Small Italian island makes unexpected u-turn in green energy plans

In mid-2024‚ Sardiniaʼs local govt made a surprising choice - no more wind turbines would touch its scenic hills. Just three months later they doubled-down on this stance adding solar panels to their no-go list (which totally changed their green-energy plans)

Local people showed strong feelings against these eco-projects: some groups pushed for natural-gas power instead of renewables‚ and things got heated when unknown trouble-makers burned down two almost-ready wind farms up north. The islands coal plants (that make most of its power for 1‚6 million residents) will keep running longer than planned

This small Mediterranean islands choices hit hard at bigger plans:

• Italian regions green-energy goals
• Romeʼs national climate promises
• EUʼs whole European Green Deal idea
• Other countries similar projects

The situation shows how EU countries dont always agree with Brussels clean-energy dreams. Christian Bernhard‚ energy expert at Strategic Solutions says: “Its not just Sardinia - we see push-back from Paris to Berlin“

The commissions legacy will depend on its ability to push forward vital green policies within a maelstrom of political and domestic discontent

Since 20ʼs start EU wanted zero-emissions by 2050 - thats a big ask. They need to cut bad gases by more than half by 2030‚ compared to 90ʼs levels. Right now theyʼve managed about one-third less emissions while economy grew 67% (which looks good on paper)

But real-world problems keep popping up: China trade issues‚ high costs‚ tech limits; and regular folks still pay too much for power. Plus some smart-people from think-tank Bruegel say money troubles could mess everything up - EU needs around 700-billion euros yearly between 31ʼ and 40ʼ to make this work

The whole green-change thing needs everyone on board to work - from govt bosses down to regular people‚ but Sardinias story shows its not gonna be easy-peasy