Something moves. At least at the regional level and with European funds. The energy efficiency of public buildings begins to take shape in Puglia. The Region detaches the other southern Regions and grants the first funds for structural interventions: 157 million euros for 467 applications in favor of energy-intensive buildings. The questions came from structures owned by the Region itself, from Municipalities and other Bodies with the aim of making the internal energy systems better and less polluting. They are funds from the 2014-2020 European programming, finally used. The Call had been in progress for some time, but the ranking with the eligible interventions was published only yesterday. The allotment has sacrificed many demands, though. In every Apulian province we suffer from lack of efficient energy adaptations. Hundreds of schools, municipal buildings, gyms, still run on diesel or liquefied gas. They presented projects and ideas for improvement, but in the end not everyone hit the mark.
With the ranking of admitted projects, only the production of energy from renewable sources is rewarded. This loan is only a first tranche, they specify in any case in Bari. Another tender for interventions in the field of smart grids is expected in a few weeks. Governor Michele Emiliano has made smart grids a constant feature of his council. A refrain of modernity and social cohesion with the help of all that is technologically advanced. He pushes Emiliano, together with a vast network of economic operators to plan energy savings and environmental protection in the medium term. A circular supply chain that can open the doors to private investments and capital throughout the South. After all, Puglia boasts important precedents in agreements with Italian and foreign energy groups. When Nicky Vendola was in charge, investments in wind and photovoltaic energy exceeded those of the national average. Thousands of companies involved, jobs and an energy surplus from the sun higher than that of China. Obviously in relation to the installed power and territorial extension.
The ranking published yesterday, we said, has left many proposers empty-handed. Around 600 million euros were needed to accommodate all the applications. But by virtue of the reduced endowment of European funds, 111 interventions were selected. 8 for hospitals, 2 for buildings owned by the state and 101 owned by local authorities. From a territorial point of view, the goal achieved satisfies some structural expectations. The energy needs from the province of Foggia to that of Lecce must be framed and organized in a strategic way. It doesn't hurt that after controversies and political clashes at every level, Puglia will also enjoy gas from TAP. The Region seems to have convinced itself of the need for such an important infrastructure to land on its coasts. Or hasn't the time come instead to open a negotiating front to use more gas in the area for families and businesses? Gas, like renewables for industries and individuals, will power Italy and other European countries for many years to come. The optical illusion that it was enough to stop a gas pipeline or curb investments in hydrocarbon research to be called green in every latitude is fading. When money exists, it must be spent wisely and profitably.
Emiliano also did well in having a law approved for the purchase of photovoltaic production plants to be assigned to families with socio-economic hardship. The equipment will be granted on free loan for 9 years in order to use only renewable energy. A big step forward. But as you can see there is an average time frame, because before 10-15 years that energy revolution that we all like, will not take place. And the Municipalities that are unable to take money from the EU? The Lega-Cinquestelle Government with the Growth Decree has opened a window for him. A hope indeed. In an article of the provision it is written that if they have no other funding to renovate buildings for public use, they can present projects to the Ministry of Economic Development. For 2019, the figure of 600 million euros destined for these works is also indicated. With which evaluation systems and with which "building site start" times it is not yet known, apart from the statements of principle. The uncertainty that weighs most on the expectations of the territories, however, and to which the Cinquestelle promise palingenesis, is that that money is only on paper for now. If they haven't said things that are unfeasible because there are no financial backings, they will soon have to justify that article 31 which is starting to fuel special administrative suggestions. Fun to watch the match where Emiliano beats Di Maio and the bag remains in Puglia.
