Italy simplifies geothermal energy permitting
ROME, ITALY - Italy has simplified permitting procedures for development of geothermal energy projects as it aims to produce a quarter of energy from renewable sources in 2020, the Economic Development Ministry said.
Geothermal energy, which uses the earth's inner heat for heating and also turns it into electricity by using special power plants, accounts for 10 percent of all renewable energy sources in Italy and its potential may be doubled, it said in a statement.
Italy's geothermal plants produce 5 billion kilowatt hours of power a year which is enough to meet needs of about 6 million people, the ministry said.
The ministry did not give details on a new decree to simplify geothermal projects' authorization. Italy is notorious for lengthy permitting procedures for industrial projects.
Related News

Canada and Manitoba invest in new turbines
WINNIPEG - The governments of Canada and Manitoba have announced a joint investment of $475.6 million to strengthen Manitoba’s clean electricity grid and ensure continued supply of affordable and reliable low-carbon energy.
This federal-provincial investment provides $314 million for eight new hydroelectric turbines at the 75 MW Pointe du Bois Generating Station on the Winnipeg River, as well as $161.6 million to build a new 230 kV transmission network in the Portage la Prairie area.
The $314 million joint investment in the Pointe du Bois Renewable Energy Project includes $114.1 million from the Government of Canada and nearly $200 million from the…