Italy has put its FER X renewable support scheme into force, with a 10 GW PV quota
The decree sets specific price parameters and additional support for some solar applications
Larger PV projects will compete for capacity and face new requirements linked to project delivery and supply-chain resilience under NZIA
Italy has finalized its FER X renewable energy support scheme, setting a 10 GW quota for solar PV as part of a wider mechanism supporting new renewable capacity. The decree entered into force on August 7 after being published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE).
The FER X decree provides for a maximum of 37.15 GW of new renewable capacity across various technologies. Of the capacity estimated to be made available through competitive procedures, 10 GW is for solar PV, 16.5 GW for wind, 0.63 GW for hydropower, and 0.02 GW for gas from wastewater treatment, totaling 27.15 GW.
Solar projects with capacity of up to 1 MW can access the support mechanism directly, while projects above 1 MW must participate in competitive procedures organized by the Italian energy agency Gestore dei servizi energetici (GSE).
The capacity available through these procedures will be divided by technology. For PV projects above 1 MW participating in competitive procedures, the decree sets a reference exercise price of €80/MWh, with an upper price of €95/MWh and a lower price of €65/MWh.
These values, according to the ministry, are subject to the decree’s provisions for updates before individual tenders.
The scheme also provides additional price adjustments for certain solar projects. Solar PV installations replacing Eternit or asbestos roofing receive a €27/MWh adjustment, while floating solar PV projects will receive a €10/MWh adjustment.
Additionally, the decree introduces specific requirements for larger solar projects. At least 30% of the maximum capacity available through competitive procedures for PV and wind during the relevant year is to be considered for dedicated procedures meeting additional criteria under the EU Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). These include responsible business conduct, cybersecurity, project delivery capability, supply-chain resilience, and energy-system integration.
Solar PV projects selected through competitive procedures must enter operation within 36 months of publication of the relevant ranking, excluding periods affected by force majeure. Any delays will lead to a lowering of the awarded price, while failure to meet the additional deadline can lead to removal from the ranking and enforcement of the final guarantee.
The decree will remain in force until December 31, 2030. However, for projects of up to 1 MW, it can end earlier – 60 days after the 10 GW capacity threshold is reached, if that happens before December 31, 2030.
MASE said operational rules for the preliminary qualification phase for the first competitive procedures will be published shortly.
This follows the European Commission’s approval for Italy’s state aid scheme to support the deployment of 37.15 GW capacity (see Italy's €23 Billion Renewable Energy Plan To Add Over 37 GW).
Italy has concluded two transitional FER X auction rounds to date. The first awarded about 8.63 GW of renewable capacity, including around 7.69 GW of solar PV across 474 projects. A second, separate round focused on solar PV using non-Chinese components awarded about 1.1 GW (see Italy Awards 1.1 GW Solar PV Under 2nd FER-X Auction).
The definitive FER X scheme, which entered into force on August 7, 2026, will govern the upcoming auctions.
