The Lazio Region says it wants to get serious. Small and medium-sized companies must make the leap in quality to withstand the competition and start saving on energy costs. A parterre of regional politicians and managers presented the 40 million euro package dedicated to “Energy efficiency and renewables for businesses” for the production of energy from renewable sources. The announcement grants non-repayable contributions to projects worth no less than 150 thousand euros. Each project will be able to obtain a maximum contribution of 2 million euros and the resources come from the 2021-2027 ERDF Programme.
The industries in the region must make up for delays in adapting their processes using non-polluting sources. Projects must include investments to improve the efficiency of supply chains or buildings. A financial barrier set by the Region is the 50% limit on the financing of the entire project. The summer will see entrepreneurs busy preparing documents and work plans while waiting for the opening of the desk for the presentation of questions from September 16th next. Everything will be done online via Lazio Innova’s GeCoWeb Plus platform.
Objectives on paper for now
We need to see in reality what will actually happen, given the controversy fueled by the regional councilors themselves over the alleged invasion of wind turbines and photovoltaic systems. The brake desired by the Council of Francesco Rocca impacts on the regional landscape plan. Perhaps in conjunction with the evaluation of companies’ projects, limits will be placed on new installations. That would be one stop & go incomprehensible but not impossible for political forces not passionate about green.
According to Lazio’s energy plan, by 2050 the share from renewable sources must rise to 38%, with a reduction of one third of current consumption. They are targets for now on paper which have provoked criticism from local associations. It will also be interesting to understand what the centre-right will do about agrivoltaic parks, particularly in the provinces of Latina and Viterbo. The obstacle is the rule desired by the Minister Francesco Lollobrigida which prohibits “the installation of new photovoltaic systems with modules placed on the ground”. All authorizations are suspended but they cannot be suspended forever because companies interested in investing are fleeing.
