Minister of Economic Development Paolo Romani and the Environment Minister Stefania Prestigiacomo signed the ministerial decree that determines a new discipline of how to stimulate the production of electricity from photovoltaic systems.
Recall that the decree was to be signed in late April, but a disagreement between the two ministries in particular on the certainty of the investment tied The connection on the network has caused the delay. To put the two parties agreed text provides for compensation in case of delay within 30 days of connection.
Main features of the measure
• The provision, according to a note from the Ministry of Development, provides the basis for the development of medium to long term the sector, following him to the attainment of economic activity. Through the rationalization and a progressive reduction of tariffs, you can control and use more effectively the burden on citizens and businesses.
• In the decree there is no trace of the extension to August 31, 2011 the end of the third Energy Bill announced last week by Environment Minister Prestigiacomo: in fact the measure "applies to photovoltaic systems that will commence operations at a later date to May 31 2011, until December 31, 2016, for an indicative target of installed capacity at the national level of around 23,000 MW, corresponding to a cumulative annual cost is estimated between 6 and incentives of € 7 billion. "
• New system programming of incentives: The text removes any limit on the production with a new system of automatic adjustment of the level of support in relation to the power that comes installed on the system since 2013.
During the transitional period, until 2013, there is a gradual decrease in incentives to bring our country to EU levels. In addition, a maximum cost cap and a register held by the GSE only on large plants (above 1 mw 200kw on the roof and ground), will allow to limit speculation.
For "small plants" ("made to buildings that have a capacity not exceeding 1,000 kW, other photovoltaic systems with maximum power of 200 kW operating under net metering, as well as photovoltaic systems on buildings made of any power and areas of government in Article 1, paragraph 2, of Legislative Decree 165 of 2001) there is no cost cap.
• The rate is determined by the perceived time of entry into the facility, with the guarantee of respect of the process connection by the network operator, in accordance with the times and penalties provided by the Authority 's Electricity and gas. In the event that the delays did lose the right to a particular incentive rate, the plant owner is entitled to compensation.
• With this new system is expected to achieve grid parity - that is, the competitiveness of the technology - already in 2017.
The decree also includes a number of tools to strengthen and expand the industrial chain in an Italian production of photovoltaic systems, such as:
• incentives for the installation for the replacement of asbestos (premium of 5 € cent / kWh) for the construction of plants in areas to be reclaimed or subject to environmental restoration, to forms on noise barriers.
• the benefit of consumers and the quality of Made in Italy, are also introduced certain collateral requirements, efficiency and innovation of the systems, which are expected to respect the highest levels of incentive.
The reactions of the players and Associations
"This important measure - said Minister of Economic Development Paul Romani - can finally bring stability and long-term prospects for the market to achieve technological competitiveness. And 'structural reform for businesses and citizens, reached after a complex and laborious consultation. For the energy future of the country - said the minister - we are committed to achieve and exceed the goals of Europe 2020. Through the competition between different sources of production, we will provide coverage of domestic energy demand taking advantage of ' technological innovation. Renewable energy will, along with energy efficiency and smart grid, a key role in the new national energy strategy that will present the National Conference for Energy, "concluded the Romans.
Environment Minister Stefania Prestigiacomo said: "The measure is renewable on a great victory for the environment and a great challenge to sustainable development." "It 's an intervention that supports a strategic sector crucial for the future of strengthening the growth prospects of a sector in expansion. We have also given serious support to the widespread dissemination of that small solar energy companies that aims to autonomy and Housing and represents an important element in the strategy for improving land use and urban areas. The decision provides certainty for investment in the short and long term power the virtuous to push new energy technologies and environmentally friendly manner will help in the decisive ' Italy to reach the target of reducing C02 set at international level. It 's a goal, achieved through a comparison of blunt and locked at all levels, which ultimately rewards the future of Italy. "
SOS Renewable Meanwhile, the Association promotes several initiatives to challenge the decree, already anticipates on its website that 150 companies have entrusted the mandate to initiate action lawsuit against the decree, which will be submitted to the European Court of Justice, "because the decree 3 March - as well as the European Energy Commissioner Oettinger said in a letter to the Romans minister - failed to transpose the European directive that provides for the development of renewables, but rather limits the development of energy from the sun. " The second measure already developed by the association "will be initiated against the TAR. It is not unlikely to end before the Constitutional Court, because the measure will damage the companies that, having complied with the laws in force, will have a different treatment at the level of tariffs. " Among other actions for damages Renewable SOS also identifies "an appeal to the Court of Auditors that the decree sets out the state at risk of heavy expenditures and, finally, an alert Antitrust: the decision issued by the government distorts the terms of competition, benefiting large oligopolistic group.
The GIFI, Italian Photovoltaic Companies Group of Confindustria ANIE, welcomes the adoption of the new Energy Bill "The text adopted provides a shared and sustainable future and important to the entire industry by providing the conditions for industrial development of medium and long term.
Compared to the assumptions and the many versions that have been achieved important goals and improvements for the market: the increase of power stimulated by 8,000 MW to 23,000 MW is one of the most positive of the decree, as well as raising up to 1,000 kW for plants that will remain on building out from the register, as well as many other reward mechanisms.
"It is a historic moment - intervenes Christmas Valerio President ANIE / GIFI. It was eventually signed the decree allowing the entire sector to share and plan the next 5 years. GIFI / ANIE is proud to have contributed significantly the drafting of the final text. The policy dialogue carried out by our association has allowed us to take corrective fundamental that led to approval of a text that provides market development.
If confirmed version will be circulated to date, you will need to continue work on areas for improvement, being, as we have already proposed a technical permanent institutions to simplify authorization procedures and access to the network.
"It 's an important step for the national chain of electromechanical technologies - says Claudio Andrea Gems ANIE President of Energy - The Ministers noted that the photovoltaic industry is a very important reality and a growth engine for the country. L 'goal of 23 GWp of installed capacity will contribute significantly to achieving the goals set for 2020 and greater energy independence from procurement from abroad. "
Francesca Marchini, general secretary of Assosolare, the association representing operators also are members of Confindustria Energia has instead expressed a very negative opinion on the decree: "We express with great force all the criticisms of the text. The government has come to meet with the we can define a 'cocktail', but really has not changed the substance. were also ignored some of the positions of the regions, but most were not listened to the industry. "
Edward Zanchini responsible for energy instead of Legambiente commented "After several months blocked the development of renewables, the government finally took a step back from the idea to cancel or scale alternative energy sources in Italy. Even if, in fact, we are still waiting adoption of implementing decrees for the other clean sources, with the decree today, at least for solar photovoltaics, will share investment. This policy choice is also the result of an unprecedented protest in the area that shows the rise in our country a strong industrial sector, compared to which even the Ministry of Environment has offered a support role, supporting the legitimate needs of enterprises. "
"The new system of incentives - continued Zanchini - will create more problems for business operations in 2011 and 2012, with spending limits and monthly rates decrease, while in the subsequent year will come into force on the so-called German system with greater transparency and certainties. The important thing is that now there are conditions to jump-start investment and a strengthening energy sector, the engine of economy and innovation. One area that now the government has the responsibility to accompany its growth with a real industrial policy " .
Strongly negative opinion of the opposition. "The compromise - say the senators of the Democratic Party and Roberto Della Seta Francesco Ferranti - does not solve the fundamental problems triggered by the decision of March 3 last year and which led to the investment ban and that this decree does not dissolve. The critical issues remain, and not are of minor importance: the effects of retroactive and remain substantially in the transition period between now and 2013 sharp decalage the rates provided to the industry will require a heavy effort to avoid the slowdown of the installations and the resulting harmful effect on employment. "
'It is true that we are moving towards the German system, but they still stop and go have already led to mistrust in the banking system, vital for the future of these enterprises. We must change tack. We will continue to fight to ensure a secure future in the industry renewables waiting several other decrees, on which we hope you to hear the voice of ee the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment, and hope - to complete the senators of the Democratic Party - that Italian companies in the sector are able to find the road to success despite this enemy of the future government. "
Fabrizio Vigni, national chairman of Democratic Ecologists, on the decree approved by the government expresses a very critical: "The decree on the new energy account for photovoltaics is a blow for renewable energy. The government did not listen to the concerns of thousands of companies operations, nor took into account the opinion of the Regions and the indications of Parliament ". "The sharp decline in incentives, instead of a gradual and balanced reduction commensurate with the development of technologies to lower costs, jeopardizing the future of tens of thousands of workers and enterprises. It 's a totally senseless policy: - Fabrizio concludes vineyard - just as Italy was finally recovering lost ground, making the renewable energy sector more dynamic and innovative economy, the government has dealt a blow to the heart of the legal uncertainty and severely affected the growth prospects of the green economy .
The WWF, commenting on the trend outlined by Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel of Experts on Climate Change (IPCC), in a statement said that "The world energy future will be 'green' and sustainable for both the economy and the environment. "
"According to the IPCC study renewable energy is, of all, the growing energy source, so as to exceed in availability fossil fuels both regionally and globally with significant cost savings over the next decades, especially for solar energy, "says Kim Carstensen, head of WWF's Climate and Energy Italy. "If we want to bring renewable energy out of the niche and replace fossil fuels and nuclear, we need to see a substantial change in the political and financial support in all parts of the world," said Stephan Singer, head of global energy policy WWF International.
Viscontini Paolo Rocco, president and CEO of Enerpoint commented: "After months of uncertainty and misinformation we have to know the Italians that the Energy Bill is back, the scene is finally clear regulatory and incentives are fair and will allow right now to restart the photovoltaic industry. No energy source is able to achieve such important goals in a short time.
The equipment installed in the last 2 / 3 years have already helped to overcome the coverage of electricity demand by 2% and by the 4th Energy Bill we can get to 10% in 2016. Are even more important when one considers that the induced PV generates for the country.
In particular, the Ministry of Economic Development including the key role that PV can be taken for industrial development and employment in the country. "
Alessandro Zanierato, Gruppo AZ Energy Italia,
"A downside of the Fourth Energy Bill must be highlighted, however: the sharp reduction of incentives for large systems. These restrictions, which were not planned in a phased manner, as would be desirable, will have serious repercussions. All those who had planned plants of this type will not be able to complete them, and this will cause serious losses. "
Gruppo AZ Energy Italia Press Office
