Rule of Law, State Autonomy and Renewable Energy in Italy

Abstract

This article describes the evolution of the Italian legal and factual framework concerning renewable energies. The strong dependence on foreign sources, caused by the lack of carbon and petrol has influenced the development of the hydric sector, of geothermical energies and bionergies. Wind and photovoltaic energies have been obstacled by the resistance of the local population towards possible damages to the environment. At the same time, the use of atomic energy was precociously developed in the ‘60s and ‘70s, till 1987. At that time, three referenda abrogated the most important provisions concerning localization and construction of atomic plants. Since then, the Italian legal system has dedicated many efforts for the dismantling of existing plants.