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Italy’s solar photovoltaic (PV) sector has a significant pipeline of ready-to-build projects poised to accelerate the country’s renewable energy transition. Recent data from Italy’s grid operator Terna shows strong momentum in the solar market, particularly in southern regions. The large number of fully authorised projects indicates that installation rates could accelerate significantly once construction begins on these sites.
Ready-to-build pipeline
As of early 2025, Italy has 137 fully authorised ready-to-build solar PV projects with a combined capacity of 6.14 GW, up from 5.84 GW in January. These projects are concentrated primarily in Sicily (49 projects, 2.96 GW), Lazio (33 projects, 1.52 GW), and Sardinia (9 projects, 0.30 GW). All the necessary permitting is complete, and construction is next – a major advancement in Italy’s renewable infrastructure.
National picture
These figures show significant momentum in Italy’s commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity as part of its 2030 decarbonisation targets.
- 3,857 connection requests for solar PV plants as of March 31, 2025
- Total requested solar capacity of 153.54 GW
- Solar represents more than half of all renewable energy applications
- 804 projects have obtained environmental authorisation, totalling 33.77 GW
Regional hotspots
For investors and developers, the concentration of approved projects in specific regions suggests where infrastructure development and grid connection opportunities may be most immediately available, while also highlighting areas where additional policy support could help convert the substantial pipeline of requested capacity into shovel-ready projects.
- Sicily remains the powerhouse, with 814 total connection requests for 40.69 GW and the highest concentration of approved projects ready for development.
- Puglia shows strong development activity with 916 connection requests totalling 38.72 GW and leads in environmentally authorised projects, though it has a limited number of fully ready-to-build projects despite high interest.
- The Viterbo province stands out as a significant development hub within Lazio, with 27 projects totalling 1.28 GW now fully authorised and ready for construction. These represent just over 20% of the 120 total applications in the area, which collectively amount to 4.76 GW of potential capacity. A recent legal victory for developers has removed a key obstacle, as the courts struck down a previous moratorium that had blocked new solar installations in the region, potentially accelerating the timeline for breaking ground on these projects.
The regional approach to renewable energy approvals has proven effective in expediting projects in these areas. While the 6.14 GW of ready-to-build capacity represents just a fraction of the total 153.54 GW in requested solar connections, it signals a maturing market where projects are successfully completing the permitting process.
Infrastructure and regulatory considerations
The expansion of Italy’s solar capacity depends on several key developments. Grid infrastructure will need significant enhancement to accommodate the surge in renewable connections, particularly in regions with the highest concentration of projects. Meanwhile, regional regulatory frameworks continue to evolve at different paces, affecting project timelines across the country, although the recent court decision in Viterbo shows that legal developments can quickly change the outlook for specific areas. Industry stakeholders are working toward greater cohesion between Italy’s renewable energy targets and the practical implementation pathways needed to achieve them.
Track progress
You can use Terna’s Econnextion platform to monitor Italy’s energy transition. This interactive digital dashboard shows all renewable energy connection requests with geolocated data across different renewable sources and status tracking from initial application to full authorisation.
