Italy split on possible solar plant curbs that may jeopardise green goals

(Reuters, 6 May 2024) Italy's rightwing coalition is split over a possible ban on the installation of solar panels on agricultural land, according to draft decrees and government officials, a move that could jeopardise Rome's decarbonisation goals.

At the end of a meeting of G7 energy ministers last week, Italy and its partners committed to triple installed renewable energy capacity by 2030 and phase out coal-fired power plants in the first half of the next decade.

But a draft decree prepared by Agricultural Minister Francesco Lollobrigida and seen by Reuters rules that "areas classified as agricultural by municipal plans are unsuitable for the installation of photovoltaic systems with modules placed on the ground". The ban is part of a broader package of measures aimed at protecting farming and fisheries. Lollobrigida's plans have however met resistance from Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, who supports national efforts to decarbonise, government officials said, adding the issue would be discussed at Monday's 1530 GMT cabinet meeting.

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Reuters, 6 May 2024: Italy split on possible solar plant curbs that may jeopardise green goals