With Communication COM(2026) 370 of 22 April 2026, the European Commission intervenes on the new energy volatility scenario outlining an emergency strategy that combines short-term price containment measures and acceleration of the energy transition in the medium-long term.
With Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/285, adopted on 3 February 2026 and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 17 April 2026, the European Commission takes a decisive step in implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3012, establishing for the first time the certification methodologies for permanent carbon removal activities provided by the European framework.
The measure defines technical and procedural criteria applicable to activities that, based on the current state of scientific knowledge and technological maturity, are considered suitable to ensure a solid and verifiable quantification of CO₂ removals. These include direct air capture of CO₂ with geological storage (DACCS), capture of biogenic emissions with geological storage (BioCCS), and biochar production with permanent carbon storage, achieved through soil application or incorporation of the material into products.
Energy transition in the Alps: from innovation to real impact
The 2026 edition of the award takes place under the theme "Energy transition in the Alps: from innovation to real impact". It honors measures, initiatives, and projects from a wide range of actors who significantly contribute to the energy transition in the electricity and heating sectors, making them pioneers of the energy transition applying innovative technical, social, or economic solutions.
ESG 2026: all the deadlines that are changing the game
2026 marks a decisive step for the European ESG agenda, with the entry into force of an integrated package of rules that directly impact governance, energy, supply chain, and operational processes. For companies, it is no longer about managing individual obligations but coordinating CSRD, CSDDD, EED, EUDR, PPWR, CBAM, and Pay Transparency in a unified logic. The main deadlines are concentrated within a few months.
Geothermal: new rules for closed-loop probes, easier to install plants
With the decree of 2 April 2026, the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security intervenes on the regulation of small local uses of geothermal heat, introducing an updated framework for closed-loop geothermal probe systems intended for building air conditioning. The measure is part of the simplification process started by Legislative Decree 190/2024 and aims to overcome the regulatory fragmentation that in recent years has slowed the spread of low-enthalpy geothermal energy. The goal is to promote faster and more uniform installations across the territory, while strengthening controls and traceability of the plants.
Hydrogen: EU green light to 6 billion for renewable production in Italy
The European Commission has approved an Italian scheme of 6 billion Euros to support renewable hydrogen production, aimed at the industry and transport sectors. The measure was authorized pursuant to Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and the State aid guidelines on climate, energy, and environment (CEEAG 2022).
The plan targets a production capacity of 200,000 tons per year, including both hydrogen from electrolysis powered by renewable sources and that obtained from biogenic sources.
Housing plan - public and social housing: the extraordinary national program of 970 million euros starts (DECREE-LAW 7 May 2026, no. 66)
Article 2 of the Decree establishes an extraordinary national program for the recovery and maintenance of the public residential and social housing stock, aimed urgently at expanding the affordable housing supply through the restoration of the remaining stock of dwellings currently unassignable due to maintenance deficiencies and the recovery of properties intended for social housing.
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