At the end of the year, a large part of the incentives dedicated to construction expire, such as the ecobonus for boilers. And perhaps many will have to say goodbye to this type of tax break.
The reason is soon to be said. European Commission technicians are working on guidelines for the implementation of the green homes directive, and from the first draft, as the Sole24Ore previewed yesterday, it would seem that the boilers can only be incentivized if at least 51% of renewable fuels, such as biogas, arrive through the network. In fact, in principle the green homes directive establishes that from 1 January 2025 financial incentives will no longer be permitted for the installation of boilers powered by fossil fuels.
Despite the harsh interpretation, however, there are still openings and room for maneuver because, as we know, the EU guidelines, once defined, will contain indications that do not bind the member countries like a directive but have the aim of giving a precise direction on the direction of Brussels policies.
The circle is tightening around fossil fuels
The draft guidelines explain what is meant by financial incentives, i.e. any form of economic support provided by a public entity: contributions for purchasers, installers and tax breaks for end users. It also explains what is meant by a boiler powered by fossil fuels, i.e. that “it depends on the mix of fuels present in the network at the time of installation”, while the manufacturers had proposed that the incentives be maintained for appliances enabled to work with gas green, regardless of the fuel actually used.
The energy mix requirement
The main requirement therefore to access incentives would be, as mentioned, the energy mix: if the local network mainly transports natural gas, the installation of boilers cannot be incentivised. However, if the local network mainly transports renewable fuels, the installation of boilers can receive financial incentives.
If we look at the Italian situation, where the biomethane transported by the Italian network is today a minimum share and in the long term it is estimated that it could reach 10%, we understand the distance from the 51% requirement requested by Brussels.
Now, however, it is a question of understanding how much the indications contained in the guidelines will impact the work that the Italian Government is carrying out for the reform of home bonuses.
