February 2026 brings important regulatory news in the fields of energy, climate and ecological transition. In this article we analyze the main European and national updates impacting companies, public administrations and energy sector operators.
Decarbonization: 3 billion euros to advance ETS2
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission have launched a new ETS2 advance instrument with an allocation of 3 billion euros.
The goal is to enable Member States to access financing before the system comes into force.
Priority interventions
- Cleaner heating and cooling systems
- Energy efficiency of buildings and homes
- Support for low and middle income families
Sustainable mobility and clean transport
The ETS2 instrument will also finance measures to promote:
- Public transport and shared mobility
- Multimodality
- Electric mobility
- Electric vehicles and bicycles
- Charging infrastructure
EU standards for permanent carbon removal
The European Commission has adopted the first set of voluntary certification methodologies under the CRCF Regulation (EU 2024/3012).
Covered technologies
- Direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS)
- Capture of biogenic emissions with storage (BioCCS)
- Removal through biochar (BCR)
What the standards define
- Criteria to certify one ton of removal
- Guarantee of storage permanence
- Management of risks and liabilities
PPA: removing obstacles to power purchase agreements
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are long-term bilateral contracts between producers and consumers of electricity.
They are essential to:
- Finance new renewable plants
- Stabilize energy prices
- Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
The adoption of the European Recommendation is expected in the second quarter of 2026.
RED III transposition – Legislative Decree 9 January 2026, no. 5
The Decree transposes Directive (EU) 2023/2413 and strengthens the national framework on renewable energies.
What changes for companies
- Greater legal certainty on PPAs
- Possibility of direct purchase of renewable energy
- Strengthening of long-term contracts
- New opportunities for energy planning
Guarantees of Origin (GO): simplifications
- Simplified procedures for plants under 50 kW
- Simplifications for Renewable Energy Communities
- Reduced fees
- Greater transparency on energy fed in or self-consumed
EU Climate Law: -90% emissions by 2040
The European Parliament has approved a new binding target: a 90% reduction in net emissions by 2040 compared to 1990.
- Possibility to use international credits (max 5%)
- Valuation of permanent carbon removals
- Greater flexibility between sectors
- ETS2 postponed to 2028
ANAC – National Anti-Corruption Plan 2026–2028
The new PNA 2026–2028 has been approved with a national strategy articulated in objectives, actions and annual monitoring.
Focus on:
- Public contracts
- Non-eligibility and incompatibility
- Administrative transparency
Incentive measures 2026
Agricultural sector
Companies, individuals and PA
- Thermal Account 3.0
- Renewable Energy Communities (REC)
- Super-depreciation for self-production plants and storage systems
Conclusions
The regulatory news of 2026 strengthen the European path towards decarbonization and offer new opportunities for companies and public administrations.
Evaluating PPAs, self-consumption, incentive tools and ETS2 updates becomes strategic to reduce energy costs and risks.
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