ROME, ITALY / RankWire.AI / – Italy has designated €1.55 billion for the advancement of 59 water infrastructure projects across 17 regions through its national recovery strategy. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport finalized the distribution of funds within four months. These initiatives encompass aqueducts, distribution networks, and other systems essential to water delivery and infrastructure resilience. The majority of funding will be allocated to southern regions. This package combines resources from the national recovery plan with supplementary investments from the project beneficiaries.
Approximately €830 million, or 53% of the total public funds, will go to southern Italy, exceeding the program’s 40% minimum share designated for these regions. Beneficiaries will contribute roughly €683 million of their own capital to the approved projects. In total, the combined investment will surpass €2.2 billion. The funding aims to enhance water efficiency, bolster infrastructure, and minimize losses across supply networks.
Funds are being allocated through SFNIISSI, Italy’s financing scheme dedicated to strategic water infrastructure and supply security. The program operates within the country’s PNRR recovery framework and leverages NextGenerationEU resources. Initially, €1 billion was available, which was augmented by an additional €576 million in August, increasing the total funding pool. Applications, grant procedures, and project oversight are managed by Invitalia, while the broader water investment framework linked to the funding is supervised by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
Majority of funding allocated to southern Italy
Eligible recipients include public entities and companies tasked with managing water resources and infrastructure. Grants may cover up to 90% of eligible costs for projects focused on efficiency improvements and structural safety. Digital projects aimed at reducing water loss can receive up to 85% funding. The application process opened on May 6 and was extended until June 8. Following submission assessments, authorities allocated the available funds across the approved initiatives.
The latest funds support infrastructure projects already outlined in national plans and other priority programs. These projects involve upgrades to aqueducts, distribution systems, and facilities that ensure reliable water supplies. Invitalia administers the grant process and monitors project progress. Beneficiary contributions boost the total investment amount well beyond the government’s direct contribution. The €2.2 billion-plus figure includes both public funding and the additional investments committed by project implementers.
Funding expansion builds on previous water infrastructure efforts
This allocation follows earlier PNRR investments in primary water infrastructure across Italy. By July, the country had completed 48 water systems under another recovery initiative, surpassing the target of 45. Among these, 37 were classified as complex infrastructure. Authorities also reported 79 individual interventions carried out by 52 managing bodies. Approximately €1 billion in recovery funds supported 124 projects involving reservoirs and water systems used for drinking, irrigation, and mixed purposes.
Of the 48 completed systems, 25 primarily support irrigation, 20 serve drinking water, and three have mixed uses. Italy has also programmed and financed more than €6 billion in water-related projects through its broader infrastructure investment framework. The newly allocated €1.55 billion adds 59 projects to this ongoing water upgrade agenda. With the funds now assigned, these initiatives will proceed into implementation, adhering to the established PNRR timetable and monitoring procedures.