Renewables, 700 unanswered requests in Apulia

Puglia, after racing ahead in past years in the installation of plants to produce renewable energy, has since slowed down. Today, although it has considerable power and production between solar and wind, it is also among the top regions in terms of the number of projects awaiting authorisation. This is due to two causes: one positive: the entire region's good exposure to sun and wind, particularly in the province of Foggia, attracts investors; the other negative: the long authorisation procedures. A large number of projects are located in three municipalities in the Foggia area: Ascoli Satriano, San Severo and Foggia, which alone account for 10 GW to be installed, according to the REgions 2030 Observatory, edited by Elemens and Public Affairs Advisor.

Between wind and photovoltaic power, over 700 projects are awaiting authorisation (data from the Apulia Region) for 32 GW, some of which are being examined by Mase for Via. Compared to its objectives, the region (according to Terna data updated on 31 March ) has installed 211MW less and is fourth in Italia in terms of the number of projects, preceded by Sardinia, Calabria and Tuscany. In theory, with the authorisations granted, plus those pending Via, Puglia would have reached the 2030 target. But this is not the case, as it must be taken into account that not all authorised projects will be realised or will be realised within the set timeframe, that there may be a turnover and that the applications submitted deserve a response.

In the wind energy sector in particular (and without considering offshore wind energy), Apulia has made numerous investments and started production in recent years. The region has an installed capacity (as of 2025) of 3,500 MW and is expected to reach 4200 in 2030. Simone Togni, president of Anev, the national wind energy association, points out: 'In short, we are close to the goal. But the real problem is in the time it takes to grant authorisations, which in the wind energy field reaches an average of five years, plus at least two more for construction. An unsustainable wait for investors'.

Even in the photovoltaic field, operators speak of long lead times for authorisations. "Some bodies say no regardless, first and foremost the Superintendence _ adds Marco Balzano, of Italia Solare (a third sector organisation that supports environmental protection by supporting projects from renewable sources, in particular photovoltaics) _ The great concern for agriculture has no foundation if to date only 1 per cent of the agricultural area has been occupied by photovoltaic plants. Agrifitovoltaics balances the needs of agriculture with those of green energy production'.

He is echoed by Alfonso Gallo of Geko (a company that builds and maintains renewable energy plants): 'Too many bodies are involved and the Superintendencies are more inclined to deny even in suitable areas, without bothering to have any dialogue with the promoters. We get answers even after seven months. Too long'.