The hospitality and restaurant sector is facing an epochal turning point, with the Transition 5.0 which offers a unique opportunity to embrace innovation and sustainability.
This tax incentive supports businesses that invest in cutting-edge technologies to improve energy efficiency and promote greener practices.
The good news is that the implementing decree has been published and the GSE online platform is operational, making the incentives immediately accessible.
Who can access and which investments are eligible?
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The Transition 5.0 tax credit is aimed at all companies resident in Italy, without distinctions of legal form, sector, size or tax regime. Only companies in liquidation or subject to bankruptcy proceedings are excluded.
The incentive finances new investments in tangible and intangible assets instrumental to business operations. It is essential that these investments generate a significant reduction in energy consumption. To qualify, projects must be started from January 1, 2024 and completed by December 31, 2025. They require an overall reduction in energy consumption of the production facility of at least 3%, or 5% for the specific processes affected by the investment.
The key dates to be met are: project start from 1 January 2024, orders and advance payments (≥ 50%) by 31 December 2024, project completion by 31 December 2025 and completion communication by 28 February 2026.
Eligible expenses and concrete examples for Hotels and restaurants
The Transition 5.0 tax credit covers a wide range of expenses aimed at improving energy efficiency. Specifically, it includes:
- New tangible and intangible instrumental goods: For example, hotel automation and home automation systems that optimize lighting, heating and air conditioning. This also includes energy-saving technologies such as high-efficiency refrigerators and ovens for restaurant kitchens, as well as energy control systems to monitor and manage consumption.
- Self-production and self-consumption of energy from renewable sources: The installation of photovoltaic systems and solar thermal panels, energy storage systems (batteries) and auxiliary services such as inverters and transformers are fully eligible.
- Training expenses: Courses and programs for staff, aimed at acquiring skills in digital and energy technologies. Training projects must last at least 12 hours, with specific modules on energy sustainability and digital integration of business processes.
Particular attention is paid to lighting and air conditioning systems in hotels, which can be included in the financeable expenses if they meet specific technological requirements.
DNSH Limits, Tax Credit and Requirements
The maximum limit of eligible costs is set at 50 million euros per year for each beneficiary. The tax credit rates vary based on the energy savings achieved, with percentages that progressively increase as the efficiency achieved increases. For investments up to 2,5 million euros, the rate can reach up to 60% in the case of energy savings exceeding 10% (production structure) or 15% (process involved).
It is important to note that the implementing decree specifies the eligible expenses for self-production and self-consumption of energy from renewable sources, requiring that the assets be connected to the grid within one year of the project completion. Furthermore, training expenses are split between green and digital transition, with mandatory modules on topics such as efficient energy management, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
To ensure sustainability, projects must comply with DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) requirements, excluding investments linked to fossil fuels, high greenhouse gas emissions or the production of high levels of waste.
How to access the tax credit
Companies must submit an application to the Energy Services Manager (GSE) via an online procedure. The allocated resources amount to 6,3 billion euros and applications are accepted until they are exhausted. Each company can activate only one practice at a time, sending a new application only after approval by the GSE.
The procedure requires certification former before on the expected energy savings and a certification ex post on the actual realization of savings. Authorized entities issue these certifications, and the related expenses are recognized as an increase in the tax credit, up to 10 thousand euros. The GSE plays a role of verification and monitoring, even in the phase former before.
The updated forms, including the attachments for the certifications and the self-certification form for photovoltaic modules, are available on GSE official website. Correct use of these documents is essential to complete the process and obtain validation.
Transition 5.0 represents an unmissable opportunity for the hospitality and restaurant industry. Investing in innovation and sustainability not only reduces operating costs, but also positions your business as a leader in environmental respect.
