Italy advances renewable energy with community power schemes and renovation rules

Renewable energy initiatives are gaining momentum in Italy. A recent Ipsos‑Legacoop survey presented in Rome showed that 89% of citizens demand more green spaces and locally produced clean power, and that community energy schemes—where photovoltaic installations on public buildings or rooftops supply electricity shared among households, businesses and municipalities—are seen as a key measure to cut emissions and lower electricity bills.

At the same time, the government will tighten building standards. From 3 August 2026, the decree implementing the EU Red III directive makes the integration of renewable sources mandatory in many renovation projects. For extensive refurbishments covering more than 50% of an building’s envelope, at least 40% of the projected energy consumption must come from renewables; for lesser works the threshold is 15%. The rule applies to heating, cooling and photovoltaic or solar‑thermal installations, with specific technical placement requirements and limited exemptions for technical or economic impossibility. Failure to meet the minima can result in the denial of building permits.