The new Conto Termico 3.0 is now officially in force. With the update of the national incentive scheme dedicated to building efficiency and renewable thermal energy production, several important changes have been introduced for private citizens, businesses, and public administrations. The result is a system that is more accessible, more flexible, and more aligned with current technologies.
What is Conto Termico?
Conto Termico is an incentive program managed by the GSE that allows beneficiaries to recover part of the costs for energy efficiency improvements or the installation of renewable-energy systems. Unlike tax deductions, the contribution is paid directly into the beneficiary’s bank account once the work has been completed.
Key updates in Conto Termico 3.0
The new version expands eligibility and updates the list of incentivized interventions. Here are the main points:
- Broader pool of beneficiaries: in addition to private users and public administrations, third-sector organizations, energy communities and collective self-consumption groups are now included.
- More eligible technologies: photovoltaic systems (with or without storage) and electric vehicle charging infrastructure are now admitted, but only when combined with the replacement of existing HVAC systems with heat pumps.
- Updated spending limits: the maximum eligible costs for technologies and systems have been revised to reflect current market prices.
- Confirmed budget: €900 million per year, of which €400 million for public administrations and €500 million for private users.
- Simplified procedure: the deadline for submitting applications increases from 60 to 90 days after the completion of works.
Who can apply for the incentives?
Eligible beneficiaries include:
- Private users (individuals, businesses, farmers, apartment buildings)
- Public administrations and equivalent bodies
- Third-sector organizations
- Energy communities and collective self-consumption groups
Applications can be submitted directly or through a certified ESCo — an Energy Service Company specializing in energy efficiency and formally certified, often according to UNI CEI 11352 (or equivalent standards).
How much can be recovered?
The incentive amount depends on the type of intervention and may cover:
- up to 65% of costs for most interventions
- up to 100% for works carried out on public buildings owned by small municipalities, schools, and healthcare facilities
Eligible interventions: renewables and efficiency
Renewable thermal technologies
Conto Termico 3.0 supports interventions on existing buildings with an operational HVAC system, including:
- replacement of heating and cooling systems with heat pumps (air-to-water, water-to-water, or geothermal)
- installation of hybrid systems, bivalent systems, and add-on heat pumps
- biomass generators
- solar thermal collectors
- heat pump water heaters
- connection to efficient district heating networks
- renewable-powered micro-cogeneration systems
One of the most significant updates is the inclusion of add-on heat pumps, a solution that allows renewable technology to be integrated with an existing condensing boiler, without replacing the entire system.
How to apply for Conto Termico?
- Direct access: application to the GSE within 90 days after the end of the works.
- Pre-booking (public sector only): public administrations may apply before carrying out the intervention and receive an advance payment.
For small-scale systems (≤35 kW or solar thermal <50 m²), a dedicated GSE catalogue is available, listing all pre-approved products.
When does it enter into force?
The decree has been published in the Italian Official Gazette and will enter into force 90 days after publication. In 2026, the new GSE Application Rules and the updated online platform will also become fully operational.
IMIT is committed to promoting environmental and economic improvement by supporting technologies and initiatives that help households and businesses reduce energy consumption while improving comfort. We assist professionals and end users in achieving maximum comfort with minimal energy use.