The PNRR-PNIEC Technical Committee assignment: over 10 GW projects under assessment from the VIA national commission

This Commission is responsible for the environmental assessment of projects included in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), those financed by the Complementary Fund, and executive projects under the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC).

The Committee is chaired by Massimiliano Atelli, who has also been president since January 2021 of the Technical Commission for Environmental Impact Assessment (VIA VAS). With its formation—six months after the expected timeline—the reform introduced by the Simplification Decree bis (Law of July 29, 2021, No. 108, converting and amending Decree Law No. 77 of May 31, 2021) is now being implemented to accelerate Italy’s energy transition.

Currently, more than 200 renewable energy projects—representing over 10 GW of capacity—are awaiting evaluation by the VIA Commission. Among them are approximately 170 solar PV projects totaling over 7 GW, with 5 GW proposed as agrivoltaic installations.

The Commission is composed of up to forty experts selected from institutions including universities, central and regional authorities, the National Research Council (CNR), the National System for Environmental Protection, the National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), and the National Institute of Health (ISS).

To ensure continuity in its activities, the Ministry of Ecological Transition (MiTE) has published a call to create a reserve list for the replacement of any vacant positions on the Commission.

Minister Roberto Cingolani stated: “The Committee represents a crucial step forward in implementing the PNRR and provides a significant boost for the development of renewable energy plants, which are essential to the ecological transition.” He expressed hope that this new body will help overcome bureaucratic gridlock by simplifying and accelerating administrative and permitting procedures.