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On Monday, Italy’s coalition government passed new regulations to restrict the placement of solar panels on agricultural land. The move has drawn criticism for potentially hindering Rome’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Among the new regulations, which are part of a larger set of measures to safeguard farming and fisheries, is a prohibition on installing ground-mounted photovoltaic systems in agricultural areas.
Speaking at a press conference, Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida said: “We are putting an end to the uncontrolled installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic panels.”
Agricultural lobbies have advocated for restrictions on solar panels, arguing that they are incompatible with farming activities. In response to the restrictions, environmental organisations have accused the government of undermining its green objectives – as established with the G7 nations.
The impact
Italian government officials state that the new regulations will not impede their target of installing approximately 38GW of photovoltaic capacity by 2030.
They asserted that the regulations will not single out agri-voltaic projects: solar panels installed above fields and vineyards for both energy production and crop cultivation.
Restrictions on solar installations could adversely affect energy companies that have expansion plans in the solar sector. Alternatively, slowing down solar capacity development could benefit power generators who face pricing pressure if solar energy production accelerates.
Italy added nearly 6GW of renewable energy capacity last year, primarily through new small solar plants, with wind projects contributing only 8% to the new green capacity. |
