Italy has restricted installation of solar panels on farmlands

The decision has drawn criticism from environmental groups, who argue that it undermines Italy's commitments to green energy transition

Italy's rightwing coalition passed new regulations on Monday aimed at restricting the installation of solar panels on agricultural land, a move that has sparked controversy and debate regarding its potential impact on the country's decarbonization efforts. As part of a broader package of measures designed to safeguard farming and fisheries, the new rules include a prohibition on the installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems in areas designated as agricultural. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, speaking at a press conference following the cabinet meeting, emphasized that the aim was to rein in the unchecked proliferation of such installations.

The decision has drawn criticism from environmental groups, who argue that it undermines Italy's commitments to green energy transition, particularly those made in collaboration with G7 partners. Last week, Italy pledged to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity by 2030 and phase out coal-fired power plants by the early 2030s. Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin assured reporters that despite the new restrictions, the government remains committed to its goal of installing approximately 38 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030. Additionally, Agriculture Minister Lollobrigida clarified that the regulations do not target agri-voltaic projects, which integrate solar panels into agricultural settings to maximize land use efficiency.

The legislative package now awaits scrutiny and potential amendments from both houses of Parliament. Italy made significant strides in renewable energy last year, primarily through the expansion of small-scale solar projects, while wind energy accounted for a modest portion of the country's new green capacity.