The Agricultural Solar Park Decree 2023 is set to be published in the Official Gazette and come into effect soon. The announcement was made by Francesco Lollobrigida, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry. The European Commission has given the green light to the new decree, which is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and has a fund of one billion euros. The decree provides non-repayable loans of up to 80% for the construction of photovoltaic systems, which is an increase compared to the previous provision.
The new Agrisolare Park Decree 2023 allocates one million euros for efficiency and solarisation interventions in agricultural, livestock, and agro-industrial buildings. Out of the total 1.5 billion euros included in the PNRR, approximately 775 million euros will be assigned to primary production farms throughout the country. This will be divided between non-refundable grants equal to 80% of expenditure, with self-consumption restrictions, and grants equal to 30% without self-consumption restrictions but with the possibility of selling them on the energy market. Bonuses will be available for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and disadvantaged areas.
Another 150 million euros will be allocated to agricultural product processing companies, with up to 80% non-repayable contributions and the possibility of selling the energy produced on the market. The remaining resources will be for agricultural to non-agricultural processing companies, which will receive a non-repayable grant of 30% without the constraint of self-consumption. Increased premiums will be provided for SMEs in disadvantaged areas.
Compared to the previous tender, the 2023 tender will double the maximum installable power to 1,000 kWp. The eligible expenditure for accumulators and recharging devices will also be doubled. The maximum admissible expense per beneficiary has increased from 1,000,000.00 euros to 2,330,000.00 euros, including ancillary expenses such as asbestos removal.
The aim of the decree is to encourage the development of renewable energies and reduce production costs for companies. Energy procurement costs account for over 20% of the variable costs borne by companies on average. The Agricultural Solar Park Decree 2023 is expected to provide a boost to the renewable energy sector in Italy and contribute to the country’s sustainability goals.
What impact will the increased loan coverage under the decree have on sustainable energy production and the overall development of the agricultural sector in Italy
The Agricultural Solar Park Decree 2023 will soon be implemented as it is set to be published in the Official Gazette. Francesco Lollobrigida, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry, made the announcement regarding the upcoming decree. The European Commission has granted approval for the new decree, which forms a crucial part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and has been allocated a fund of one billion euros.
Under the decree, non-repayable loans will be provided for the development of photovoltaic systems, with the loan amount increasing to 80% compared to the previous limit. This step aims to incentivize and support the construction of these solar power systems in the agricultural sector. Such a significant increase in loan coverage is expected to enhance sustainable energy production in agriculture while boosting the sector’s overall development.
The inclusion of this decree in the PNRR demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy sources and strengthening the agricultural sector’s resilience. By offering financial support and favorable conditions for solar park development, the government aims to encourage farmers and landowners to harness solar energy. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of transitioning towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Once the decree comes into effect, farmers and landowners will have the opportunity to access the available funds and receive the necessary support to construct photovoltaic systems. The increased loan coverage will undoubtedly facilitate the implementation of solar power projects across the agricultural landscape, leading to a more significant contribution to renewable energy production in Italy.
Overall, the Agricultural Solar Park Decree 2023 marks a crucial step towards a greener and more sustainable future for agriculture in Italy. With substantial financial support and improved loan conditions, farmers and landowners will have the means to embrace solar energy and contribute to the country’s renewable energy targets.
