Where do BESS projects really fit within the “Aree Idonee” permitting framework in Italy introduced by the latest version of the Testo Unico FER?
With the introduction in Italy of the new Testo Unico FER (D.Lgs.190/2024 and D.Lgs. 178/2025) permitting framework which has defined guidelines for “Aree Idonee” or suitable areas for renewable energy projects, an important step has been achieved: clearer regulatory frameworks
are finally emerging — including authorization pathways for Battery Energy
Storage Systems (BESS).
However, a critical gap remains.
Current planning approaches are still built around traditional renewable generation. BESS systems, despite being essential, are not properly reflected in how suitable areas are defined.
Battery storage is fundamentally different from renewables such as PV or Wind. BESS systems location selection is not driven predominantly by land availability and resource potential (sun, wind), but rather their optimal location depends on:
- proximity to primary substations
- available grid capacity
- system needs for flexibility and balancing
In other words: BESS projects do not follow land — they follow the grid.
What does this mean in real terms?
We conducted a broad feasibility assessment exercise on a particular Italian region focusing on areas surrounding over 80 grid substations (“Cabine Primarie”) to better understand how current planning frameworks align with real grid needs.
The results highlight a clear issue: an extremely low % of substations are located in areas that based on Testo Unico FER guidelines are likely to beconsidered “suitable areas”.
This creates a paradox:
➡️ the locations where BESS are most needed (near gridinfrastructure)
❌are often not considered suitable under current planning frameworks
The risk
Without dedicated localization criteria for storage:
- projects are forced into categories that don’t reflect their nature
- connection costs and land constraints increase
- deployment of storage — critical for the energy transition — slows down
Rethinking “suitable areas” for BESS as part of the Regional adoption of the TU FER guidelines.
If BESS are essential to system stability, planning frameworks must evolve accordingly. As the various Italian Regions are now implementing the guidelines of TU FER in their regional permitting frameworks, including the compulsory identification “Aree Idonee”, it is important that BESS projects be treated specifically, with localization criteria differentiated from renewables and centered around proximity to existing grid infrastructure.
As storage becomes a cornerstone of the energy transition, aligning regulation, planning, and grid reality is more important than ever.