PARI A 24,00 MW 17/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
Agrivoltaici Comune di Cimmina (PA) Solar Energy Venti S.r.l. 33,88 MW 17/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
Agrivoltaici Comune di Bessude (SS) TEP RENEWABLES (Bessude PV) S.r.l. 29 MW 18/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
“Scicli” Agrivoltaici comune di Ispica (RG), Rosolino (SR) e
Noto (SR)
LIMES 13 S.R.L 40,012 MW 18/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
Agrivoltaici Comune di San Giovanni Rotondo e San
Marco in Lamis (FG)
Solar Invest 3 S.r.l. 78,4 MWp 22/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
“Deliceto Agrosolare” Agrivoltaici Comune di Ascoli Satriano (FG) SF SOUTH S.r.l. 83 MW 23/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
Agrivoltaici comuni di Castelluccio dei Sauri, Deliceto
e Ascoli Satriano (FG)
CATENACCIO SOLAR PARK S.R.L. 75,053 MW 23/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
“San Giorgio La
Molara e Molinara”
Impianti eolici onshore Comuni di San Giorgio La Molara (BN) e Molinara (BN) EDISON Rinnovabili S.p.A. 48 MW 24/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
Agrivoltaici Comune di Noragugume (NU) Pacifico Dolomite S.r.l. 83,19 MW 28/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
Impianti eolici onshore Comuni di Erula e Tula Sardinia Energy S.r.l. 57,6 MWp 28/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
“Villasor” Agrivoltaici Comune di Villasor Alfa Ariete S.r.l. 72 MW e sistema di accumulo BESS di 26,36 MW 28/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
Agrivoltaici Comune di Roma (RM) EG Stella S.r.l. 24,57 MWp 29/04/2025 Concluded “positive”
“SAN GIUSEPPE” Agrivoltaici comuni di Ramacca (CT) e di Castel di Iudica (CT) BAS ITALY QUATTORDICESIMA S.r.l. 103,17 MWp 29/04/2025 Concluded “negative”
“AGROVOLTAICO CELENTANO – SAN SEVERO (FG)” Agrivoltaici comune di San Severo (FG) SIRINO SOLAR ITALY S.r.l. 78,2 MWp 02/05/2025 Concluded “positive”
Fotovoltaici comuni di Mineo e Caltagirone (CT) Blusolar Mineo 1 S.r.l. 66,9 MW 06/05/2025 Concluded “positive”
Impianti eolici onshore comuni di Castellana Sicula (PA), Polizzi Generosa (PA) e Villalba (CL) Asja Castellana Polizzi S.r.l. 49 MW 07/05/2025 Concluded “negative”
Agrivoltaici comuni di Ordona (FG) ed Ascoli
Satriano (FG)
BAS ITALY DICIASSETTESIMA S.r.l. 79,99 MW 08/05/2025 Concluded “negative”
Impianti eolici onshore comune di Tuscania e Viterbo (VT) Tuscania San Lorenzo S.r.l. 129,6 MW 08/05/2025 Concluded “negative”
Agrivoltaici comune di Sassari Palmadula Solar S.r.l. 358 MWp 13/05/2025 Concluded “negative”
Impianti eolici onshore Comune di Aliano SKI 04 Srl 33 MW 14/05/2025 Concluded “positive”
Agrivoltaici Comune di Viterbo (VT) E-Solar 7 S.r.l. 125,51 MWp 14/05/2025 Concluded “negative”
“AgriMarmida” Agrivoltaici Comune di Guspini ICA BES S.r.l. 64,561 MW 14/05/2025 Concluded “negative”
“Su Sassittu” Impianti eolici onshore Comuni di Chiaramonti (SS), Ploaghe (SS) e Codrongianos (SS) wpd Su Sassittu S.r.l. 90 MW 14/05/2025 Concluded “negative”
“Green and Blue Domo Spanedda” Agrivoltaici comune di Sassari (SS) SF Lidia I S.r.l. 75,12 MW 14/05/2025 Concluded “negative”

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