Conto Termico 3.0 for biomass systems: news and updates

Conto Termico 3.0 for biomass systems: news and updates

Conto Termico 3.0: incentives for biomass plants, emission requirements, and why flue-gas control and extraction systems matter in industrial projects

Conto Termico 3.0 introduces an updated framework to support small-scale renewable thermal energy and energy-efficiency measures.

For professionals involved in the design and installation of biomass plants, the new decree is an opportunity to upgrade systems to stricter emission standards and access significant capital grants.

In this scenario, flue-gas extraction and filtration play a central role: in many industrial projects they are essential to achieve the required particulate performance and to make the intervention eligible for incentives.

Conto Termico 3.0: What changes and what requirements must biomass plants comply with?

The Ministerial Decree of 7 August 2025, in force since 25 December 2025, strengthens and updates the incentive scheme previously known as Conto Termico 2.0.

According to leading technical commentaries, version 3.0 brings three key upgrades:

  • a broader range of beneficiaries, including additional private users, businesses, and third-sector entities
  • simplified procedures for accessing the GSE (Gestore dei Servizi Energetici) contribution
  • greater focus on integrated systems, where multiple components jointly determine final performance.

For industrial biomass plants, this means that extraction and filtration systems become strategic, because they often determine compliance with particulate limits and stable boiler operation.

Conto Termico 3.0 incentivises renewable thermal technologies and efficiency works, including:

  • high-efficiency biomass boilers and appliances
  • heat pumps, solar thermal, and hybrid plants
  • energy-efficiency upgrades in buildings
  • thermal storage and replacement of existing systems
  • technical and accessory expenses necessary for correct plant operation (as recognised by sector guidance) (source: Alta Quota Energia – Legislazione Tecnica)

How Conto Termico 3.0 works for biomass plants

The incentive mechanism remains based on a direct non-repayable grant, paid by the GSE.

To access the incentive, the plant must meet specific requirements regarding:

  • efficiency
  • emissions (especially particulate matter)
  • compliance of technical components

The incentive can cover up to 65% of the expenditure, including:

  • design
  • additional components
  • any systems necessary for the operation of the plant

For some interventions, reimbursement can be made in a single instalment within 90 days, facilitating the financial planning of companies.

Why filtration and extraction are key to accessing Conto Termico 3.0

To obtain the incentive, a biomass plant must comply with very strict emission limits relating to:

  • dust and particulate matter
  • acid compounds
  • combustion fumes

In industrial contexts, these levels cannot be achieved without an adequate fume treatment system.

Dust control contribute to:

  • ensuring compliance with emission limits
  • reducing pressure drops
  • stabilising generator operation
  • extending the useful life of the plant

For this reason, even if not mentioned as separate items in the decree, these systems are often technical components necessary for the purposes of the incentive.

What are the implications for installers, manufacturers, and designers

The approach required by Conto Termico 3.0 leads to a more integrated design.

➤ Installers

From the early stages, consider:

  • flue-gas management
  • required particulate limits
  • permissible pressure drops

Embedding the filtration system in the plant design makes compliance—and GSE documentation—much smoother.

➤ Manufacturers

The market increasingly demands complete, CT-ready packages:

  • correctly sized extraction
  • reliable particulate abatement
  • certified, integrated components

This accelerates commissioning and incentive application.

➤ Designers / retrofit specialists

CT 3.0 also supports redevelopment of existing plants. Works such as:

  • filter upgrades
  • extraction overhauls
  • multicyclones or reagent dosing units
  • pressure-drop optimisation

can be eligible when functional to a compliant operation.

What are the extraction solutions for eligible plants?

Based on our experience with industrial biomass projects, we provide solutions compatible with Conto Termico-eligible systems, including:

Each system is engineered case-by-case to meet process needs and support compliance with Conto Termico 3.0 emission requirements.

Do you have a project under evaluation? We support designers, installers, and manufacturers in defining the filtration systems required to meet Conto Termico 3.0 particulate standards. Contact us for a preliminary technical assessment.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Conto Termico 3.0

Click a question to jump to the answer.

Does Conto Termico 3.0 finance biomass plants?

Yes, the decree provides incentives for high-efficiency biomass generators, replacement work and supplementary systems necessary for proper operation.

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Is filtration mandatory to obtain the incentive?

For industrial/medium-large boilers, particulate abatement is required by the decree; in smaller plants it may not be explicitly mandatory, but it is often essential to achieve the emission performance needed for eligibility.

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Does Conto Termico 3.0 also apply to existing plants?

Yes. Upgrading or replacing older, higher-emission generators is one of its main targets.

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