On 8 April 2026, the Senate approved the Conversion Act — with amendments — of Decree-Law No. 21/2026 (commonly referred to as the “Energy Decree-Law” or “Utilities Decree-Law”), which had previously been adopted by the Council of Ministers on 18 February 2026.
The final approval confirms the overall structure of the Decree-Law, while introducing certain amendments that further strengthen the measures aimed at reducing energy costs, supporting business competitiveness and promoting the decarbonisation of the industrial system, as well as addressing the issue of virtual saturation of electricity grids.
Particular significance is attached to the provisions set out in Article 8, concerning the introduction of a single authorisation procedure for the development and expansion of data centers and their related connection infrastructure, which have been substantially confirmed during the conversion process. In summary, the provision establishes:
- the grant, by the authority competent for Integrated Environmental Authorisation (“Autorizzazione Unica Ambientale”), of the authorisation for the construction, expansion and operation of data centers and their related user connection networks;
- the initiation of the single procedure at the request of the project proponent, through the submission of an application for a single authorisation;
- the conclusion of the procedure within a standard timeframe of 10 months;
- the issuance of the single authorisation following the Conference of Services (“Conferenza di Servizi”) procedure.
With the conversion into law, these provisions acquire stability and full legal effect, consolidating a regulatory framework aimed at simplifying and accelerating the development of strategic digital infrastructure in Italy.
Reference is made to our previously published note for a more detailed analysis of the authorisation procedure: https://www.studioinzaghi.com/decreto-legge-energia-procedimento-autorizzatorio-unico-per-i-data-center/
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