Industrialists and Chigi are backing Cingolani in the hope of soon having a commissioner with extraordinary powers over renewables

The extraordinary energy plan could soon have a name: Roberto Cingolani. According to Il Foglio, parts of the business community and circles within Palazzo Chigi would welcome the appointment of the former Minister for Ecological Transition as special commissioner for renewables. The idea stems from the deadlock over authorisations, conflicts with the regions and projects caught up in vetoes, appeals and overlapping jurisdictions. Confindustria has called for a commissioner capable of making decisions. The government is seeking a solution to speed up investment through ad hoc rules: delegated powers, fixed timelines, a fast-track authorisation process and the ability to override local objections. Will they give it a go in September? Who knows.