Renewables: 700 applications in Puglia remain unanswered
The region was very active in the past, but has since slowed down. 7.4 GW have been approved between 2021 and 2025. Operators complain that the process is taking too long
After having moved swiftly in recent years to install renewable energy generation facilities, Puglia has since slowed down. Today, although it has considerable capacity and output from solar and wind power, it is also among the regions with the highest number of projects awaiting authorisation. This is due to two factors: one positive – the region’s favourable exposure to sun and wind, particularly in the province of Foggia, which attracts investors; the other negative – the lengthy authorisation procedures. A large number of projects are concentrated 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, compiled by Elemens and Public Affairs Advisor.
Between wind and solar power, over 700 projects (according to figures from the Puglia Region) totalling 32 GW are awaiting authorisation, some of which are currently under review by Mase for their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Compared with its targets, the region (according to Terna data updated as at 31 March) has installed 211 MW less and ranks fourth in Italia in terms of project scale, behind Sardinia, Calabria and Tuscany. In theory, with the authorisations already granted, plus those awaiting EIA approval, Puglia would have met its 2030 target. However, this is not the case, as it must be borne in mind that not all authorised projects will be implemented, or will be completed within the set deadlines; that there may be a turnover in projects; and that the applications submitted deserve a response.
In the wind energy sector in particular (and excluding offshore wind), Puglia has made numerous investments and commenced production in recent years. The region has an installed capacity (as of 2025) of 3,500 MW and is expected to reach the projected 4,200 MW by 2030. Simone Togni, president of ANEV, the national wind energy association, explains: ‘In short, we are close to our target. But the real problem lies in the time taken to grant authorisations, which in the wind power sector averages five years, to which at least another two years must be added for construction. This is an unsustainable wait for investors.’
In the photovoltaic sector, too, industry players speak of lengthy authorisation processes. “Some authorities say ‘no’ without exception, first and foremost the Superintendencies,” adds Marco Balzano of Italia Solare (a third-sector organisation that promotes environmental protection by supporting renewable energy projects, particularly photovoltaics) _ “The major concern regarding agriculture is unfounded, given that to date only 1 per cent of agricultural land has been occupied by photovoltaic installations. Agro-photovoltaics, moreover, reconciles the needs of agriculture with those of green energy production.”
Alfonso Gallo of Geko (a company that builds and maintains renewable energy plants) echoes this view: ‘There are too many bodies involved, and to top it all, the heritage authorities are more inclined to reject applications even in suitable areas, without bothering to engage in any dialogue with the project developers. We’re still waiting for replies even after seven months. That’s far too long.”
