Renewables, from photovoltaic to wind power: a boom in expressions of interest in incentives

Nearly 1,500 expressions of interest have been received to participate in the first auction of the transitional Fer X, the new incentive mechanism that supports plants powered by mature renewable sources such as onshore wind and photovoltaic.

Photovoltaic power has attracted the most attention, with approximately 1,400 expressions of interest for a total capacity of approximately 17.6 GW, more than double the maximum capacity of 8 GW. Wind power has attracted approximately 90 expressions of interest for a total capacity of approximately 2.9 GW, in line with the available capacity (2.5 GW).

"The data confirm excellent participation for photovoltaics and a trend consistent with expectations for wind power. The Fer X project proves to be a useful and concrete tool not only for supporting the country's decarbonization," commented Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin. "The increase in renewable sources is in line with the desired direction of a progressive reduction in energy prices. Thanks to targeted measures and incentives for businesses, costs borne by consumers will tend to decrease, generating concrete benefits for families and the production system."

Following the publication of the results of the expressions of interest and calls for tenders by the GSE (Energy Services Manager), applications can be submitted from July 14th until September 12th for the first tenders. As per the decree, these tenders will award 8 GW of capacity for photovoltaic and 2.5 GW for wind power. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Fer X Portal (the GSE website contains all the information for accessing the platform).

As provided for by the Ministerial Decree of April 1, 2025, the quotas indicated in the decree will be applied to photovoltaic and wind power plants, as they are lower than the sum of the power of all expressions of interest, less 10%. However, tenders will not be open for hydroelectric plants or plants powered by waste gas from purification processes.