Italy, more resources for photovoltaics in agriculture with the NRRP. EU clears 1.6 bln scheme

Brussels – The European Commission approved a substantial increase in the support the Italian government provides to support investments in photovoltaics in the agricultural sector. The EU approved the 785 million increase, through the NRRP funds, to the scheme that Brussels originally approved in July 2022 to support investments by agricultural, breeding, and agro-industrial companies in using renewable energy.

With the amendment endorsed today (Aug. 8), the total budget of the scheme, which will run to Dec. 31, 2026, will reach 1.6 billion. The Commission assessed Rome’s amendment request under EU state aid rules, which allow member states to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions and according to the guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and rural areas. According to Brussels, the budget increase is “necessary, appropriate, and proportionate” to ensure the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector.

The Italian government estimates over one thousand beneficiaries, namely enterprises of all sizes operating in primary agricultural production and processing. The amended scheme also includes groups or organizations of producers, such as farm cooperatives, cooperatives, or consortia.