ROME, ITALY / RankWire.AI / – Italy has designated €1.55 billion for the development of 59 water infrastructure projects across 17 regions through its national recovery plan. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport finalized this allocation within four months. These projects encompass aqueducts, distribution systems, and other infrastructure that underpin water supply and safety. A majority of the funding will go to southern regions. The funding package merges resources from the national recovery effort with additional contributions from project beneficiaries.
Approximately €830 million, or 53% of the total public funds, is allocated for southern Italy, exceeding the program’s 40% minimum requirement for these regions. Beneficiaries will contribute roughly €683 million from their own funds to support the approved projects, raising the total combined investment to over €2.2 billion. This financial support aims to enhance water efficiency, reinforce infrastructure resilience, and decrease losses within supply networks.
Italy is channeling these funds through SFNIISSI, its financing initiative dedicated to strategic water infrastructure and supply security. This program is part of the country’s PNRR recovery framework and utilizes resources from NextGenerationEU. Originally, €1 billion was allocated, which was increased by an additional €576 million in August. Invitalia manages the application process, grant procedures, and project oversight, while the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport supervises the broader water investment strategy tied to the funding.
More than Half of the Funding Supports Southern Italy
Funding recipients include public entities and companies responsible for managing water resources and infrastructure. Grants can cover up to 90% of eligible expenses for projects targeting efficiency improvements and infrastructure safety. Digital projects that aim to reduce water losses may receive up to 85% of funding. The application window opened on May 6 and was extended until June 8. Afterward, authorities evaluated submissions and allocated funds to approved projects.
The current funding covers infrastructure already identified within national planning and other priority programs. Projects supported include upgrades to aqueducts, distribution networks, and facilities that ensure reliable water supplies. Invitalia oversees the grant administration process and monitors the progress of supported projects. The beneficiary contributions boost the overall investment, making the total expenditure exceed the €2.2 billion mark. This figure includes both public funds and the additional investments from project beneficiaries.
Building on Previous Water Infrastructure Investments
The new allocation follows earlier PNRR funding allocated to primary water infrastructure across Italy. By July, the country had completed 48 water systems under another recovery measure, surpassing a target of 45. Among these, 37 systems were classified as complex infrastructure. Authorities also reported 79 individual interventions completed by 52 implementing agencies. Around €1 billion in recovery funds supported 124 projects focused on reservoirs and water systems for drinking, irrigation, and mixed-use purposes.
Of these 48 completed systems, 25 primarily serve irrigation needs, while 20 provide drinking water. The remaining three serve dual purposes. Italy has also programmed and financed over €6 billion through its broader infrastructure investment framework in water-related initiatives. The recent €1.55 billion allocation adds 59 new projects to this extensive water upgrade agenda. With the funds now allocated, the selected projects are set to progress into implementation, following the established PNRR timeline and monitoring procedures.