The proposed law will speed up the process of issuing permits for new renewable energy power plants, such as solar panels or wind turbines, or for the adaptation of existing ones.

Faster licensing procedures for facilities for the production of energy from renewable sources
Incentive for domestic production in the EU amid the energy crisis
The program will reduce dependence on fossil fuels imported from Russia

With amendments to the Commission's proposal, the deputies shortened the maximum period for approving new plants from twelve to nine months, if they are located in the so-called "areas of accelerated production of energy from renewable sources". These areas would be defined by each member state depending on whether the installation of renewable energy sources can be accelerated there. If the competent authority does not respond by the end of this period, the permit or request will be considered approved, in accordance with the so-called principle of "positive administrative silence".

Outside such areas, the procedure should not last longer than 18 months, instead of two years as originally proposed, according to the representatives. When it comes to renewing the capacity of existing plants for renewable energy, the representatives want the process of issuing permits to not exceed six months.

Solar panels on buildings, heat pumps

The proposal also includes an obligation for member states to ensure that permits for the installation of solar energy equipment in buildings are delivered within one month. For smaller plants with a capacity of less than 50 kW, a simple notification procedure is sufficient. The installation of solar equipment should be exempted from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment, the representatives decided. The process of issuing a permit for the installation of heat pumps should not last more than one month.

In order to bring more energy from renewable sources into the grid without delay, the lawmakers also included elements of the Commission's recent proposal submitted under the so-called "urgent procedure", and most of the provisions could come into force as early as 2023.

Context

The commission proposed the draft law as part of the REpowerEU package, which aims to reduce Europe's dependence on fossil fuel imports from Russia following its aggression against Ukraine. It will amend the directives on energy from renewable sources, energy efficiency and energy efficiency of buildings, and separate revisions are underway as part of the "Fit for 55" package.

Source: European Parliament Zagreb