Italian municipalities clash with energy firms over new projects

Municipalities in the province of Brescia are preparing a legal fight against Geobet's proposed 42‑hectare composting plant near Offlaga. The local mayors, environmental and agricultural groups argue the project would disrupt a fragile agricultural zone, with the province having already rejected the permit. The company has appealed to the regional administrative court, and the hearing is set for November. The mayor of Offlaga, Giancarlo Mazza, said, “La nostra posizione è ferma, questo impianto non ha ragione di sorgere – manca di opportunità, proporzionalità e sostenibilità per un territorio che presenta già un equilibrio ambientale delicato.”

In Tuscany, mayors of geothermal‑dependent towns have written to Enel Green Power demanding a halt to a 117% increase in steam prices for local businesses. They call the hike “unacceptable” and urge the regional government to set transparent, sustainable pricing criteria. The letter stresses that “i sindaci dei Comuni geotermici esprimono forte preoccupazione e netta contrarietà rispetto agli aumenti del costo del vapore”. Both disputes highlight growing tensions between local authorities and energy operators over environmental and economic impacts.