italian businesses, notably in the Southern regions, are poised to benefit from a new funding initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of on-site renewable energy. Announced by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the program will provide capital grants to support projects that enhance energy independence and lower operational costs. Applications will be accepted starting December 3, 2025, through the MASE’s Incentivi.gov.it platform, with a final submission deadline of March 3, 2026.
Italian businesses, particularly those in Southern Italy, will soon have access to new funding aimed at boosting energy independence and sustainability. The Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) has announced a new program to support on-site renewable energy generation projects, a move expected to lower operating costs and enhance competitiveness.
The initiative, funded through Priority 2 of the 2021-2027 National Research, Innovation and Competitiveness Program, will focus on supporting the development of renewable energy sources for self-consumption. This aligns with both national and European climate strategies and the “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) principle. The program falls under Action 2.2.1, “Development of Electricity Production from Renewable Energy Sources.”
The MASE program is designed to incentivize several key outcomes, including the installation of new renewable energy systems for on-site use, increased clean energy production, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It also aims to bolster the competitiveness of businesses by lowering energy costs and increasing resilience to fluctuating energy prices, while promoting balanced growth in less developed regions through increased productivity and job creation.
The funding opportunity is fully consistent with the objectives outlined in the 2030 National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) and supports the European drive towards decarbonizing the production system. This initiative represents a concrete step towards supporting the energy transition for businesses, offering a combination of financial incentives, streamlined procedures, and strategic guidance for a more sustainable and competitive production system.
Companies located in Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia, and Sicily stand to benefit significantly, as the program offers a pathway to reduce structural costs and enhance energy resilience while contributing to national decarbonization goals.
Businesses will be able to submit applications starting December 3, 2025, with a deadline of March 3, 2026. Eligible applicants include companies of all sizes, both individually and in consortiums, that meet specific requirements.
To qualify, companies must be duly registered with the Italian Business Register, compliant with anti-mafia regulations, workplace safety standards, and all applicable tax and insurance obligations. A key stipulation is that the energy generated must be used exclusively for self-consumption, precluding projects primarily intended for energy sales.
Eligible projects include the installation of new renewable energy plants – particularly photovoltaic systems on roofs or existing structures – as well as the integration of renewable sources like solar thermal, mini-wind, and sustainable biomass where compatible with existing regulations. Systems for energy storage are also eligible, provided they are functional to the overall plant and meet specified criteria.
All projects must be new, not already underway, and adhere to environmental and energy efficiency regulations. They must also demonstrate a clear contribution to emissions reduction and demonstrate technical and economic viability through a detailed investment plan. Expenses related to design, project management, civil works, and testing are also eligible if directly linked to the installation of the plants.
The program will provide financial support in the form of capital grants, with the level of funding varying based on company size, project location, and the type of plant. While specific percentages will be detailed in the program’s operating rules, contributions for renewable energy investments are generally expected to cover between 40% and 60% of eligible expenses, with potential increases for small businesses and projects in priority areas.
Funding will be disbursed after project verification, and may include advance payments based on established procedures related to the Unique Project Code (CUP), financial traceability, and the National Aid Register.
Applications must be submitted electronically through the official MASE platform (Incentivi.gov.it) and include a completed application form, a technical project proposal, a detailed economic framework, required administrative documentation, and declarations of compliance with DNSH regulations, state aid rules, and other relevant requirements. The deadline for submission is March 3, 2026.
Projects will be selected through a competitive evaluation process based on technical quality, energy and environmental effectiveness, economic sustainability, and contribution to territorial development.
