Interview: Italian renewables target 'unreachable'[fr][de] 

Italy's target of 17% more renewable energies by 2020, as set out in the Commission's proposal for a directive on renewable energies - part of its 23 January climate and energy package - is "extremely ambitious", Gatta told EurActiv.

By 2020, "the maximum theoretical potential for renewables production in the Italian territory is around 21 Mtoe [megatonnes of oil equivalent]", according to the latest figures put together by the Italian government, he said. 

But the Commission wants Italy to deliver 5 Mtoe more than that, for a total of 26 Mtoe by 2020.

Gatta cites several factors that make reaching the target unlikely. In addition to limits on Italy's physical potential for boosting renewables, lengthy bureaucratic procedures and a lack of accountability on the part of local administration, which are "solely competent" for energy matters, are also likely to block progress, he said. 

"Whether feasible or not", Gatta argues that a massive increase in renewables will "in any case require a rather significant financial effort and will likely engender an increase in energy prices".

More flexibility in renewable energy certificates trading might provide an answer, however.

"Trading is a necessity as long as the goals set at the EU level remain out of reach with the real possibilities of renewables development. Certificates trading within a functioning market is therefore of paramount importance, in particular if virtual trading is allowed and extended to third countries," according to Gatta, who laments that the Commission's proposals on renewable certificates trading were "watered down if compared to previous versions, following the very strong lobbying of a few countries".

To read the full version of this interview, please click here.