Set Up a Company in the Energy Sector in Italy

The Energy Law is the main legal framework providing for companies operating in this industry in Italy. Also, Italy's renewables framework (Legislative Decree No. 199/2021 and the 2024 Consolidated Renewables Act, Legislative Decree No. 190/2024) is a step forward for the modernization of the Italian energy sector which now is one of the most prolific industries of the economy. Furthermore, a recent report places Italy on the first position in Europe in terms of foreign entrepreneurs starting business in the green energy industry.

Our company formation agents in Italy can offer information on the legislation related to the energy industry.

What are the main segments of the Italian energy industry?

The Italian energy sector is made up of:

• –          the electricity segment;
• –          the gas segment;
• –          the water supply segment;
• –          the district heating segment.

Foreign investors can choose to establish companies in any of these segments of the Italian energy industry. It should also be noted that the electricity and the water supply sectors also benefit from various subsidies if the sources used to generate the energy are renewable.

Registering an energy company in Italy

Foreign and local enterprisers seeking to set up businesses in the energy industry in Italy must first register a company with the Trade Register and then apply for the relevant licenses and permits related to the sector they will operate in. Authorisations are issued by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the regions and municipalities, while the sector is regulated by ARERA (Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment).

Our company incorporation consultants in Italy can assist with the registration of your company with the Trade Register.

Licenses for the energy industry in Italy

Italian companies offering energy services must apply for the appropriate license with the authority. The first license to obtain is related to the construction of the facilities followed by an operational permit. All energy operators in Italy must comply with the Competition Act which provides for fair competition related to the prices these can practice, considering households and commercial consumers can choose the operator they will work with.

For full information on the licenses required to set up a business in the energy industry in Italy, please feel free to contact us. We can also assist with the company registration process in Italy.