Text · Amendment list
Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures
Document ITRE-AM-785338 · COM(2025)1007 – 2025/0400(COD)
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- Amendment list ITRE-AM-785338
- Date
- 12 May 2026
- Committee
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
- Dossier
- 2025-0400
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- COM(2025)1007 – 2025/0400(COD)
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| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1) Slow and complicated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connections, is one of the main factors causing delays in the development of energy projects. Electricity transmission grids take around 10 years for completion, of which permitting accounts for more than half of the time needed. Similarly, permitting of renewable energy projects can still take up to nine years depending on the Member State and the technology involved. Storage installations can take from one to seven years depending on the technology. The permit-granting procedures for construction or transformation of recharging stations along highways and in depots can take up to two years in some Member States. Slow permitting is due, among other things, to incoherent administrative systems among multiple authorities, inadequate staffing in authorities, the duration of environmental assessments, lack of public acceptance, limited digitalisation and data availability as well as administrative and judicial challenges. | (1) Insufficient public investment, including in digitalisation and administrative staffing, a lack of political will to accelerate the transition away from fossil-fuels to sustainable renewable energy, the complexity of developing large-scale energy projects without potentially causing irreparable damage to the environment and putting at risk the health of residents and their democratic right to be consulted on industrial projects affecting their communities, and grid connection delays are some of the factors causing delays in the development of energy projects. Electricity transmission grids take around 10 years for completion, of which permitting accounts for more than half of the time needed due to the need to conduct impact assessments, evaluate the financial viability of projects, consult with stakeholders, and to comply with the existing relevant legislation in place to protect territories and residents. Similarly, permitting of renewable energy projects can still take up to nine years depending on the Member State and the technology involved. Storage installations can take from one to seven years depending on the technology. The permit-granting procedures for construction or transformation of recharging stations along highways and in depots can take up to two years in some Member States. The complex system of issuing permits is complicated and slowed down, among other factors, by poor inter-institutional coordination between authorities, administrative inefficiency, understaffing in authorities, lack of adequate consultation processes with stakeholders, limited digitalisation and data availability, as well as administrative and judicial challenges often caused by the lack of previous public consultation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1) Slow and complicated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connections, is one of the main factors causing delays in the development of energy projects. Electricity transmission grids take around 10 years for completion, of which permitting accounts for more than half of the time needed. Similarly, permitting of renewable energy projects can still take up to nine years depending on the Member State and the technology involved. Storage installations can take from one to seven years depending on the technology. The permit-granting procedures for construction or transformation of recharging stations along highways and in depots can take up to two years in some Member States. Slow permitting is due, among other things, to incoherent administrative systems among multiple authorities, inadequate staffing in authorities, the duration of environmental assessments, lack of public acceptance, limited digitalisation and data availability as well as administrative and judicial challenges. | (1) Slow and complicated permit-granting procedures, including grid connection procedures, connection rights or approvals, are one of the main factors causing delays in the development of energy infrastructure projects. Electricity transmission grids take around 10 years for completion, of which permitting accounts for more than half of the time needed. Similarly, permitting of renewable energy infrastructure projects can still take up to nine years depending on the Member State and the technology involved. Storage installations can take from one to seven years depending on the technology. The permit-granting procedures for construction or transformation of recharging stations and recharging pools along highways and in depots can take up to two years in some Member States. Slow permitting is due, among other things, to incoherent administrative systems among multiple authorities, inadequate staffing in authorities, the duration of environmental assessments, lack of public acceptance, limited digitalisation and data availability as well as administrative and judicial challenges. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1) Slow and complicated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connections, is one of the main factors causing delays in the development of energy projects. Electricity transmission grids take around 10 years for completion, of which permitting accounts for more than half of the time needed. Similarly, permitting of renewable energy projects can still take up to nine years depending on the Member State and the technology involved. Storage installations can take from one to seven years depending on the technology. The permit-granting procedures for construction or transformation of recharging stations along highways and in depots can take up to two years in some Member States. Slow permitting is due, among other things, to incoherent administrative systems among multiple authorities, inadequate staffing in authorities, the duration of environmental assessments, lack of public acceptance, limited digitalisation and data availability as well as administrative and judicial challenges. | (1) Slow and complicated application-granting procedures, including for grid connections, is one of the main factors causing delays in the development of energy projects. Electricity transmission grids take around 10 years for completion, of which permitting accounts for more than half of the time needed. Similarly, permitting of renewable energy projects can still take up to nine years depending on the Member State and the technology involved. Storage installations can take from one to seven years depending on the technology. The permit-granting procedures for construction or transformation of recharging stations along highways and in depots can take up to two years in some Member States. Slow permitting is due, among other things, to incoherent administrative systems among multiple authorities, inadequate staffing in authorities, the duration of environmental assessments, lack of public acceptance, limited digitalisation and data availability as well as administrative and judicial challenges. |
| (This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.) |
In most Member States grid connection is not a permit. Grid connections are done – in the majority of the cases - through connection applications. Connection application shall be changed all along the text, including the recitals.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1a) Simplifying and harmonising administrative procedures, as well as reducing bureaucracy and building the institutional capacity of the competent authorities, are the main measures that should be taken to accelerate the energy transition and achieve climate objectives adopted at European level. In addition, it is beneficial to digitalise permitting processes, introduce clear and predictable time limits for issuing permits, and increase transparency and public engagement, factors which can significantly help to reduce delays. Better coordination between the authorities involved and adaptation of the legislative framework to new technological realities are essential requirements for the rapid and efficient development of modern energy infrastructure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1a) The Member States have the inalienable right to determine the conditions for exploiting their own energy resources, to choose between different energy sources and to freely structure their own energy supply, in accordance with Article 194(2) TFEU. No provision of this directive may challenge the Member States’ authority in this regard. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2) In recent years, new measures have been introduced at Union level to accelerate the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy projects and, to some extent, infrastructure projects. In 2022, Council Regulation (EU) 2022/25773 was adopted to accelerate permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects. Its partial application was prolonged by Council Regulation (EU) 2024/2234 until 30 June 2025. Furthermore, Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council5 amended Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and the Council6 to streamline administrative procedures for authorising renewable energy plants by introducing a comprehensive permitting framework, with shorter deadlines and simpler rules. The amended Directive included mapping obligations, the obligation to designate renewables acceleration areas where the environmental impacts stemming from projects are expected to be low and therefore faster and simpler rules can apply, and optional measures to introduce acceleration areas for infrastructure projects where infrastructure projects are exempted from an environmental impact assessment under certain conditions such as carrying out a strategic environmental assessment of the area. | (2) In recent years, new measures have been introduced at Union level to accelerate the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy projects and, to some extent, infrastructure projects. In order to ensure a coherent and effective deployment of the Union’s energy system, it is necessary to adopt a broader and integrated understanding of energy infrastructure, encompassing not only renewable energy installations but the generation, conversion, transport, storage and system integration of energy, including electricity networks, gas and hydrogen infrastructure, CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure, energy storage facilities, and generation plants contributing to or supporting the transition towards climate neutrality, as well as the connection of such infrastructure to the grid. In 2022, Council Regulation (EU) 2022/25773 was adopted to accelerate permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects. Its partial application was prolonged by Council Regulation (EU) 2024/2234 until 30 June 2025. Furthermore, Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council5 amended Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and the Council6 to streamline administrative procedures for authorising renewable energy plants by introducing a comprehensive permitting framework, with shorter deadlines and simpler rules. The amended Directive included mapping obligations, the obligation to designate renewables acceleration areas where the environmental impacts stemming from projects are expected to be low and therefore faster and simpler rules can apply, and optional measures to introduce acceleration areas for infrastructure projects where infrastructure projects are exempted from an environmental impact assessment under certain conditions such as carrying out a strategic environmental assessment of the area. In order to maximise the effectiveness of renewables acceleration areas, such areas should be designated in a manner that is inclusive of all renewable energy technologies and does not preclude specific technologies at the outset. Moreover, permit-granting timelines should be differentiated in a proportionate manner, taking into account the varying levels of complexity of different categories of renewable energy projects, in order to ensure both acceleration and legal robustness. |
| 3 Council Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 of 22 December 2022 laying down a framework to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy (OJ L 335 29.12.2022, p. 36, .ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2577/oj). | 3 Council Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 of 22 December 2022 laying down a framework to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy (OJ L 335 29.12.2022, p. 36, .ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2577/oj). |
| 4 Council Regulation (EU) 2024/223 of 22 December 2023 amending Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 laying down a framework to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). | 4 Council Regulation (EU) 2024/223 of 22 December 2023 amending Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 laying down a framework to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). |
| 5 Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive 98/70/EC as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources, and repealing Council Directive (EU) 2015/652 (OJ L, 2023/2413, 31.10.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/2413/oj). | 5 Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive 98/70/EC as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources, and repealing Council Directive (EU) 2015/652 (OJ L, 2023/2413, 31.10.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/2413/oj). |
| 6 Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/2001/oj). | 6 Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/2001/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) In light of the increasing energy demand within the Union, the necessity to ensure security of supply, as well as system stability and adequacy, and with the objective of achieving a fully integrated, resilient and efficient grid system, it is appropriate to adopt a technologically neutral approach to permitting procedures applicable to energy infrastructure. The simplification and acceleration measures for permitting procedures provided for in this Directive shall not confer priority on renewable energy sources, but shall apply equally to infrastructure required for the connection, integration and transmission of low-carbon and clean generation facilities and capacities, as well as to all infrastructure necessary to ensure the security, resilience, flexibility and adequacy of the Union’s energy system. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) The modernisation, refurbishment and expansion of electricity infrastructure is necessary to integrate energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure security of supply, while maintaining a high level of environmental protection and respecting Union environmental law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3) A further simplification and shortening of the administrative permit-granting procedures in a coordinated and harmonised manner is necessary in order to ensure that the Union reaches its ambitious climate and energy targets for 2030 and the objective of climate neutrality by 2050. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 did not address important issues which significantly delay permit-granting procedures and the integration of renewables into the system, such as slow permit-granting procedures for grids, stand-alone energy storage or recharging stations, lack of public acceptance or insufficient digitalisation of procedures. Moreover, that Directive includes only certain of the measures of Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 but lacks several important measures included therein which have ceased to apply, such as expanding the priority of renewable energy projects beyond environmental aspects and streamlining compliance with certain environmental rules. Finally, some targeted amendments to existing measures of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 are necessary to ensure their full effectiveness. | (3) A further simplification and shortening of the administrative permit-granting procedures in a coordinated and harmonised manner is necessary in order to ensure that the Union reaches its ambitious climate and energy targets for 2030 and the objective of climate neutrality by 2050. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 did not address important issues which significantly delay permit-granting procedures as well as energy infrastructure and transition projects, such as slow permit-granting procedures for grids, stand-alone energy storage, recharging pools, lack of public acceptance or insufficient digitalisation of procedures. Moreover, that Directive includes only certain of the measures of Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 but lacks several important measures included therein which have ceased to apply, such as expanding the priority of energy infrastructure and transition projects beyond environmental aspects and streamlining compliance with certain environmental rules. Finally, some targeted amendments to existing measures of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 are necessary to ensure their full effectiveness as is a technology-neutral regulatory framework to ensure cost-effective decarbonisation pathways and to avoid fragmentation of national approaches, thereby strengthening investment certainty across the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3) A further simplification and shortening of the administrative permit-granting procedures in a coordinated and harmonised manner is necessary in order to ensure that the Union reaches its ambitious climate and energy targets for 2030 and the objective of climate neutrality by 2050. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 did not address important issues which significantly delay permit-granting procedures and the integration of renewables into the system, such as slow permit-granting procedures for grids, stand-alone energy storage or recharging stations, lack of public acceptance or insufficient digitalisation of procedures. Moreover, that Directive includes only certain of the measures of Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 but lacks several important measures included therein which have ceased to apply, such as expanding the priority of renewable energy projects beyond environmental aspects and streamlining compliance with certain environmental rules. Finally, some targeted amendments to existing measures of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 are necessary to ensure their full effectiveness. | (3) A further simplification and shortening of the administrative permit-granting procedures in a coordinated and harmonised manner is necessary in order to ensure security of supply, while ensuring compliance with national laws related to landscape and cultural heritage protection. The relevant legislation did not address important issues which significantly delay permit-granting procedures and the integration of energy sources into the system, such as slow permit-granting procedures for grids, stand-alone energy storage or recharging stations, lack of public acceptance or insufficient digitalisation of procedures. Therefore, targeted amendments to existing measures are necessary to ensure their full effectiveness. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3) A further simplification and shortening of the administrative permit-granting procedures in a coordinated and harmonised manner is necessary in order to ensure that the Union reaches its ambitious climate and energy targets for 2030 and the objective of climate neutrality by 2050. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 did not address important issues which significantly delay permit-granting procedures and the integration of renewables into the system, such as slow permit-granting procedures for grids, stand-alone energy storage or recharging stations, lack of public acceptance or insufficient digitalisation of procedures. Moreover, that Directive includes only certain of the measures of Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 but lacks several important measures included therein which have ceased to apply, such as expanding the priority of renewable energy projects beyond environmental aspects and streamlining compliance with certain environmental rules. Finally, some targeted amendments to existing measures of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 are necessary to ensure their full effectiveness. | (3) A further simplification and shortening of the administrative permit-granting procedures in a coordinated and harmonised manner, including reduction of the timeframes for granting permits, is necessary in order to ensure that the Union reaches its ambitious climate and energy targets for 2030 and the objective of climate neutrality by 2050. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 did not address important issues which significantly delay permit-granting procedures and the integration of renewables into the system, such as slow permit-granting procedures for grids, stand-alone energy storage or recharging stations, lack of public acceptance or insufficient digitalisation of procedures. Moreover, that Directive includes only certain of the measures of Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 but lacks several important measures included therein which have ceased to apply, such as expanding the priority of renewable energy projects beyond environmental aspects and streamlining compliance with certain environmental rules. Finally, some targeted amendments to existing measures of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 are necessary to ensure their full effectiveness. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3) A further simplification and shortening of the administrative permit-granting procedures in a coordinated and harmonised manner is necessary in order to ensure that the Union reaches its ambitious climate and energy targets for 2030 and the objective of climate neutrality by 2050. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 did not address important issues which significantly delay permit-granting procedures and the integration of renewables into the system, such as slow permit-granting procedures for grids, stand-alone energy storage or recharging stations, lack of public acceptance or insufficient digitalisation of procedures. Moreover, that Directive includes only certain of the measures of Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 but lacks several important measures included therein which have ceased to apply, such as expanding the priority of renewable energy projects beyond environmental aspects and streamlining compliance with certain environmental rules. Finally, some targeted amendments to existing measures of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 are necessary to ensure their full effectiveness. | (3) A number of urgent steps to improve and, wherever appropriate, speed up the administrative permit-granting procedures in a coordinated and harmonised manner are necessary in order to ensure that the Union reaches its ambitious climate and energy targets for 2030 and the objective of climate neutrality by 2050. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 did not address important issues which significantly delay permit-granting procedures and the integration of renewables into the system, such as inefficient permit-granting procedures for grids, stand-alone energy storage or recharging stations, lack of public consultation or insufficient digitalisation of procedures. Moreover, that Directive includes only certain of the measures of Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 but lacks several important measures included therein which have ceased to apply, such as expanding the priority of renewable energy projects beyond environmental aspects and streamlining compliance with certain environmental rules. Finally, some targeted amendments to existing measures of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 are necessary to ensure their full effectiveness. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3a) Pursuant to Article 194(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Member States retain the exclusive right to determine the conditions for exploiting their energy resources, their choice between different energy sources and the general structure of their energy supply. This Directive should not, directly or indirectly, prejudge those choices, nor confer a privileged legal status on any specific category of generation. Nuclear energy, as a sovereign, dispatchable and low-carbon source of electricity, should not be treated less favourably than other low-carbon technologies in the application of this Directive. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3a) In most Member States, grid connection is not subject to administrative permitting but is based on connection applications managed by system operators through technical and contractual processes distinct from environmental and administrative authorisation procedures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3b) To strengthen public acceptance of renewable energy projects, Member States should be able to adopt proportionate measures to facilitate benefit-sharing with local communities. Such measures should take into account national, regional and local circumstances and existing practices, apply only where benefits are not already provided, and ensure a clear link between the project and the community, without creating unnecessary administrative burden. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3c) The use of independent facilitators risks creating administrative burden and delays. Member States with Commission guidance where necessary, should ensure that local communities have access to clear and reliable information on permitting procedures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3d) Public acceptance is a key factor for the successful deployment of renewable energy projects, and may be enhanced where local citizens and communities benefit, directly or indirectly, from such projects in a proportionate manner reflecting a clear link to the affected area. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3e) The digitalisation of administrative procedures, including through interoperable national portals, can improve transparency and efficiency, provided that such tools are designed in a manner consistent with existing systems and do not interfere with the technical specificities of grid connection processes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4) Article 15c of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces an obligation for Member States to designate renewables acceleration areas for at least one renewable energy technology. For the purposes of such designation, Member States may exclude certain areas from becoming renewables acceleration areas due to their high environmental value and sensitivities. However, in order not to undermine the objectives of the designation of renewables acceleration areas, Member States should not identify large territories where the installation of renewable energy projects is a priori not possible due to environmental reasons including protection of landscape, since those projects will be subject to the relevant dedicated environmental assessments which will allow to identify potential environmental impacts and to address them. | (4) Article 15c of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces an obligation for Member States to designate renewables acceleration areas for at least one renewable energy technology. For the purposes of such designation, Member States may exclude certain areas from becoming renewables acceleration areas due to their high environmental value and sensitivities. However, in order not to undermine the objectives of the designation of renewables acceleration areas, Member States should not identify large territories where the installation of energy infrastructure and transition projects is a priori not possible due to environmental reasons including protection of landscape, since those projects will be subject to the relevant dedicated environmental assessments which will allow to identify potential environmental impacts and to address them. The designation of renewables acceleration areas should be based on objective environmental and spatial criteria and should not include technology-specific exclusions so as to ensure that all renewable energy sources and their corresponding infrastructure can contribute to the achievement of Union climate and energy targets. In order to ensure effective and uniform implementation, Member States should not designate new or existing large areas where the installation of renewable energy projects and their corresponding infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, unless such restrictions are strictly justified. Such justification should be limited to cases where the designation of such areas would adversely affect national security, the integrity or operational reliability of critical infrastructure, or result in irreversible environmental damage that cannot be mitigated or compensated for under Union environmental law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4) Article 15c of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces an obligation for Member States to designate renewables acceleration areas for at least one renewable energy technology. For the purposes of such designation, Member States may exclude certain areas from becoming renewables acceleration areas due to their high environmental value and sensitivities. However, in order not to undermine the objectives of the designation of renewables acceleration areas, Member States should not identify large territories where the installation of renewable energy projects is a priori not possible due to environmental reasons including protection of landscape, since those projects will be subject to the relevant dedicated environmental assessments which will allow to identify potential environmental impacts and to address them. | (4) Article 15c of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces an obligation for Member States to designate renewables acceleration areas for at least one renewable energy technology. For the purposes of such designation, Member States may exclude certain areas from becoming renewables acceleration areas due to their high environmental value and sensitivities. |
Anna Stürgkh, Bart Groothuis, Brigitte van den Berg, Morten Løkkegaard, Emma Wiesner, Andreas Glück, Christophe Grudler
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4) Article 15c of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces an obligation for Member States to designate renewables acceleration areas for at least one renewable energy technology. For the purposes of such designation, Member States may exclude certain areas from becoming renewables acceleration areas due to their high environmental value and sensitivities. However, in order not to undermine the objectives of the designation of renewables acceleration areas, Member States should not identify large territories where the installation of renewable energy projects is a priori not possible due to environmental reasons including protection of landscape, since those projects will be subject to the relevant dedicated environmental assessments which will allow to identify potential environmental impacts and to address them. | (4) Article 15c of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces an obligation for Member States to designate renewables acceleration areas for at least one renewable energy technology. For the purposes of such designation, Member States may exclude certain areas from becoming renewables acceleration areas due to their high environmental value and sensitivities. However, in order not to undermine the objectives of the designation of renewables acceleration areas, it should be ensured that Member States do not designate overproportionate exclusion areas without introducing a suitable surface of acceleration areas. Member States must not identify large territories where the installation of renewable energy projects is a priori not possible due to environmental reasons including protection of landscape, since those projects will be subject to the relevant dedicated environmental assessments which will allow to identify potential environmental impacts and to address them. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4a) Assessment of the implementation of Articles 15c and 15b of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 demonstrates that a significant number of Member States have not yet designated renewables acceleration areas nor fulfilled their obligations to map sufficiently large areas for the installation of renewables in their territories required to meet their national contributions towards the Union renewable energy target for 2030. Where those prior obligations have not been met, the further designation of areas restricting renewable energy deployment is liable to render ineffective the framework established by those Articles and to result in disproportionate territorial exclusions incompatible with the Union's energy and climate objectives. The designation of new restricted areas should therefore be conditional upon prior fulfilment of those obligations. In that regard, available spatial analyses indicate that only approximately 2% of the Union's total land area is required to accommodate the solar and wind installations needed to meet the Union's climate and energy objectives, and that suitable land identified on the basis of strict environmental and agricultural constraints, amounts to more than twice that figure, confirming that adequate areas for renewable energy deployment can be identified before any territorial restrictions are imposed. The eventual designation of new restricted areas should therefore be conditional upon prior fulfilment of the mapping and acceleration area-designation obligations, and existing restrictions should be reviewed and, where not objectively justified, repealed or amended. In all cases, the designation of renewables acceleration areas and any territorial restrictions should be based on objective, evidence-based criteria, transparent methodologies and effective public participation. |
The spatial data referenced in recital draws on: European Environmental Bureau, Land for Renewables , Briefing on spatial requirements for a sustainable energy transition in Europe (July 2024), which builds on territorial analysis carried out by the EU Joint Research Centre and finds that as little as 2% of the Union's total land area is required to accommodate the solar and wind installations needed for climate neutrality, while more than 5% is identified as suitable under strict environmental and agricultural constraints.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 . Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. | (5) Significant gaps remain in the quality, timing and inclusiveness of public participation processes across the EU, with processes commencing too late, covering too narrow a range of affected parties, lacking transparency, or failing to give local communities any tangible stake in a given projects. Such unsound public participation processes are the root cause leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring early, effective and continuous public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, with an installed capacity above 1 MW can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens, municipalities and communities through mechanisms ensuring direct, tangible, fair and transparent benefits to those communities, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Given the citizens energy package objective to reach 90GW of community energy projects by 2030 and that direct participation in renewable energy projects, through co-ownership models, has proven to enhance local acceptance and deliver additional social and economic value, benefit sharing measures should prioritise direct financial participation measures such as shared ownership schemes, including via energy communities; or failing that, crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of local contracts and quality job creation for the local communities throughout the lifespan of the project, including training programmes]; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project, including for the constitution, operation and capacity building of energy communities; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. Indirect economic effects, including general, time-bound non-local employment or other benefits, such as those already required under existing tax laws, that would occur in the ordinary course of the development, construction or operation of a project, should not, in themselves, be deemed to constitute benefit-sharing. |
| 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 . Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. | (5) Insufficient and late public consultation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lack of acceptance and lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of thorough public consultation processes has an impact on public acceptance which can be one of the barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring early and meaningful public participation in a transparent and fair process, and the chance for ownership by local communities in renewable energy projects, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7. Such measures should prioritise the offer of direct financial participation measures, such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities which allow local residents to have democratic ownership over a portion of the installed assets and the resulting generated energy; or, failing that, crowdfunding schemes, renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes, community benefit funds, financial compensation to local communities, including for the operation and capacity building of energy communities, in proximity of the project, construction and maintenance of safe public infrastructure in proximity of the project, discounts in the price of electricity, and support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. |
| 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). | 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7. Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. | (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7. Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, especially in relation to the selection of land privately owned by citizens in rural areas for the siting of new facilities, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity for communities within whose territory facilities are located, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. |
| 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). | 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 . Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. | (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, in cases where Member States have not already set national measures more favourable for the local communities than those envisaged in this Directive, they should adopt measures so that commercial renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 . Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities, including local authorities and households, in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. |
| 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). | 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). |
Anna Stürgkh, Martin Hojsík, Bart Groothuis, Brigitte van den Berg, Morten Løkkegaard, Emma Wiesner, Andreas Glück, Barry Andrews, Christophe Grudler, Sigrid Friis
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 . Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. | (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 . Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. Member States should not be required per se to implement any new measure if equally effective measures are already in place. |
| 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). | 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 . Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. | (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to energy infrastructure permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in energy infrastructure projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Member States may adopt measures, where appropriate, to facilitate the sharing of benefits from energy projects with local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects, taking into account national legal frameworks and regional circumstances. Such measures should respect the principle of subsidiarity, remain proportionate, avoid creating unnecessary administrative burdens and should not delay permitting procedures or project development. Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. |
| 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 . Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. | (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large renewable energy projects share a greater proportion of their benefits than those accrued to the general population with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 . Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. |
| 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). | 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to renewable energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in renewable energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large renewable energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 . Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or renewable self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. | (5) Unsound public participation processes leading to opposition in the form of administrative and judicial challenges continue to contribute to lengthy implementation of relevant energy projects. Challenges give rise to additional steps outside of the foreseen administrative permit-granting procedures timelines, leading to unforeseen delays that vary in duration according to the judicial speed of the Member State in question. Lack of public acceptance is one of the primary barriers to energy permit-granting procedures and thus market uptake. Ensuring public participation by local communities in energy projects, in particular the larger ones, can increase public acceptance. Therefore, Member States should adopt measures so that large energy projects share their benefits with local citizens and communities by means of direct or indirect participation, without prejudice to the free choice of supplier in accordance with Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 . Such measures may include direct financial participation measures, in various forms such as shared ownership schemes, including via cooperation with energy communities; crowdfunding schemes, or self-consumption or energy sharing schemes, or indirect financial participation measures, such as the promotion of contracts and job creation for the local communities, including training programmes; community benefit funds; financial compensations to local communities in proximity of the project; construction and maintenance of public infrastructure in proximity of the project; discounts in the price of electricity, or support for vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty. |
| 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). | 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of large renewable energy installations above 10 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. | (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 |
| 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). | 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of large renewable energy installations above 10 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. | (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, late and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage, meaningful and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343. A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy installations above 1 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue, build inclusiveness and consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should support access to information on rights and opportunities for communities to participate in ownership or co-ownership schemes via energy communities, hence ensuring the prioritisation of such benefit sharing solutions, and when those solutions are not feasible, assist in identifying the most appropriate and equitable benefit sharing mechanisms responding to the needs of the affected communities and citizens . The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. |
| 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of large renewable energy installations above 10 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. | (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 This should be achieved in a way that does not create further administrative burden or further delay in granting procedures. |
| 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). | 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of large renewable energy installations above 10 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. | (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency and insufficient community consultation and meaningful involvement can in some cases result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy installations above 1 MW by promoting consultations between project developers and local communities prior and during the permit-granting procedures, with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. The independent facilitator should provide the local citizens and communities affected by renewable energy projects with all relevant information on their rights and opportunities for creating energy communities in order to take part in co-ownership arrangements, including putting them in contact with relevant one-stop-shops, existing energy communities in the region, and national federations of energy communities wherever possible. |
| 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). | 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/13438. A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of large renewable energy installations above 10 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. | (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency and relevant information about projects, their value, the relevance and the benefits for inhabitants of the areas concerned, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/13438. A professional independent facilitator can accelerate and support the deployment of large renewable energy installations above 10 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue, the project’s relevance at local level, and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. |
| 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). | 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of large renewable energy installations above 10 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. | (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 For accelerating the deployment of large energy installations above 10 MW consultations between the project developers and the local communities should be promoted by competent authorities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. |
| 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). | 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of large renewable energy installations above 10 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. | (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, misleading and politically motivated disinformation about renewable energy sources sometimes spread by politicians themselves, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of large renewable energy installations above 10 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. |
| 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). | 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of large renewable energy installations above 10 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer or to the community where the project is located. | (6) Local resistance, often rooted in lack of transparency, and insufficient community involvement can result in delays in permit-granting procedures and subsequent litigation. Early-stage and appropriate involvement of the public is a clear success factor in renewable energy projects, as indicated in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343.8 A professional independent facilitator can accelerate the deployment of large renewable energy installations above 10 MW by promoting consultations between the project developers and the local communities, where appropriate, prior and during the permit-granting procedures with the aim to promote dialogue and build consensus among the relevant parties during the entire process and avoid legal disputes. The facilitator should be a third party or public authority, independent from the relevant parties, and should not have any financial stake connected to the developer, other developers with projects in proximity, or to the community where the project is located. |
| 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). | 8 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1343 of 13 May 2024 on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects (OJ L, 2024/1343, 21.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1343/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. | (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for energy infrastructure and transition projects including for the generation, conversion, transport, storage and system integration of energy, including electricity networks, gas and hydrogen infrastructure, CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure, energy storage facilities and generation plants contributing to or supporting the transition towards climate neutrality, as well as the connection of such infrastructure to the grid, that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. In order to further enhance legal certainty and predictability for applicants, competent authorities and system operators should provide clear and precise guidance at an early stage on the documentation and information requirements applicable to connection procedures. Such guidance should be presented in standardised formats, including structured requirement frameworks and procedural checklists, differentiated by connection type, and should be made available in advance through the single digital portal. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. The portal could facilitate the collection of aggregated information on the functioning of permit-granting procedures, where appropriate. However, such functionalities should not impose disproportionate administrative or reporting obligations on competent authorities. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. |
| 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. | 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. | (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. For grid projects, advanced digital tools can also improve the quality and precision of environmental assessments. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. It also limits the possibility for authorities to use shared environmental data to assess impacts consistently, identify less harmful alternatives and define appropriate mitigation measures at an early stage. Member States should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. Where relevant, the portal should support data-driven comparisons between existing and proposed infrastructure configurations, including whether grid upgrades remain within an existing footprint. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. |
| 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. | 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. | (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. The lack of digitalisation and use of real time data in grid operations hampers optimal use of existing infrastructure. Digitalisation needs to be accelerated especially in areas where capacity in existing infrastructure is assumed to be minimal. Available data needs to be shared transparently with system users in order to allow them to adapt their connection requests. |
| 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. | 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process9. Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. | (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Acceleration of the digitalisation process and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process9. Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. Non-exchange of necessary information between institutions leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and approvals granted, and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures and reduce timeframes. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps and possible losses of documents. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information, with all information in the portal being adequately protected. |
| 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. | 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. | (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should aim to streamline and speed up administrative permit-granting procedures, if necessary for example by setting up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the administrative permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects and recharging stations, with the exception of the procedures for grid connection. The digital portal should be designed in the most efficient and made in an interoperable manner with the existing portals for System Operators. Each administrative permit-granting process registered in the portal must be visible, in addition to the authorities and system operators involved, only to the relevant project proponent. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. |
| 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. | 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. | (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States that have not yet done so should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal could present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. |
| 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. | 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7) The lack of resources of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should set up a single digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. | (7) The lack of resources and staffing of permitting authorities and the lack of digitalisation of permit-granting procedures and data availability are bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Digitalisation, adequate staffing, and an appropriate use of artificial intelligence features are key tools to speed up procedures and to increase efficiency for all parties involved. It allows a faster handling of applications by the relevant authorities, and it allows project promoters to have quick access to clear information on process steps and requirements from the outset, therefore ensuring transparency and monitoring. However, digitalisation of permit-granting procedures is lagging behind, as it is often scattered among permit-granting procedures and steps across different competent authorities and in most Member States there is no unified digital process.9 Moreover, often more than one digital portal is used to treat the same project application and interoperability is not always ensured. This leads to a high administrative burden for project promoters, limited internal coordination among authorities dealing with permit-granting procedures at different levels, lack of visibility of the status of the application and unclarity on the bottlenecks slowing down permit-granting procedures. Member States should set up a single publicly available digital portal at national level for all the steps of the permit-granting procedures for renewable energy, storage and grid projects so that it contributes to more uniform digitalisation, interoperability and transparency across different permitting authorities in Member States and ultimately speed up permit-granting procedures. It should also simplify the process by allowing applicants to file their application in a single portal that can automatically attribute the applications to the competent authority, which will treat them directly in the portal avoiding intermediate paper-based steps. The portal should present features, including by means of artificial intelligence, allowing the single contact point, other authorities and applicants to check the status of the application and where delays are, as well as check compliance with the permitting deadlines. In addition, it should allow for the extraction of statistics to check the overall progress of permit-granting procedures in Member States. The format chosen for storing and communicating the relevant data collected through the portal should be interoperable. The portal should facilitate the duties of the single contact point who should have access to all relevant data and information. |
| 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. | 9 European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, COWI, Eclareon and Prognos, Monitoring the implementation of the Commission recommendation and guidance on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy and related infrastructure projects – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, p.31. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7a) The acceleration of permit-granting procedures should not lead competent authorities or network operators to disregard the physical constraints of the electricity system. Recent operational experience on the European interconnected system has shown that uncontrolled aggregation of intermittent generation in a given area can compromise voltage support, frequency stability and the availability of system services, and may give rise to systemic risks. The administrative deadlines set out in this Directive cannot override the operational responsibility of network operators and competent authorities to preserve system stability, adequacy and security of supply. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8) Faster and shorter permitting deadlines for permit-granting procedures need to be accompanied by additional measures which ensure their effectiveness in practice. Administrative tacit approval measures ensure that an application is automatically approved if the public administration fails to act within a legally defined deadline and are therefore a useful tool to address administrative inaction by providing legal effect to the administration’s silence. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces tacit approval for certain decisions, namely for intermediate steps of the permit-granting procedure in renewable acceleration areas, and for the final permits for all small-scale solar installations with a capacity below 100 kW. Given the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources and the fact that the implementation of renewable acceleration areas is a time-consuming process, it is appropriate to also apply this measure in the permit-granting procedures applicable to projects located outside acceleration areas. In these procedures, Member States should ensure that the principle of administrative tacit approval is applied, including for final decisions with the exception of environmental decisions. In order to ensure an effective application of this measure and to guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public that a decision has been tacitly adopted. | (8) Reasonable permitting deadlines for permit-granting procedures need to be accompanied by additional measures which ensure their effectiveness in practice. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces tacit approval for certain decisions, namely for intermediate steps of the permit-granting procedure in renewable acceleration areas, and for the final permits for all small-scale solar installations with a capacity below 100 kW. Given the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources and the fact that the implementation of renewable acceleration areas is a time-consuming process, it is appropriate to consider ways to facilitate more efficient permit-granting procedures applicable to projects located outside acceleration areas. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8) Faster and shorter permitting deadlines for permit-granting procedures need to be accompanied by additional measures which ensure their effectiveness in practice. Administrative tacit approval measures ensure that an application is automatically approved if the public administration fails to act within a legally defined deadline and are therefore a useful tool to address administrative inaction by providing legal effect to the administration’s silence. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces tacit approval for certain decisions, namely for intermediate steps of the permit-granting procedure in renewable acceleration areas, and for the final permits for all small-scale solar installations with a capacity below 100 kW. Given the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources and the fact that the implementation of renewable acceleration areas is a time-consuming process, it is appropriate to also apply this measure in the permit-granting procedures applicable to projects located outside acceleration areas. In these procedures, Member States should ensure that the principle of administrative tacit approval is applied, including for final decisions with the exception of environmental decisions. In order to ensure an effective application of this measure and to guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public that a decision has been tacitly adopted. | (8) Faster and shorter permitting deadlines for permit-granting procedures need to be accompanied by additional measures which ensure their effectiveness in practice. Administrative tacit approval measures ensure that an application is automatically approved if the public administration fails to act within a legally defined deadline and are therefore a useful tool to address administrative inaction by providing legal effect to the administration’s silence. Given the need to accelerate the deployment of energy sources and the fact that this is a time-consuming process, in these procedures, Member States should ensure that the principle of administrative tacit approval could apply, including for final decisions with the exception of environmental decisions. In order to ensure an effective application of this measure and to guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public that a decision has been tacitly adopted. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8) Faster and shorter permitting deadlines for permit-granting procedures need to be accompanied by additional measures which ensure their effectiveness in practice. Administrative tacit approval measures ensure that an application is automatically approved if the public administration fails to act within a legally defined deadline and are therefore a useful tool to address administrative inaction by providing legal effect to the administration’s silence. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces tacit approval for certain decisions, namely for intermediate steps of the permit-granting procedure in renewable acceleration areas, and for the final permits for all small-scale solar installations with a capacity below 100 kW. Given the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources and the fact that the implementation of renewable acceleration areas is a time-consuming process, it is appropriate to also apply this measure in the permit-granting procedures applicable to projects located outside acceleration areas. In these procedures, Member States should ensure that the principle of administrative tacit approval is applied, including for final decisions with the exception of environmental decisions. In order to ensure an effective application of this measure and to guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public that a decision has been tacitly adopted. | (8) Faster and shorter permitting deadlines for permit-granting procedures need to reflect in their timelines the complexity of the projects concerned and be accompanied by additional measures which ensure their effectiveness in practice. In order to ensure that permit-granting procedures are completed within the applicable time limits, it is appropriate to introduce mechanisms that address situations where competent authorities fail to act within established deadlines. In order to ensure legal certainty and avoid disproportionate effects, the use of tacit approval should be limited to clearly defined procedural steps and specific categories of projects. In particular, for the repowering of renewable energy power plants, where environmental baselines are already established, tacit approval may be applied to certain steps of environmental assessments under Union environmental law, where competent authorities fail to act within the prescribed deadlines. Such application should be strictly limited in scope and should not extend to other administrative decisions, including those related to grid connection procedures or safety, which require explicit assessment to ensure system integrity and compliance with sector-specific rules. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8) Faster and shorter permitting deadlines for permit-granting procedures need to be accompanied by additional measures which ensure their effectiveness in practice. Administrative tacit approval measures ensure that an application is automatically approved if the public administration fails to act within a legally defined deadline and are therefore a useful tool to address administrative inaction by providing legal effect to the administration’s silence. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces tacit approval for certain decisions, namely for intermediate steps of the permit-granting procedure in renewable acceleration areas, and for the final permits for all small-scale solar installations with a capacity below 100 kW. Given the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources and the fact that the implementation of renewable acceleration areas is a time-consuming process, it is appropriate to also apply this measure in the permit-granting procedures applicable to projects located outside acceleration areas. In these procedures, Member States should ensure that the principle of administrative tacit approval is applied, including for final decisions with the exception of environmental decisions. In order to ensure an effective application of this measure and to guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public that a decision has been tacitly adopted. | (8) Faster and shorter permitting deadlines for permit-granting procedures need to be accompanied by additional measures which ensure their effectiveness in practice. Administrative tacit approval measures ensure that an application is automatically approved if the public administration fails to act within a legally defined deadline and are therefore a useful tool to address administrative inaction by providing legal effect to the administration’s silence. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces tacit approval for certain decisions, namely for intermediate steps of the permit-granting procedure in renewable acceleration areas, and for the final permits for all small-scale solar installations with a capacity below 100 kW. Given the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources and the fact that the implementation of renewable acceleration areas is a time-consuming process, it is appropriate to also apply this measure in the permit-granting procedures applicable to projects located outside acceleration areas. In these procedures, Member States should ensure that the principle of administrative tacit approval is applied, including for final decisions with the exception of environmental decisions. In order to ensure an effective application of this measure and to guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public that a decision has been tacitly adopted as well as ensuring transparent access to decision criteria, procedural requirements and consultation processes relevant to permit applications. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8) Faster and shorter permitting deadlines for permit-granting procedures need to be accompanied by additional measures which ensure their effectiveness in practice. Administrative tacit approval measures ensure that an application is automatically approved if the public administration fails to act within a legally defined deadline and are therefore a useful tool to address administrative inaction by providing legal effect to the administration’s silence. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces tacit approval for certain decisions, namely for intermediate steps of the permit-granting procedure in renewable acceleration areas, and for the final permits for all small-scale solar installations with a capacity below 100 kW. Given the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources and the fact that the implementation of renewable acceleration areas is a time-consuming process, it is appropriate to also apply this measure in the permit-granting procedures applicable to projects located outside acceleration areas. In these procedures, Member States should ensure that the principle of administrative tacit approval is applied, including for final decisions with the exception of environmental decisions. In order to ensure an effective application of this measure and to guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public that a decision has been tacitly adopted. | (8) Faster and shorter permitting deadlines for permit-granting procedures and their harmonisation across the Member States need to be accompanied by additional measures which ensure their effectiveness in practice. Administrative tacit approval measures ensure that an application is automatically approved if the public administration fails to act within a legally defined deadline and are therefore a useful tool to address administrative inaction by providing legal effect to the administration’s silence. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 introduces tacit approval for certain decisions, namely for intermediate steps of the permit-granting procedure in renewable acceleration areas, and for the final permits for all small-scale solar installations with a capacity below 100 kW. Given the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources and the fact that the implementation of renewable acceleration areas is a time-consuming process, it is appropriate to also apply this measure in the permit-granting procedures applicable to projects located outside acceleration areas. In these procedures, Member States should ensure that the principle of administrative tacit approval is applied, including for final decisions with the exception of environmental decisions. In order to ensure an effective application of this measure and to guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public that a decision has been tacitly adopted. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9) Repowering of existing renewable energy power plants has significant potential to contribute to the achievement of renewable energy targets. Since existing renewable energy power plants have, for the most part, been installed in sites with significant renewable energy source potential, repowering can ensure the continued use of those sites, thus ensuring efficient land use and exploitation of the best renewable energy resources. This is particularly the case for onshore wind, especially taking into account that in Europe many onshore wind farms are approaching the end of contracts supporting their electricity generation and that 26 GW of existing wind plants have been in operation for more than 20 years10 . Repowering includes further benefits such as an existing grid connection, a likely higher degree of public acceptance and knowledge of the likely environmental impacts. Considering that the repowering of wind plants often leads to a lower number of turbines being installed in the same site, the environmental impact of repowered wind plants is limited. Therefore, requirements on environmental screening or environmental impact assessment should be reduced or even waived where the repowering of an existing wind plant does not entail use of additional land surface, increases the total capacity of the installation and complies with the applicable environmental mitigation measures established for the original wind energy installation. | (9) Repowering of existing energy power plants has significant potential to contribute to the achievement of system stability and security of supply. Repowering includes further benefits such as an existing grid connection, a likely higher degree of public acceptance and knowledge of the likely environmental impacts. Therefore, requirements on environmental screening or environmental impact assessment should be reduced or even waived where the repowering of an existing plant does not entail use of additional land surface, increases the total capacity of the installation and complies with the applicable environmental mitigation measures established for the original energy installation. |
| 10 WindEurope, 2024 Statistics and the outlook for 2025-2030. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9) Repowering of existing renewable energy power plants has significant potential to contribute to the achievement of renewable energy targets. Since existing renewable energy power plants have, for the most part, been installed in sites with significant renewable energy source potential, repowering can ensure the continued use of those sites, thus ensuring efficient land use and exploitation of the best renewable energy resources. This is particularly the case for onshore wind, especially taking into account that in Europe many onshore wind farms are approaching the end of contracts supporting their electricity generation and that 26 GW of existing wind plants have been in operation for more than 20 years10 . Repowering includes further benefits such as an existing grid connection, a likely higher degree of public acceptance and knowledge of the likely environmental impacts. Considering that the repowering of wind plants often leads to a lower number of turbines being installed in the same site, the environmental impact of repowered wind plants is limited. Therefore, requirements on environmental screening or environmental impact assessment should be reduced or even waived where the repowering of an existing wind plant does not entail use of additional land surface, increases the total capacity of the installation and complies with the applicable environmental mitigation measures established for the original wind energy installation. | (9) Repowering of existing renewable energy power plants has significant potential to contribute to the achievement of renewable energy targets. Since existing renewable energy power plants have, for the most part, been installed in sites with significant renewable energy source potential, repowering can ensure the continued use of those sites, thus ensuring efficient land use and exploitation of the best renewable energy resources. This is particularly the case for onshore wind, especially taking into account that in Europe many onshore wind farms are approaching the end of contracts supporting their electricity generation and that 26 GW of existing wind plants have been in operation for more than 20 years10 . Repowering includes further benefits such as an existing grid connection, a likely higher degree of public acceptance and knowledge of the likely environmental impacts. Considering that the repowering of wind plants often leads to a lower number of turbines being installed in the same site, the environmental impact of repowered wind plants is limited. Therefore, requirements on environmental screening or environmental impact assessment should be reduced or even waived where the repowering of an existing wind plant does not entail use of additional land surface, increases the total capacity of the installation and complies with the applicable environmental mitigation measures established for the original wind energy installation. Given that repowering projects typically take place on existing sites with known environmental conditions, simplified and accelerated procedures, including the targeted use of tacit approval for specific environmental assessment steps, are justified where authorities fail to act within established deadlines. Likewise, repowering projects carried out within the same or a functionally connected site, with only limited additional land use and in compliance with applicable mitigation measures established for the original installation, should therefore benefit from proportionate and streamlined procedures. |
| 10 WindEurope, 2024 Statistics and the outlook for 2025-2030. | 10 WindEurope, 2024 Statistics and the outlook for 2025-2030. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9) Repowering of existing renewable energy power plants has significant potential to contribute to the achievement of renewable energy targets. Since existing renewable energy power plants have, for the most part, been installed in sites with significant renewable energy source potential, repowering can ensure the continued use of those sites, thus ensuring efficient land use and exploitation of the best renewable energy resources. This is particularly the case for onshore wind, especially taking into account that in Europe many onshore wind farms are approaching the end of contracts supporting their electricity generation and that 26 GW of existing wind plants have been in operation for more than 20 years10 . Repowering includes further benefits such as an existing grid connection, a likely higher degree of public acceptance and knowledge of the likely environmental impacts. Considering that the repowering of wind plants often leads to a lower number of turbines being installed in the same site, the environmental impact of repowered wind plants is limited. Therefore, requirements on environmental screening or environmental impact assessment should be reduced or even waived where the repowering of an existing wind plant does not entail use of additional land surface, increases the total capacity of the installation and complies with the applicable environmental mitigation measures established for the original wind energy installation. | (9) Repowering of existing renewable energy power plants has significant potential to contribute to the achievement of renewable energy targets. Since existing renewable energy power plants have, for the most part, been installed in sites with significant renewable energy source potential, repowering can ensure the continued use of those sites, thus ensuring efficient land use and exploitation of the best renewable energy resources provided that the upgrade of existing technology is carefully assessed and formally declared not harmful to residents and territories. This is particularly the case for onshore wind, especially taking into account that in Europe many onshore wind farms are approaching the end of contracts supporting their electricity generation and that 26 GW of existing wind plants have been in operation for more than 20 years10. Repowering includes further benefits such as an existing grid connection, a likely higher degree of public acceptance and knowledge of the likely environmental impacts. Considering that the repowering of wind plants often leads to a lower number of turbines being installed in the same site, the environmental impact of repowered wind plants is limited. Therefore, requirements on environmental screening or environmental impact assessment might be simplified where the repowering of an existing wind plant does not entail use of additional land surface, increases the total capacity of the installation and complies with the applicable environmental mitigation measures established for the original wind energy installation. |
| 10 WindEurope, 2024 Statistics and the outlook for 2025-2030. | 10 WindEurope, 2024 Statistics and the outlook for 2025-2030. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Self-consumption installations, including those for jointly-acting self-consumers and as local energy communities, contribute to reducing overall demand for natural gas, increasing resilience of the system and achieving the Union’s renewable energy targets. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and does not raise safety concerns. In addition, small installations do not generally require capacity expansion at the grid-connection point. In order to further accelerate the deployment of small-scale solar equipment and co-located energy storage, Member States should not require any administrative permits for these installations, with the exception of the grid connection permits, as is already the case in several Member States. Aligning Union legislation with existing best practices should allow further acceleration of the deployment of these installations in a harmonised manner. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage above 100 kW in existing or future artificial structures does not typically raise concerns related to competing uses of space or environmental impact. Those installations should therefore benefit from shorter permit-granting procedures and be exempt, with appropriate safeguards, from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.11 | (10) Self-consumption installations, including those for jointly-acting self-consumers and as local energy communities, contribute to reducing overall demand for natural gas, increasing resilience of the system, achieving the Union’s renewable energy targets, and supporting consumers and SMEs with ways to face recurrent energy crises characterised by volatile prices and financial uncertainty. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and does not raise safety concerns. In addition, small installations do not generally require capacity expansion at the grid-connection point. Aligning Union legislation with existing best practices should allow further acceleration of the deployment of these installations in a harmonised manner. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage above 100 kW in existing or future artificial structures does not typically raise concerns related to competing uses of space or environmental impact. Those installations should therefore benefit, where safe and appropriate, from shorter permit-granting procedures.11 |
| 11 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/92/oj). | 11 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/92/oj). |
Anna Stürgkh, Martin Hojsík, Bart Groothuis, Brigitte van den Berg, Morten Løkkegaard, Emma Wiesner, Andreas Glück, Barry Andrews, Christophe Grudler, Sigrid Friis
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Self-consumption installations, including those for jointly-acting self-consumers and as local energy communities, contribute to reducing overall demand for natural gas, increasing resilience of the system and achieving the Union’s renewable energy targets. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and does not raise safety concerns. In addition, small installations do not generally require capacity expansion at the grid-connection point. In order to further accelerate the deployment of small-scale solar equipment and co-located energy storage, Member States should not require any administrative permits for these installations, with the exception of the grid connection permits, as is already the case in several Member States. Aligning Union legislation with existing best practices should allow further acceleration of the deployment of these installations in a harmonised manner. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage above 100 kW in existing or future artificial structures does not typically raise concerns related to competing uses of space or environmental impact. Those installations should therefore benefit from shorter permit-granting procedures and be exempt, with appropriate safeguards, from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.11 | (10) Self-consumption installations, including those for jointly-acting self-consumers and as local energy communities, contribute to reducing overall demand for natural gas, increasing resilience of the system and achieving the Union’s renewable energy targets. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and does not raise safety concerns. In addition, small installations do not generally require capacity expansion at the grid-connection point. In order to further accelerate the deployment of small-scale solar equipment and co-located energy storage, Member States should not require any administrative permits for these installations, with the exception of the grid connection agreements, as is already the case in several Member States. Aligning Union legislation with existing best practices should allow further acceleration of the deployment of these installations in a harmonised manner. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage above 100 kW in existing or future artificial structures does not typically raise concerns related to competing uses of space or environmental impact. Those installations should therefore benefit from shorter permit-granting procedures and be exempt, with appropriate safeguards, from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.11 |
| 11 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/92/oj). | 11 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/92/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Self-consumption installations, including those for jointly-acting self-consumers and as local energy communities, contribute to reducing overall demand for natural gas, increasing resilience of the system and achieving the Union’s renewable energy targets. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and does not raise safety concerns. In addition, small installations do not generally require capacity expansion at the grid-connection point. In order to further accelerate the deployment of small-scale solar equipment and co-located energy storage, Member States should not require any administrative permits for these installations, with the exception of the grid connection permits, as is already the case in several Member States. Aligning Union legislation with existing best practices should allow further acceleration of the deployment of these installations in a harmonised manner. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage above 100 kW in existing or future artificial structures does not typically raise concerns related to competing uses of space or environmental impact. Those installations should therefore benefit from shorter permit-granting procedures and be exempt, with appropriate safeguards, from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.11 | (10) Self-consumption installations, including those for jointly-acting self-consumers and as local energy communities, contribute to reducing overall demand for natural gas, increasing resilience of the system and achieving the Union’s renewable energy targets. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage with a capacity below 200 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and does not raise safety concerns. In addition, small installations do not generally require capacity expansion at the grid-connection point. In order to further accelerate the deployment of small-scale solar equipment and co-located energy storage, Member States should not require any administrative permits for these installations, with the exception of the grid connection permits, as is already the case in several Member States. Aligning Union legislation with existing best practices should allow further acceleration of the deployment of these installations in a harmonised manner. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage above 200 kW in existing or future artificial structures does not typically raise concerns related to competing uses of space or environmental impact. Those installations should therefore benefit from shorter permit-granting procedures and be exempt, with appropriate safeguards, from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.11 |
| 11 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/92/oj). | 11 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/92/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Self-consumption installations, including those for jointly-acting self-consumers and as local energy communities, contribute to reducing overall demand for natural gas, increasing resilience of the system and achieving the Union’s renewable energy targets. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and does not raise safety concerns. In addition, small installations do not generally require capacity expansion at the grid-connection point. In order to further accelerate the deployment of small-scale solar equipment and co-located energy storage, Member States should not require any administrative permits for these installations, with the exception of the grid connection permits, as is already the case in several Member States. Aligning Union legislation with existing best practices should allow further acceleration of the deployment of these installations in a harmonised manner. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage above 100 kW in existing or future artificial structures does not typically raise concerns related to competing uses of space or environmental impact. Those installations should therefore benefit from shorter permit-granting procedures and be exempt, with appropriate safeguards, from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.11 | (10) Self-consumption installations, including those for jointly-acting self-consumers and as local energy communities, contribute to reducing overall demand for natural gas, increasing resilience of the system and achieving the Union’s renewable energy targets. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage with a capacity below 300 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and does not raise safety concerns. In addition, small installations do not generally require capacity expansion at the grid-connection point. In order to further accelerate the deployment of small-scale solar equipment and co-located energy storage, Member States should not require any administrative permits for these installations, with the exception of the grid connection permits, as is already the case in several Member States. Aligning Union legislation with existing best practices should allow further acceleration of the deployment of these installations in a harmonised manner. The installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage above 300 kW in existing or future artificial structures does not typically raise concerns related to competing uses of space or environmental impact. Those installations should therefore benefit from shorter permit-granting procedures and be exempt, with appropriate safeguards, from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.11 |
| 11 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/92/oj). | 11 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/92/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Renewable energy plays a key role in the decarbonisation of the Union’s energy system by offering immediate solutions to replace fossil-fuel based energy and contributes to reduce energy prices and increase energy security. Therefore, the authorisation of renewable energy projects should not be too easily blocked due to the mere existence of any type of conflicting interests. Member States should promote renewable energy plants and infrastructure assets such as co-located and stand-alone storage assets and the related grid and recharging stations by expanding the existing presumption applicable for conflicts with environmental interests to any other conflicting interests, except in relation to cultural heritage and where it is evident that those conflicting interests have to take priority despite the important benefits of renewable energy. Renewable energy projects, when presumed of being of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests, should be given priority and authorised. In order to ensure a harmonised application of this rebuttable presumption, Member States should not be allowed to introduce exceptions when dealing with all types of conflicts, including environmental ones. | (11) The authorisation of energy projects should not be too easily blocked due to the mere existence of any type of conflicting interests. Member States should promote energy plants and infrastructure assets such as co-located and stand-alone storage assets and the related grid and recharging stations by expanding the existing presumption applicable for conflicts with environmental interests to any other conflicting interests, except in relation to cultural heritage and where it is evident that those conflicting interests have to take priority despite the important benefits. Energy projects should in any case be given priority and authorised. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Renewable energy plays a key role in the decarbonisation of the Union’s energy system by offering immediate solutions to replace fossil-fuel based energy and contributes to reduce energy prices and increase energy security. Therefore, the authorisation of renewable energy projects should not be too easily blocked due to the mere existence of any type of conflicting interests. Member States should promote renewable energy plants and infrastructure assets such as co-located and stand-alone storage assets and the related grid and recharging stations by expanding the existing presumption applicable for conflicts with environmental interests to any other conflicting interests, except in relation to cultural heritage and where it is evident that those conflicting interests have to take priority despite the important benefits of renewable energy. Renewable energy projects, when presumed of being of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests, should be given priority and authorised. In order to ensure a harmonised application of this rebuttable presumption, Member States should not be allowed to introduce exceptions when dealing with all types of conflicts, including environmental ones. | (11) Renewable energy plays a key role in the decarbonisation of the Union’s energy system by offering immediate solutions to replace fossil-fuel based energy and contributes to reduce energy prices and increase energy security. Therefore, the authorisation of energy infrastructure and transition projects should not be too easily blocked due to the mere existence of any type of conflicting interests. Member States should promote energy infrastructure, necessary for the generation, conversion, transport, storage and system integration of energy, including electricity networks, gas and hydrogen infrastructure, CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure, energy storage facilities, and generation plants contributing to or supporting the transition towards climate neutrality, as well as the connection of such infrastructure to the grid, by expanding the existing presumption applicable for conflicts with environmental interests to any other conflicting interests. Renewable energy projects, when presumed of being of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests, should be given priority and authorised. In order to ensure a harmonised application of this rebuttable presumption, Member States should not be allowed to introduce exceptions when dealing with all types of conflicts, including environmental ones. This approach should apply consistently across renewable energy technologies in order to ensure a level playing field and to fully exploit the potential of all renewable energy sources available in the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Renewable energy plays a key role in the decarbonisation of the Union’s energy system by offering immediate solutions to replace fossil-fuel based energy and contributes to reduce energy prices and increase energy security. Therefore, the authorisation of renewable energy projects should not be too easily blocked due to the mere existence of any type of conflicting interests. Member States should promote renewable energy plants and infrastructure assets such as co-located and stand-alone storage assets and the related grid and recharging stations by expanding the existing presumption applicable for conflicts with environmental interests to any other conflicting interests, except in relation to cultural heritage and where it is evident that those conflicting interests have to take priority despite the important benefits of renewable energy. Renewable energy projects, when presumed of being of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests, should be given priority and authorised. In order to ensure a harmonised application of this rebuttable presumption, Member States should not be allowed to introduce exceptions when dealing with all types of conflicts, including environmental ones. | (11) Renewable energy plays a key role in the decarbonisation of the Union’s energy system by offering immediate solutions to replace fossil-fuel based energy and contributes to reduce energy prices and increase energy security. Therefore, the authorisation of renewable energy projects in areas where stakeholders agree that it is in the public interest, should not be too easily blocked due to the mere existence of any type of conflicting interests. Member States should promote renewable energy plants and infrastructure assets such as co-located and stand-alone storage assets and the related grid and recharging stations by expanding the existing presumption applicable for conflicts with environmental interests to any other conflicting interests, except in relation to cultural heritage and where it is evident that those conflicting interests have to take priority despite the important benefits of renewable energy. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Renewable energy plays a key role in the decarbonisation of the Union’s energy system by offering immediate solutions to replace fossil-fuel based energy and contributes to reduce energy prices and increase energy security. Therefore, the authorisation of renewable energy projects should not be too easily blocked due to the mere existence of any type of conflicting interests. Member States should promote renewable energy plants and infrastructure assets such as co-located and stand-alone storage assets and the related grid and recharging stations by expanding the existing presumption applicable for conflicts with environmental interests to any other conflicting interests, except in relation to cultural heritage and where it is evident that those conflicting interests have to take priority despite the important benefits of renewable energy. Renewable energy projects, when presumed of being of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests, should be given priority and authorised. In order to ensure a harmonised application of this rebuttable presumption, Member States should not be allowed to introduce exceptions when dealing with all types of conflicts, including environmental ones. | (11) Renewable energy plays a key role in the Union’s energy system by contributing to the reduction of energy prices and increasing energy security. Therefore, the authorisation of renewable energy projects should not be too easily blocked due to the mere existence of any type of conflicting interests. Member States should promote renewable energy plants and infrastructure assets such as co-located and stand-alone storage assets and the related grid and recharging stations by expanding the existing presumption applicable for conflicts with environmental interests to any other conflicting interests, except in relation to cultural heritage and where it is evident that those conflicting interests have to take priority despite the important benefits of renewable energy. Renewable energy projects, when presumed of being of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests, can be given priority. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Renewable energy plays a key role in the decarbonisation of the Union’s energy system by offering immediate solutions to replace fossil-fuel based energy and contributes to reduce energy prices and increase energy security. Therefore, the authorisation of renewable energy projects should not be too easily blocked due to the mere existence of any type of conflicting interests. Member States should promote renewable energy plants and infrastructure assets such as co-located and stand-alone storage assets and the related grid and recharging stations by expanding the existing presumption applicable for conflicts with environmental interests to any other conflicting interests, except in relation to cultural heritage and where it is evident that those conflicting interests have to take priority despite the important benefits of renewable energy. Renewable energy projects, when presumed of being of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests, should be given priority and authorised. In order to ensure a harmonised application of this rebuttable presumption, Member States should not be allowed to introduce exceptions when dealing with all types of conflicts, including environmental ones. | (11) Renewable energy plays a key role in the decarbonisation of the Union’s energy system by offering immediate solutions to replace fossil-fuel based energy and contributes to reduce energy prices and increase energy security. Therefore, the authorisation of renewable energy projects should not be too easily blocked due to the mere existence of any type of conflicting interests. Member States should promote renewable energy plants and infrastructure assets such as co-located and stand-alone storage assets and the related grid and recharging stations by expanding the existing presumption applicable for conflicts with environmental interests to any other conflicting interests, except where it is evident that those conflicting interests have to take priority despite the important benefits of renewable energy. Renewable energy projects, when presumed of being of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests, should be given priority and authorised. In order to ensure a harmonised application of this rebuttable presumption, Member States should not be allowed to introduce exceptions when dealing with all types of conflicts, including environmental ones. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (12) In order to speed up the deployment of renewables, their related assets and their connection to the grid, it is appropriate to also specify how the remaining conditions for applying specific derogations as provided for in Union environmental legislation can be met. In particular, for the purposes of relevant Union environmental law, when assessing whether there are satisfactory alternative solutions to the specific renewable energy project, the scope of such assessment should be limited to alternative solutions that ensure the achievement of the same objectives as the project in question within the same or similar timeframe and without resulting in significantly higher costs. When comparing the timeframe and the cost of satisfactory alternative solutions, the relevant authorities should take into account the need to deploy renewable energy in an accelerated and cost-effective manner in accordance with the priorities set out in their integrated national energy and climate plans and updates thereof submitted pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and the Council12 and the expected speed to achieve those priorities. Similarly, when applying the relevant derogation provided for in Council Directive 92/43/EEC,13 it is appropriate that the relevant authorities may, in some justified cases where it can be reasonably demonstrated that the relevant plan or project would not affect irreversibly the ecological processes essential for maintaining the structure and functions of the site, that the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network is not compromised, the environmental integrity of the site is preserved and that a high level of protection of the Natura 2000 sites is ensured, allow the compensatory measures to be carried out in parallel with the implementation of such plan or project. | (12) In order to speed up the deployment of energy, including clean and low carbon energy, the related assets and connection to the grid, it is appropriate to apply derogations to Union environmental legislation, pending its comprehensive and urgent reform. In particular, for the purposes of relevant Union environmental law, when assessing whether there are satisfactory alternative solutions to the specific energy project, the scope of such assessment should be limited to alternative solutions that ensure the achievement of the same objectives as the project in question within the same or similar timeframe and without resulting in significantly higher costs. When comparing the timeframe and the cost of satisfactory alternative solutions, the relevant authorities should take into account the need to deploy energy in an accelerated and cost-effective manner. Similarly, when applying the relevant derogation provided for in Council Directive 92/43/EEC,13 it is appropriate that the relevant authorities may, in some justified cases where it can be reasonably demonstrated that the relevant plan or project would not affect irreversibly the ecological processes essential for maintaining the structure and functions of the site, that the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network is not compromised, the environmental integrity of the site is preserved and that a high level of protection of the Natura 2000 sites is ensured, allow the compensatory measures to be carried out in parallel with the implementation of such plan or project. |
| 12 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1, ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/1999/oj). | |
| 13 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/oj). | 13 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (13) Accelerating the deployment of stand-alone energy storage is crucial to increase the flexibility of the energy system and to ensure system integration of renewable energy production. Stand-alone storage should therefore benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures. Small-scale energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and is not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to this type of storage by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The deployment of energy storage with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months, except for pumped hydropower storage, which must comply with stricter environmental requirements and therefore requires a longer maximum overall deadline. To ensure system integration of renewable energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility sources, notably batteries of electric vehicles, as they can contribute to shifting peak electricity demand and reducing grid congestion. In order to achieve this, a swifter and easier deployment of recharging road infrastructure should be further promoted, notably covering cars, vans, trucks, busses or motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid or pure electric vehicles. Both alternating current and direct current recharging stations should benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connection permits. Small recharging stations with a capacity below 100 kW are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and are not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to these recharging stations by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The installation of recharging stations with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months. | (13) To ensure system integration of renewable energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility sources, notably batteries of electric vehicles, as they can contribute to shifting peak electricity demand and reducing grid congestion. In order to achieve this, a swifter and easier deployment of recharging road infrastructure should be further promoted, notably covering cars, vans, trucks, buses, motorcycles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and pure electric vehicles. Both alternating current and direct current recharging pools should benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connection permits. Small recharging pools with a capacity of 300 kW or less are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and are not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to these recharging pools by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The installation of recharging pools with a capacity above 300 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months. For the purposes of applying those capacity thresholds, where two or more recharging stations within a recharging pool share the same point of connection to the grid, their capacity should be assessed jointly; where such recharging stations have different points of connection to the grid, their capacity should be assessed separately. |
This amendment aligns the terminology of the recital with Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 by referring to recharging pools rather than individual recharging stations and ensures consistency with the operative provisions on permit-granting procedures. Raising the threshold from 100 kW to 300 kW reflects the increasing deployment of larger and more integrated charging hubs necessary for electrification, heavy-duty transport and system flexibility. The clarification on capacity assessment provides legal certainty for competent authorities, grid operators and project developers by ensuring that installations sharing the same grid connection point are assessed jointly, while technically separate installations connected at different points are assessed separately. This supports the faster and proportionate deployment of charging infrastructure across the Union.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (13) Accelerating the deployment of stand-alone energy storage is crucial to increase the flexibility of the energy system and to ensure system integration of renewable energy production. Stand-alone storage should therefore benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures. Small-scale energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and is not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to this type of storage by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The deployment of energy storage with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months, except for pumped hydropower storage, which must comply with stricter environmental requirements and therefore requires a longer maximum overall deadline. To ensure system integration of renewable energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility sources, notably batteries of electric vehicles, as they can contribute to shifting peak electricity demand and reducing grid congestion. In order to achieve this, a swifter and easier deployment of recharging road infrastructure should be further promoted, notably covering cars, vans, trucks, busses or motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid or pure electric vehicles. Both alternating current and direct current recharging stations should benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connection permits. Small recharging stations with a capacity below 100 kW are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and are not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to these recharging stations by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The installation of recharging stations with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months. | (13) Accelerating the deployment of stand-alone energy storage is crucial to increase the flexibility of the energy system and to ensure system integration of renewable energy production. Stand-alone storage should therefore benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures. Small-scale energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and is not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to this type of storage by eliminating unnecessary administrative requirements, with the exception of the grid connection permit. The deployment of energy storage with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months, except for pumped hydropower storage, which must comply with stricter environmental requirements and therefore requires a longer maximum overall deadline. To ensure system integration of renewable energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility sources, notably batteries of electric vehicles, as they can contribute to shifting peak electricity demand and reducing grid congestion. In order to achieve this, a swifter and easier deployment of recharging road infrastructure should be further promoted, notably covering cars, vans, trucks, buses or motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid or pure electric vehicles. Both alternating current and direct current recharging stations should benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connection permits. Small recharging stations with a capacity below 100 kW are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and are not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to these recharging stations by reducing administrative requirements only to those strictly necessary, with the exception of the grid connection permit. The installation of recharging stations with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (13) Accelerating the deployment of stand-alone energy storage is crucial to increase the flexibility of the energy system and to ensure system integration of renewable energy production. Stand-alone storage should therefore benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures. Small-scale energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and is not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to this type of storage by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The deployment of energy storage with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months, except for pumped hydropower storage, which must comply with stricter environmental requirements and therefore requires a longer maximum overall deadline. To ensure system integration of renewable energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility sources, notably batteries of electric vehicles, as they can contribute to shifting peak electricity demand and reducing grid congestion. In order to achieve this, a swifter and easier deployment of recharging road infrastructure should be further promoted, notably covering cars, vans, trucks, busses or motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid or pure electric vehicles. Both alternating current and direct current recharging stations should benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connection permits. Small recharging stations with a capacity below 100 kW are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and are not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to these recharging stations by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The installation of recharging stations with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months. | (13) Accelerating the deployment of stand-alone energy storage is crucial to increase the flexibility of the energy system and to ensure system integration of renewable energy production. Stand-alone storage should therefore benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures. Small-scale energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and is not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to this type of storage by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The deployment of energy storage with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months, except for pumped hydropower storage, which must comply with stricter environmental requirements and therefore requires a longer maximum overall deadline. To ensure system integration of renewable energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility sources, notably batteries of electric vehicles, as they can contribute to shifting peak electricity demand and reducing grid congestion. In order to achieve this, a swifter and easier deployment of recharging road infrastructure should be further promoted, notably covering cars, vans, trucks, busses or motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid or pure electric vehicles. Both alternating current and direct current recharging stations should benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connection permits. Small recharging stations with a capacity below 150 kW are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and are not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to these recharging stations by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU, provided that the recharging infrastructure supports smart charging and, where technically feasible, bidirectional charging. The installation of recharging stations with a capacity above 150 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months. |
Rolling out conventional, non-communicative infrastructure at this capacity risks creating stranded assets that cannot participate in flexibility markets or support grid balancing. By conditioning this accelerated permitting on smart and bidirectional charging readiness, we protect the grid from unmanaged peak loads, empower consumers to benefit from dynamic pricing, and align infrastructure deployment with the EU’s broader energy system integration goals
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (13) Accelerating the deployment of stand-alone energy storage is crucial to increase the flexibility of the energy system and to ensure system integration of renewable energy production. Stand-alone storage should therefore benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures. Small-scale energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and is not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to this type of storage by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The deployment of energy storage with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months, except for pumped hydropower storage, which must comply with stricter environmental requirements and therefore requires a longer maximum overall deadline. To ensure system integration of renewable energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility sources, notably batteries of electric vehicles, as they can contribute to shifting peak electricity demand and reducing grid congestion. In order to achieve this, a swifter and easier deployment of recharging road infrastructure should be further promoted, notably covering cars, vans, trucks, busses or motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid or pure electric vehicles. Both alternating current and direct current recharging stations should benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connection permits. Small recharging stations with a capacity below 100 kW are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and are not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to these recharging stations by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The installation of recharging stations with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months. | (13) Accelerating the deployment of stand-alone energy storage is crucial to increase the flexibility of the energy system and to ensure system integration of energy production. Stand-alone storage should therefore benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures. Small-scale energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and is not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to this type of storage by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The deployment of energy storage with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing maximum deadlines. To ensure system integration of energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility. Moreover, the deployment of recharging road infrastructure should continue to be promoted in an economically sustainable manner, covering cars, vans, trucks, busses or motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, in order to ensure that consumers who choose such means of transport are adequately supported. In this context, the CO₂ emission reduction targets, particularly those applicable to passenger vehicles, have given rise to significant concerns regarding their effects on industrial competitiveness, strategic autonomy, and affordability for citizens. Furthermore, these objectives appear increasingly difficult to attain, given consumer preferences, shortages of critical raw materials, competitive pressures from third countries, and the continued insufficiency and uneven distribution of charging infrastructure across Member States. For these reasons, the relevant legislative framework will undergo a comprehensive and in-depth revision, with the objective of ensuring genuine technological neutrality, establishing realistic transition timelines, and fully accounting for the economic and social consequences for both European industry and consumers. It is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable by eliminating all administrative permits. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (13) Accelerating the deployment of stand-alone energy storage is crucial to increase the flexibility of the energy system and to ensure system integration of renewable energy production. Stand-alone storage should therefore benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures. Small-scale energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and is not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to this type of storage by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The deployment of energy storage with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months, except for pumped hydropower storage, which must comply with stricter environmental requirements and therefore requires a longer maximum overall deadline. To ensure system integration of renewable energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility sources, notably batteries of electric vehicles, as they can contribute to shifting peak electricity demand and reducing grid congestion. In order to achieve this, a swifter and easier deployment of recharging road infrastructure should be further promoted, notably covering cars, vans, trucks, busses or motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid or pure electric vehicles. Both alternating current and direct current recharging stations should benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connection permits. Small recharging stations with a capacity below 100 kW are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and are not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to these recharging stations by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The installation of recharging stations with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months. | (13) Accelerating the deployment of stand-alone energy storage is crucial to increase the flexibility of the energy system and to ensure system integration of renewable energy production. Stand-alone storage should therefore benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures. Small-scale energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and is not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to this type of storage by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The deployment of energy storage with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months, except for pumped hydropower storage, which must comply with stricter environmental requirements and therefore requires a longer maximum overall deadline. To ensure system integration of renewable energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility sources, notably batteries of electric vehicles, as they can contribute to shifting peak electricity demand and reducing grid congestion. In order to achieve this, a swifter and easier deployment of recharging road infrastructure should be further promoted, notably covering cars, vans, trucks, busses or motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid or pure electric vehicles. Both alternating current and direct current recharging stations should benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connection permits. Small recharging stations with a capacity below 150 kW are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and are not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space as well as recharging pools and on-shore side electricity below 1MW in artificial structure. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to these recharging stations by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The installation of recharging stations with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (13) Accelerating the deployment of stand-alone energy storage is crucial to increase the flexibility of the energy system and to ensure system integration of renewable energy production. Stand-alone storage should therefore benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures. Small-scale energy storage with a capacity below 100 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and is not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to this type of storage by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The deployment of energy storage with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months, except for pumped hydropower storage, which must comply with stricter environmental requirements and therefore requires a longer maximum overall deadline. To ensure system integration of renewable energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility sources, notably batteries of electric vehicles, as they can contribute to shifting peak electricity demand and reducing grid congestion. In order to achieve this, a swifter and easier deployment of recharging road infrastructure should be further promoted, notably covering cars, vans, trucks, busses or motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid or pure electric vehicles. Both alternating current and direct current recharging stations should benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connection permits. Small recharging stations with a capacity below 100 kW are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and are not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to these recharging stations by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The installation of recharging stations with a capacity above 100 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months. | (13) Accelerating the deployment of stand-alone energy storage is crucial to increase the flexibility of the energy system and to ensure system integration of renewable energy production. Stand-alone storage should therefore benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures. Small-scale energy storage with a capacity below 200 kW is not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and is not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to this type of storage by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The deployment of energy storage with a capacity above 200 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months, except for pumped hydropower storage, which must comply with stricter environmental requirements and therefore requires a longer maximum overall deadline. To ensure system integration of renewable energy production, it is necessary to increase flexibility sources, notably batteries of electric vehicles, as they can contribute to shifting peak electricity demand and reducing grid congestion. In order to achieve this, a swifter and easier deployment of recharging road infrastructure should be further promoted, notably covering cars, vans, trucks, busses or motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid or pure electric vehicles. Both alternating current and direct current recharging stations should benefit from accelerated permit-granting procedures, including for grid connection permits. Small recharging stations with a capacity below 200 kW are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment or the grid and are not expected to raise concerns related to competing uses of space. In view of this, it is appropriate to streamline the permit-granting procedures applicable to these recharging stations by eliminating all administrative permits, with the exception of the grid connection permit, and exempting, with appropriate safeguards, these installations from the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU. The installation of recharging stations with a capacity above 200 kW also needs to be accelerated. Therefore, it is appropriate to streamline their permit-granting procedure by establishing a maximum overall deadline of six months. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (13a) The current guarantee of origin system operates at an annual resolution, which limits the information available to consumers and industry regarding the actual temporal origin of electricity and does not provide sufficient transparency as to when renewable electricity is generated and consumed. In order to ensure the trustworthiness and integrity of renewable energy sourcing, a more granular approach is required. Guarantees of origin should therefore be valid only for the sourcing and accounting of electricity within the same hour as the electricity was produced. Such an approach would provide more accurate and transparent information to consumers and industry, stimulate demand for real-time renewable energy sourcing, support the deployment of energy storage technologies, and encourage dynamic approaches to renewable power generation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (13a) In this context, the CO₂ emission reduction targets, applicable to transportation and to the automotive industry, have given rise to significant concerns regarding their effects on industrial competitiveness, strategic autonomy, and affordability for citizens. Furthermore, these objectives appear increasingly difficult to attain, given consumer preferences, shortages of critical raw materials and the continued insufficiency and uneven distribution of charging infrastructure across Member States. For these reasons, the relevant legislative framework should undergo a comprehensive and in-depth revision, with the objective of ensuring genuine technological neutrality, establishing realistic transition timelines, and fully accounting for the economic and social consequences for both European industry and consumers. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) Obtaining grid connection permits is a crucial and often time-consuming part of the procedures to build and operate a renewable energy installation. It is therefore appropriate to further streamline the deadlines applicable for the grid connection procedures applicable to certain small-scale renewable energy projects, storage assets and recharging stations, and the repowering and hybridisation of renewable energy projects, and to introduce clear rules regarding the obligations of the system operators during the permit procedures. | (14) Obtaining grid connection permits is a crucial and often time-consuming part of the procedures to build and operate a renewable energy installation. It is therefore appropriate to further streamline the deadlines applicable for the grid connection procedures applicable to certain small-scale renewable energy projects, storage assets and recharging stations and pools, and the repowering and hybridisation of renewable energy projects, and to introduce clear rules regarding the obligations of the system operators during the permit procedures without prejudice to the ability for the system operators to ensure safety, security, and the stability and proper functioning of the electricity system. Grid connection should not be understood as a single administrative permit, but as encompassing the relevant technical, regulatory and operational steps and procedures required for connection to the electricity network, including connection rights or approvals. The exemption from administrative permits does not prejudice the competence of system operators to assess and manage grid access in accordance with network safety, reliability and operational security requirements. Where neither a standard grid connection nor a flexible connection agreement can be offered due to insufficient available grid capacity, the system operator should be able to refuse the connection request. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) Obtaining grid connection permits is a crucial and often time-consuming part of the procedures to build and operate a renewable energy installation. It is therefore appropriate to further streamline the deadlines applicable for the grid connection procedures applicable to certain small-scale renewable energy projects, storage assets and recharging stations, and the repowering and hybridisation of renewable energy projects, and to introduce clear rules regarding the obligations of the system operators during the permit procedures. | (14) Obtaining grid connection permits is a crucial and often time-consuming part of the procedures to build and operate a renewable energy installation. It is therefore appropriate to further streamline the deadlines applicable for the grid connection and to introduce clear rules regarding the obligations of the system operators during the permit procedures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) Obtaining grid connection permits is a crucial and often time-consuming part of the procedures to build and operate a renewable energy installation. It is therefore appropriate to further streamline the deadlines applicable for the grid connection procedures applicable to certain small-scale renewable energy projects, storage assets and recharging stations, and the repowering and hybridisation of renewable energy projects, and to introduce clear rules regarding the obligations of the system operators during the permit procedures. | (14) Obtaining grid connection permits is a crucial and often time-consuming part of the procedures to build and operate a renewable energy installation the duration of which varies between the Member States. It is therefore appropriate to further streamline the deadlines applicable for the grid connection procedures applicable to certain small-scale renewable energy projects, storage assets and recharging stations, and the repowering and hybridisation of renewable energy projects, and to introduce clear rules regarding the obligations of the system operators during the permit procedures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) Obtaining grid connection permits is a crucial and often time-consuming part of the procedures to build and operate a renewable energy installation. It is therefore appropriate to further streamline the deadlines applicable for the grid connection procedures applicable to certain small-scale renewable energy projects, storage assets and recharging stations, and the repowering and hybridisation of renewable energy projects, and to introduce clear rules regarding the obligations of the system operators during the permit procedures. | (14) Obtaining grid connection permits is a crucial and often time-consuming part of the procedures to build and operate a renewable energy installation. It is therefore appropriate to further streamline the deadlines applicable for the grid connection procedures applicable to certain small-scale renewable energy projects, including the production of clean molecules, storage assets and recharging stations, and the repowering and hybridisation of renewable energy projects, and to introduce clear rules regarding the obligations of the system operators during the permit procedures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) Obtaining grid connection permits is a crucial and often time-consuming part of the procedures to build and operate a renewable energy installation. It is therefore appropriate to further streamline the deadlines applicable for the grid connection procedures applicable to certain small-scale renewable energy projects, storage assets and recharging stations, and the repowering and hybridisation of renewable energy projects, and to introduce clear rules regarding the obligations of the system operators during the permit procedures. | (14) Obtaining grid connection permits is a crucial and often time-consuming part of the procedures to build and operate an energy installation. It is therefore appropriate to further streamline the deadlines applicable for the grid connection procedures applicable to certain small-scale energy projects, storage assets and recharging stations, and the repowering and hybridisation of energy projects, and to introduce clear rules regarding the obligations of the system operators during the permit procedures. |
Anna Stürgkh, Bart Groothuis, Brigitte van den Berg, Morten Løkkegaard, Barry Andrews, Christophe Grudler
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14a) The motion for a resolution of the European Parliament on electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system (2025/2006(INI)) states that that national regulatory authorities (NRAs) could benefit from clear legislative provisions as to how Member States can prioritise grid connections. Therefore, the Parliament and asks the Commission to amend Article 6 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 to introduce transparent priority connection criteria to be chosen and further defined by the Member States for (1) generation connection, such as quality and maturity of the project, level of commitment, contribution to decarbonisation or social value, and for (2) consumer connection, such as quality and maturity of the project, level of commitment, contribution to decarbonisation, public interest or its strategic and/or social value, and grid optimisation. In order to ensure the efficient, secure and cost-effective development and operation of electricity networks, grid connection procedures should be governed by uniform and scalable rules that are applicable to the high volume of connection requests expected across the Union. |
Clearer more binding rules on connection priorities could be beneficial for NRAs. Keeping in mind national and local circumstances, EU legislation should only provide a broader framework and leave the concrete organisation to the Member States.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15) The Draghi report on EU competitiveness and the Action Plan for Affordable Energy14 recognise the positive impact of recent reforms to accelerate permit-granting procedures. However, they also highlight lengthy and uncertain permit-granting procedures for grids as a major obstacle to faster installation of necessary new capacity to accommodate clean energy investments and reduce energy costs in the EU. While there are specific rules on permit-granting procedures under Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Directive (EU) 2024/1788 of the European Parliament and of the Council15 and Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council16 these regimes do not cover general electricity grid infrastructure assets. As such, general requirements on authorisation procedures for electricity transmission and distribution system infrastructure must be provided in Directive (EU) 2019/944, specifically in the form of requirements for Member States to ensure a maximum duration of such procedures and establishing requirements that support in meeting those deadlines. Regulation (EU) 2022/869 and Directive (EU) 2018/2001 contain rules for the authorisation of certain energy projects. In case of contradiction between those rules and the rules established in this Directive for the authorisation of certain electricity projects, the former should take precedence. | (15) The Draghi report on EU competitiveness and the Action Plan for Affordable Energy14 recognise the positive impact of recent reforms to accelerate permit-granting procedures. However, they also highlight lengthy and uncertain permit-granting procedures for grids and for other energy infrastructure projects necessary for the transition towards climate neutrality, including hydrogen infrastructure, CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure and energy storage facilities as a major obstacle to faster installation of necessary new capacity to accommodate clean energy investments and reduce energy costs in the EU. While there are specific rules on permit-granting procedures under Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Directive (EU) 2024/1788 of the European Parliament and of the Council15 and Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council16 these regimes do not cover general electricity grid infrastructure assets. As such, general requirements on authorisation procedures for electricity transmission and distribution system infrastructure must be provided in Directive (EU) 2019/944, specifically in the form of requirements for Member States to ensure a maximum duration of such procedures and establishing requirements that support in meeting those deadlines. Regulation (EU) 2022/869 and Directive (EU) 2018/2001 contain rules for the authorisation of certain energy projects. In case of contradiction between those rules and the rules established in this Directive for the authorisation of certain electricity projects, the former should take precedence. In order to make efficient use of scarce grid capacity, strengthen investment certainty and reduce speculative grid connection requests, Member States and national regulatory authorities should be encouraged, where appropriate, to move from a purely first-come, first-served approach towards a differentiated approach. Such an approach should be based on objective, transparent and non-discriminatory criteria, while safeguarding technology-neutral grid access and ensuring that strategically relevant projects with longer lead times or more complex permitting requirements, including industrial electrification projects, are not disproportionately disadvantaged. |
| 14 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Action Plan for Affordable Energy Unlocking the true value of our Energy Union to secure affordable, efficient and clean energy for all Europeans (COM/2025/79 final). | 14 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Action Plan for Affordable Energy Unlocking the true value of our Energy Union to secure affordable, efficient and clean energy for all Europeans (COM/2025/79 final). |
| 15 Directive (EU) 2024/1788 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on common rules for the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen, amending Directive (EU) 2023/1791 and repealing Directive 2009/73/EC (OJ L, 2024/1788, 15.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1788/oj). | 15 Directive (EU) 2024/1788 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on common rules for the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen, amending Directive (EU) 2023/1791 and repealing Directive 2009/73/EC (OJ L, 2024/1788, 15.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1788/oj). |
| 16 Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2022 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2009, (EU) 2019/942 and (EU) 2019/943 and Directives 2009/73/EC and (EU) 2019/944, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 (OJ L 152, 3.6.2022, p. 45, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/869/oj). | 16 Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2022 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2009, (EU) 2019/942 and (EU) 2019/943 and Directives 2009/73/EC and (EU) 2019/944, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 (OJ L 152, 3.6.2022, p. 45, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/869/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15) The Draghi report on EU competitiveness and the Action Plan for Affordable Energy14 recognise the positive impact of recent reforms to accelerate permit-granting procedures. However, they also highlight lengthy and uncertain permit-granting procedures for grids as a major obstacle to faster installation of necessary new capacity to accommodate clean energy investments and reduce energy costs in the EU. While there are specific rules on permit-granting procedures under Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Directive (EU) 2024/1788 of the European Parliament and of the Council15 and Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council16 these regimes do not cover general electricity grid infrastructure assets. As such, general requirements on authorisation procedures for electricity transmission and distribution system infrastructure must be provided in Directive (EU) 2019/944, specifically in the form of requirements for Member States to ensure a maximum duration of such procedures and establishing requirements that support in meeting those deadlines. Regulation (EU) 2022/869 and Directive (EU) 2018/2001 contain rules for the authorisation of certain energy projects. In case of contradiction between those rules and the rules established in this Directive for the authorisation of certain electricity projects, the former should take precedence. | (15) While there are specific rules on permit-granting procedures under Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Directive (EU) 2024/1788 of the European Parliament and of the Council15 and Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council16 these regimes do not cover general electricity grid infrastructure assets. As such, general requirements on authorisation procedures for electricity transmission and distribution system infrastructure must be provided in Directive (EU) 2019/944, specifically in the form of requirements for Member States to ensure a maximum duration of such procedures and establishing requirements that support in meeting those deadlines. Regulation (EU) 2022/869 and Directive (EU) 2018/2001 contain rules for the authorisation of certain energy projects. In case of contradiction between those rules and the rules established in this Directive for the authorisation of certain electricity projects, the former should take precedence. |
| 14 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Action Plan for Affordable Energy Unlocking the true value of our Energy Union to secure affordable, efficient and clean energy for all Europeans (COM/2025/79 final). | |
| 15 Directive (EU) 2024/1788 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on common rules for the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen, amending Directive (EU) 2023/1791 and repealing Directive 2009/73/EC (OJ L, 2024/1788, 15.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1788/oj). | 15 Directive (EU) 2024/1788 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on common rules for the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen, amending Directive (EU) 2023/1791 and repealing Directive 2009/73/EC (OJ L, 2024/1788, 15.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1788/oj). |
| 16 Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2022 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2009, (EU) 2019/942 and (EU) 2019/943 and Directives 2009/73/EC and (EU) 2019/944, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 (OJ L 152, 3.6.2022, p. 45, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/869/oj). | 16 Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2022 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2009, (EU) 2019/942 and (EU) 2019/943 and Directives 2009/73/EC and (EU) 2019/944, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 (OJ L 152, 3.6.2022, p. 45, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/869/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15a) Priority should be given, where feasible, to the redevelopment and repurposing of existing industrial sites and infrastructure, in order to minimise environmental impact and accelerate project deployment. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15b) Simplification of permit-granting procedures should aim to reduce administrative burden and delays, while maintaining a high level of environmental protection and supporting industrial competitiveness and energy security |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16) Lack of resources in national authorities and the reduced digitalisation of permit-granting procedures results in delays in the permitting of electricity system infrastructure and generation assets. Member States should ensure that such authorities have adequate human financial and technical resources, including skills, and digital management tools and systems that enable them to render decisions within the deadlines provided in the Directive. | (16) Lack of resources in national authorities and the reduced digitalisation of permit-granting procedures results in delays in the permitting of electricity system infrastructure and generation assets. Member States should ensure that such authorities have adequate human financial and technical resources, including skills, and digital management tools and systems that enable them to render decisions within the deadlines provided in the Directive. It is also necessary to ensure the provision of continuing professional training to the staff required by these authorities, as well as a skilled workforce in the medium and long term, to prevent any disruption of the permitting process. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16) Lack of resources in national authorities and the reduced digitalisation of permit-granting procedures results in delays in the permitting of electricity system infrastructure and generation assets. Member States should ensure that such authorities have adequate human financial and technical resources, including skills, and digital management tools and systems that enable them to render decisions within the deadlines provided in the Directive. | (16) Lack of resources in national authorities and the reduced digitalisation of permit-granting procedures results in delays in the permitting of electricity system infrastructure and generation assets, which, in addition, vary considerably between the individual Member States. Member States should ensure that such authorities have adequate human financial and technical resources, including skills, and digital management tools and systems that enable them to render decisions within the deadlines provided in the Directive. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16) Lack of resources in national authorities and the reduced digitalisation of permit-granting procedures results in delays in the permitting of electricity system infrastructure and generation assets. Member States should ensure that such authorities have adequate human financial and technical resources, including skills, and digital management tools and systems that enable them to render decisions within the deadlines provided in the Directive. | (16) Lack of staffing and financial resources in national authorities and the reduced digitalisation of permit-granting procedures results in delays in the permitting of electricity system infrastructure and generation assets. Member States should ensure that such authorities have adequate human financial and technical resources, including skills, and digital management tools and systems that enable them to render decisions within the deadlines provided in the Directive. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16a) The practice currently adopted by several Member States of processing grid connection requests on a 'first-come, first-served' basis has contributed to growing queues of speculative and immature applications that block viable projects. The non-discrimination principle laid out in Article 6 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 does not require this approach and does not preclude Member States from introducing alternative ordering frameworks, as clarified by the Commission in its Guidance on Efficient and Timely Grid Connections of 10 December 2025. Member States should therefore establish frameworks that set transparent criteria for access to the connection queue, and that order admitted requests on the basis of their contribution to system integration, to national and Union energy and climate objectives, and to the social and public value of the connection. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16a) National, regional and local authorities responsible for permit-grating procedures of electricity system infrastructure and generation assets are encouraged to map their future need for human financial and technical resources, based on available long-term plans such as the Union-wide ten-years network development plan [TEN-E Regulation as proposed by COM(2025)xxxx], National Energy and Climate Plans and national transmission and distribution development plans in order to ensure the necessary financial resources to render decisions within the deadlines provided in this Directive are allocated in long-term budgets. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16b) Entry criteria for admission to the connection queue should require evidence that site rights and planning consent have been initiated. Project development milestones should address the progressive completion of the same steps at a higher level of maturity, with financing commitment as a third milestone, recognising that financing cannot typically be secured before grid connection is sufficiently certain. Within the admitted queue, ordering criteria should reflect the asset's capacity to support system integration, including through energy storage, demand response, flexibility or ancillary services, congestion relief, and deferral of network reinforcement, its contribution to national and Union energy and climate targets including objectives for storage and demand response under Article 4(d)(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, the public and social value of the connection, such as projects by energy communities, and the lifecycle greenhouse gas emission intensity of the asset. Hybrid projects comprising two or more renewable energy technologies or renewable energy generation combined with co-located energy storage behind a single connection point should be recognised as particularly contributing to system integration. Milestone frameworks should be applied with adapted timelines for energy communities, renewable self-consumers and small-scale projects. For connection requests submitted before the entry into force of this Article and for which no binding connection agreement has been accepted, a binary assessment of whether the project meets the entry criteria and remains consistent with the Member State's national energy and climate plan is sufficient: projects passing that assessment retain their existing queue position, while those failing it should lose their position and the reserved capacity should be reallocated, without requiring a full re-ranking of the existing queue. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17) The authorisation procedures under Directive (EU) 2019/944 should be clear, efficient and transparent and consistent with the fulfilment of existing distribution network development plan and the transmission ten-year network development plan. Thus, Member States are expected to lay down and publish objective and non-discriminatory criteria and procedures for authorisation that take into account amongst other things the safety and security of the electricity system, land use, energy efficiency, characteristics particular to the permit applicant, emission reductions, the importance to accelerate the deployment of energy infrastructure to reach climate neutrality, and alternatives to the project. | (17) The authorisation procedures under Directive (EU) 2019/944 should be clear, efficient and transparent and consistent with the fulfilment of existing distribution network development plan and the transmission ten-year network development plan. Thus, Member States are expected to lay down and publish objective and non-discriminatory criteria and procedures for authorisation that take into account amongst other things the safety and security of the electricity system, land use, energy efficiency, characteristics particular to the permit applicant, emission reductions, the importance to accelerate the deployment of energy infrastructure to reach climate neutrality, and alternatives to the project. In this context, it is essential that the Member States promote an integrated approach coordinated between the competent authorities, to prevent administrative overlaps and undue delays. In addition, introducing unified digital platforms for submitting and tracking permit applications can help to increase transparency and reduce administrative burdens for investors. Simplifying and standardising permitting procedures could facilitate rapid implementation of strategic energy projects and would strengthen energy security, economic competitiveness and the transition to a sustainable and resilient energy system. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17) The authorisation procedures under Directive (EU) 2019/944 should be clear, efficient and transparent and consistent with the fulfilment of existing distribution network development plan and the transmission ten-year network development plan. Thus, Member States are expected to lay down and publish objective and non-discriminatory criteria and procedures for authorisation that take into account amongst other things the safety and security of the electricity system, land use, energy efficiency, characteristics particular to the permit applicant, emission reductions, the importance to accelerate the deployment of energy infrastructure to reach climate neutrality, and alternatives to the project. | (17) The authorisation procedures under Directive (EU) 2019/944 should be clear, efficient and transparent and consistent with the fulfilment of existing distribution network development plan and the transmission ten-year network development plan. Thus, Member States are expected to lay down and publish objective and non-discriminatory criteria and procedures for authorisation that take into account amongst other things the safety and security of the electricity system, land use, energy efficiency, demand response, flexibility, characteristics particular to the permit applicant, such as the small and non commercial nature of the projects, emission reductions, public health and safety, the importance to accelerate the deployment of energy infrastructure to reach Union’s and national energy targets climate neutrality, and alternatives to the project |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17) The authorisation procedures under Directive (EU) 2019/944 should be clear, efficient and transparent and consistent with the fulfilment of existing distribution network development plan and the transmission ten-year network development plan. Thus, Member States are expected to lay down and publish objective and non-discriminatory criteria and procedures for authorisation that take into account amongst other things the safety and security of the electricity system, land use, energy efficiency, characteristics particular to the permit applicant, emission reductions, the importance to accelerate the deployment of energy infrastructure to reach climate neutrality, and alternatives to the project. | (17) The authorisation procedures under Directive (EU) 2019/944 should be clear, efficient and transparent and consistent with the fulfilment of existing distribution network development plan and the transmission ten-year network development plan. Thus, Member States are expected to lay down and publish objective and non-discriminatory criteria and procedures for authorisation that take into account amongst other things the safety and security of the electricity system, land use, characteristics particular to the permit applicant and alternatives to the project. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17a) Member States should avoid unnecessary divergences in permitting procedures that create barriers to cross-border projects and undermine the functioning of a cost-efficiency and integrated EU energy market |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (18) Given the urgency of developing electricity infrastructures, Member States are expected to ensure that authorisation procedures consider the characteristics of a project when assessing the need, or lack thereof, to conduct assessments, including environmental assessments, or produce studies, authorisations or reports. The competent national authorities should limit assessments and requests for information from promoters to the strictly necessary and avoid duplication in every instance possible. | (18) Given the urgency of developing electricity infrastructures, Member States are expected to ensure that authorisation procedures consider the characteristics of a project when assessing the need, or lack thereof, to conduct assessments, including environmental assessments, or produce studies, authorisations or reports. The competent national authorities should limit assessments and requests for information from promoters to the strictly necessary and avoid duplication in every instance possible. As such, applying the principle of proportionality in administrative procedures is essential to prevent excessive delays and unnecessary bureaucratic burdens. Meanwhile, the use of existing data and studies, mutual recognition of certain permits and coordination between the competent institutions can help to make the permitting process more efficient. An approach based on risk assessment and the actual impact of projects would enable administrative resources to be focused on projects with significant effects on the environment and communities, without affecting environmental protection standards or energy system safety. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (18) Given the urgency of developing electricity infrastructures, Member States are expected to ensure that authorisation procedures consider the characteristics of a project when assessing the need, or lack thereof, to conduct assessments, including environmental assessments, or produce studies, authorisations or reports. The competent national authorities should limit assessments and requests for information from promoters to the strictly necessary and avoid duplication in every instance possible. | (18) Given the urgency of developing electricity infrastructures, Member States are expected to ensure that authorisation procedures consider the characteristics of a project when assessing the need to conduct assessments, including environmental assessments, or produce studies, authorisations or reports. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (18) Given the urgency of developing electricity infrastructures, Member States are expected to ensure that authorisation procedures consider the characteristics of a project when assessing the need, or lack thereof, to conduct assessments, including environmental assessments, or produce studies, authorisations or reports. The competent national authorities should limit assessments and requests for information from promoters to the strictly necessary and avoid duplication in every instance possible. | (18) Given the urgency of developing electricity and hydrogen infrastructures, Member States are expected to ensure that authorisation procedures consider the characteristics of a project when assessing the need, or lack thereof, to conduct assessments, including environmental assessments, or produce studies, authorisations or reports. The competent national authorities should limit assessments and requests for information from promoters to the strictly necessary and avoid duplication in every instance possible. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (18a) To address the persistent backlog in grid connection requests, Member States should establish clear, transparent, and non-discriminatory criteria for prioritizing access to the grid. Such prioritization should differentiate between projects that supply electricity to the grid or provide storage, and those that primarily draw electricity from it. In defining these criteria, Member States can draw on the Commission’s Guidance on efficient and timely grid connections.16a The framework should be designed to manage connection queues effectively while limiting speculative applications that occupy capacity and delay administrative procedures. | |
| 16a Commission Notice – Guidance on efficient and timely grid connections C/2025/8473 (OJ C, C/2025/6703, 19.12.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/6703/oj) |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (20) While respecting the principle of subsidiarity, national competences and procedures, Directive (EU) 2019/944 should set a clear time limit for the decision of the relevant authorities which stimulates an efficient definition and handling of procedures leading to the deployment of electricity grids. Nevertheless, Member States can strive to achieve shorter permit-granting procedures where feasible, specially as regards projects for refurbishment, modernisation or repowering of existing transmission system infrastructure and the construction of new distribution system infrastructure, which may not require as complex a permit-granting procedure as new transmission infrastructure. | (20) While respecting the principle of subsidiarity, national competences and procedures, Directive (EU) 2019/944 should set a clear time limit for the decision of the relevant authorities which stimulates an efficient definition and handling of procedures leading to the deployment of electricity grids. Nevertheless, Member States can strive to achieve shorter permit-granting procedures where feasible, specially as regards projects for refurbishment, modernisation, optimisation, reconductoring, or repowering of existing transmission system infrastructure and the construction of new distribution system infrastructure, which may not require as complex a permit-granting procedure as new transmission infrastructure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (21) In line with the urgency to deploy electricity grids to achieve the Union’s energy and climate goals and accompany deadlines for permit-granting procedures with measures that ensure their effectiveness in practice, Member States should ensure that, in jurisdictions where the concept of tacit approval exists under national law, it is applied to administrative decisions concerning electricity grid projects, with the exception of environmental decisions. To guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public all decisions adopted, including those that were tacitly adopted. | (21) In line with the urgency to optimise, upgrade, and deploy electricity grids to achieve the Union’s energy and climate goals and accompany deadlines for permit-granting procedures with measures that ensure their effectiveness in practice, Member States should ensure that adequate financial, technical, and staffing resources are allocated. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (21) In line with the urgency to deploy electricity grids to achieve the Union’s energy and climate goals and accompany deadlines for permit-granting procedures with measures that ensure their effectiveness in practice, Member States should ensure that, in jurisdictions where the concept of tacit approval exists under national law, it is applied to administrative decisions concerning electricity grid projects, with the exception of environmental decisions. To guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public all decisions adopted, including those that were tacitly adopted. | (21) In line with the urgency to deploy electricity grids to achieve the Union’s energy and climate goals and accompany deadlines for permit-granting procedures with measures that ensure their effectiveness in practice, Member States should ensure that, in jurisdictions where the concept of tacit approval exists under national law, it is applied to administrative decisions concerning electricity grid projects, with the exception of environmental decisions. To guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public as soon as possible all decisions adopted, including those that were tacitly adopted. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (21) In line with the urgency to deploy electricity grids to achieve the Union’s energy and climate goals and accompany deadlines for permit-granting procedures with measures that ensure their effectiveness in practice, Member States should ensure that, in jurisdictions where the concept of tacit approval exists under national law, it is applied to administrative decisions concerning electricity grid projects, with the exception of environmental decisions. To guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public all decisions adopted, including those that were tacitly adopted. | (21) In line with the urgency to deploy electricity grids and accompany deadlines for permit-granting procedures with measures that ensure their effectiveness in practice, Member States should ensure that, in jurisdictions where the concept of tacit approval exists under national law, it can apply to administrative decisions concerning electricity grid projects, with the exception of environmental decisions. To guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public all decisions adopted, including those that were tacitly adopted. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (21a) The Union of Skills rightly acknowledges electrical professionals as being among the 42 occupations facing EU-wide workforce shortages. Despite comprising over 2.7 million workers across Europe, the electrical contracting sector urgently needs more skilled workers to install and integrate clean technologies critical for the energy transition. Therefore, as well as focusing on upskilling and reskilling, the priority must be to invest in education and create quality jobs in the sector. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (22) In order to reduce complexity, increase efficiency and transparency, and help enhance cooperation among Member States, there should be contact points for electricity transmission or distribution system operators promoting grids project or other network assets until a decision is rendered. These contact points will be responsible for facilitating and guiding applicants through the authorisation procedures associated with this type of infrastructure. In the spirit of simplification, if the Member State deems appropriate and more efficient it may concentrate this responsibility in the national competent authorities referred to in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869, as these authorities already perform such role in what concerns the permitting of infrastructure projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest. In merging such roles, Member States should pay particular attention to ensure that the contact points are adequately staffed and enjoy the resources and capacity necessary to perform the tasks under their responsibility. | (22) In order to reduce complexity, increase efficiency and transparency, and help enhance cooperation among Member States, there should be contact points for electricity transmission or distribution system operators promoting grids project or other network assets until a decision is rendered. These contact points will be responsible for facilitating and guiding applicants through the authorisation procedures associated with this type of infrastructure. In the spirit of simplification, if the Member State deems appropriate and more efficient it may concentrate this responsibility in the national competent authorities referred to in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869, as these authorities already perform such role in what concerns the permitting of infrastructure projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest. In merging such roles, Member States should pay particular attention to ensure that the contact points have staff with the appropriate professional training and experience and enjoy the resources and capacity necessary to perform the tasks under their responsibility. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (23) Due to their role integrating renewable energy assets, flexibility solutions, energy storage and enabling electrification in general, electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure are essential to reach climate neutrality. Considering the key role of electricity system infrastructure to reach climate neutrality, in the necessary case-by-case assessments, Member States should presume electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure, including on-shore power supply in ports to be of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety, except for in relation to cultural heritage and where there is clear evidence that those projects have significant adverse effects on the environment which cannot be mitigated or compensated for. Electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure presumed to be of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests should be given priority over non-environmental interests and authorised as fast as possible. | (23) Due to their role integrating renewable energy assets, flexibility solutions, energy storage and enabling electrification in general, electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure are essential to reach climate neutrality. Considering the key role of electricity system infrastructure to reach climate neutrality, in the necessary case-by-case assessments, Member States should presume electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure, including on-shore power supply in ports to be of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety, except for in relation to cultural heritage and where there is clear evidence that those projects have significant adverse effects on the environment which cannot be mitigated or compensated for. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (23) Due to their role integrating renewable energy assets, flexibility solutions, energy storage and enabling electrification in general, electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure are essential to reach climate neutrality. Considering the key role of electricity system infrastructure to reach climate neutrality, in the necessary case-by-case assessments, Member States should presume electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure, including on-shore power supply in ports to be of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety, except for in relation to cultural heritage and where there is clear evidence that those projects have significant adverse effects on the environment which cannot be mitigated or compensated for. Electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure presumed to be of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests should be given priority over non-environmental interests and authorised as fast as possible. | (23) Electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure are essential to reach security of supply. Considering the key role of electricity system infrastructure, in the necessary case-by-case assessments, Member States can presume electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure, including on-shore power supply in ports to be of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety, except for in relation to cultural heritage and where there is clear evidence that those projects have significant adverse effects on the environment which cannot be mitigated or compensated for. Electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure presumed to be of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests should be given priority over non-environmental interests and authorised as fast as possible. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (23) Due to their role integrating renewable energy assets, flexibility solutions, energy storage and enabling electrification in general, electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure are essential to reach climate neutrality. Considering the key role of electricity system infrastructure to reach climate neutrality, in the necessary case-by-case assessments, Member States should presume electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure, including on-shore power supply in ports to be of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety, except for in relation to cultural heritage and where there is clear evidence that those projects have significant adverse effects on the environment which cannot be mitigated or compensated for. Electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure presumed to be of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests should be given priority over non-environmental interests and authorised as fast as possible. | (23) Due to their role integrating renewable energy assets, flexibility solutions, energy storage and enabling electrification in general, electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure are essential to reach climate neutrality. Considering the key role of electricity system infrastructure to reach climate neutrality, in the necessary case-by-case assessments, Member States should presume electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure and other energy infrastructure necessary for the transition towards climate neutrality, including on-shore power supply in ports to be of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety. Electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure presumed to be of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests should be given priority over non-environmental interests and authorised as fast as possible. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (23) Due to their role integrating renewable energy assets, flexibility solutions, energy storage and enabling electrification in general, electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure are essential to reach climate neutrality. Considering the key role of electricity system infrastructure to reach climate neutrality, in the necessary case-by-case assessments, Member States should presume electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure, including on-shore power supply in ports to be of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety, except for in relation to cultural heritage and where there is clear evidence that those projects have significant adverse effects on the environment which cannot be mitigated or compensated for. Electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure presumed to be of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests should be given priority over non-environmental interests and authorised as fast as possible. | (23) Due to their role integrating renewable energy assets, flexibility solutions, energy storage and enabling electrification in general, electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure are essential to reach climate neutrality. Considering the key role of electricity system infrastructure to reach climate neutrality, in the necessary case-by-case assessments, Member States should presume electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure, including on-shore power supply in ports to be of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety, except where there is clear evidence that those projects have significant adverse effects on the environment which cannot be mitigated or compensated for. Electricity transmission or distribution system infrastructure presumed to be of overriding public interest over non-environmental interests should be given priority over non-environmental interests and authorised as fast as possible. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (23a) Critical transport infrastructure, such as ports and airports, with increasing electricity demand due to electrification supporting the green transition, requires a coherent approach to ensure continuity of operations and security of supply and Member States should give due consideration to enabling this electrification through appropriate network planning, timely development of grid capacity, coordinated authorisation procedures, including in the context of accelerated permitting and connection procedures applicable to infrastructure with high electricity demand, in particular attention given to ensuring continuity of supply in transmission nodes experiencing increasing demand. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25) Due the urgency in deploying energy infrastructure, the importance of streamlining authorisation procedures and the fact that environmental assessments represent the step with the longest duration in authorisation procedures, it matters to minimise such assessments without jeopardising the protection of the environment. The refurbishment, modernisation or repowering of existing transmission and distribution system infrastructure, and the construction of new distribution system infrastructure, are projects which generally entail minimal environmental impacts. Refurbishment, modernisation or repowering projects are routinely of limited size and affect only part of existing assets for which environmental impacts have been previously assessed. As a result, the impacts of such projects are often limited to those of construction works, with the operation of the asset having the same, or even a lesser, impact than the operation of the project it targeted. Distribution systems on the other hand, due to the smaller size of their projects, lower voltage of their assets and tendency to be developed in built areas closer to consumers tend not to have significant environmental impacts. As such, to accelerate the deployment of the electricity system infrastructure and achieve climate neutrality and renewable energy targets, Member States should be allowed to justifiably exempt, under certain conditions, the projects mentioned in this recital from environmental impact assessments and appropriate assessments and the assessment of their implications on species protection pursuant to Article 12(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC17 and to Article 5 of Directive 2009/147/EC18 . | (25) The refurbishment, modernisation or repowering of existing transmission and distribution system infrastructure, and the construction of new distribution system infrastructure, are projects which generally entail minimal environmental impacts. Refurbishment, modernisation or repowering projects are routinely of limited size and affect only part of existing assets for which environmental impacts have been previously assessed. As a result, the impacts of such projects are often limited to those of construction works, with the operation of the asset having the same, or even a lesser, impact than the operation of the project it targeted. Distribution systems on the other hand, due to the smaller size of their projects, lower voltage of their assets and tendency to be developed in built areas closer to consumers tend not to have significant environmental impacts. |
| 17 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/oj). | |
| 18 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7, , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/147/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25) Due the urgency in deploying energy infrastructure, the importance of streamlining authorisation procedures and the fact that environmental assessments represent the step with the longest duration in authorisation procedures, it matters to minimise such assessments without jeopardising the protection of the environment. The refurbishment, modernisation or repowering of existing transmission and distribution system infrastructure, and the construction of new distribution system infrastructure, are projects which generally entail minimal environmental impacts. Refurbishment, modernisation or repowering projects are routinely of limited size and affect only part of existing assets for which environmental impacts have been previously assessed. As a result, the impacts of such projects are often limited to those of construction works, with the operation of the asset having the same, or even a lesser, impact than the operation of the project it targeted. Distribution systems on the other hand, due to the smaller size of their projects, lower voltage of their assets and tendency to be developed in built areas closer to consumers tend not to have significant environmental impacts. As such, to accelerate the deployment of the electricity system infrastructure and achieve climate neutrality and renewable energy targets, Member States should be allowed to justifiably exempt, under certain conditions, the projects mentioned in this recital from environmental impact assessments and appropriate assessments and the assessment of their implications on species protection pursuant to Article 12(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC17 and to Article 5 of Directive 2009/147/EC18 . | (25) Due to the urgency in deploying energy infrastructure, the importance of streamlining authorisation procedures and the fact that environmental assessments represent the step with the longest duration in authorisation procedures, it matters to minimise such assessments without jeopardising the protection of the environment. The refurbishment, modernisation or repowering of energy infrastructure, such as existing transmission and distribution system infrastructure, and the construction of new distribution system infrastructure, are projects which generally entail minimal environmental impacts. Refurbishment, modernisation or repowering projects are routinely of limited size and affect only part of existing assets for which environmental impacts have been previously assessed. As a result, the impacts of such projects are often limited to those of construction works, with the operation of the asset having the same, or even a lesser, impact than the operation of the project it targeted. Distribution systems on the other hand, due to the smaller size of their projects, lower voltage of their assets and tendency to be developed in built areas closer to consumers tend not to have significant environmental impacts. As such, to accelerate the deployment of the electricity system infrastructure and other energy infrastructure projects as defined in this Directive and achieve climate neutrality and renewable energy targets, Member States should be allowed to justifiably exempt, under certain conditions, the projects mentioned in this recital from environmental impact assessments and appropriate assessments and the assessment of their implications on species protection pursuant to, inter alia, Article 12(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC17 and to Article 5 of Directive 2009/147/EC18 . |
| 17 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/oj). | 17 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/oj). |
| 18 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7, , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/147/oj). | 18 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7, , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/147/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25) Due the urgency in deploying energy infrastructure, the importance of streamlining authorisation procedures and the fact that environmental assessments represent the step with the longest duration in authorisation procedures, it matters to minimise such assessments without jeopardising the protection of the environment. The refurbishment, modernisation or repowering of existing transmission and distribution system infrastructure, and the construction of new distribution system infrastructure, are projects which generally entail minimal environmental impacts. Refurbishment, modernisation or repowering projects are routinely of limited size and affect only part of existing assets for which environmental impacts have been previously assessed. As a result, the impacts of such projects are often limited to those of construction works, with the operation of the asset having the same, or even a lesser, impact than the operation of the project it targeted. Distribution systems on the other hand, due to the smaller size of their projects, lower voltage of their assets and tendency to be developed in built areas closer to consumers tend not to have significant environmental impacts. As such, to accelerate the deployment of the electricity system infrastructure and achieve climate neutrality and renewable energy targets, Member States should be allowed to justifiably exempt, under certain conditions, the projects mentioned in this recital from environmental impact assessments and appropriate assessments and the assessment of their implications on species protection pursuant to Article 12(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC17 and to Article 5 of Directive 2009/147/EC18. | (25) Due the urgency in deploying energy infrastructure, the importance of streamlining authorisation procedures and reducing permitting time, and the fact that environmental assessments represent the step with the longest duration in authorisation procedures, it matters to minimise such assessments without jeopardising the protection of the environment. The refurbishment, modernisation or repowering of existing transmission and distribution system infrastructure, and the construction of new distribution system infrastructure, are projects which generally entail minimal environmental impacts. Refurbishment, modernisation or repowering projects are routinely of limited size and affect only part of existing assets for which environmental impacts have been previously assessed. As a result, the impacts of such projects are often limited to those of construction works, with the operation of the asset having the same, or even a lesser, impact than the operation of the project it targeted. Distribution systems on the other hand, due to the smaller size of their projects, lower voltage of their assets and tendency to be developed in built areas closer to consumers tend not to have significant environmental impacts. As such, to accelerate the deployment of the electricity system infrastructure and achieve climate neutrality and renewable energy targets, Member States should be allowed to justifiably exempt, under certain conditions, the projects mentioned in this recital from environmental impact assessments and appropriate assessments and the assessment of their implications on species protection pursuant to Article 12(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC17 and to Article 5 of Directive 2009/147/EC18. |
| 17 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/oj). | 17 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/oj). |
| 18 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7, , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/147/oj). | 18 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7, , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/147/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25) Due the urgency in deploying energy infrastructure, the importance of streamlining authorisation procedures and the fact that environmental assessments represent the step with the longest duration in authorisation procedures, it matters to minimise such assessments without jeopardising the protection of the environment. The refurbishment, modernisation or repowering of existing transmission and distribution system infrastructure, and the construction of new distribution system infrastructure, are projects which generally entail minimal environmental impacts. Refurbishment, modernisation or repowering projects are routinely of limited size and affect only part of existing assets for which environmental impacts have been previously assessed. As a result, the impacts of such projects are often limited to those of construction works, with the operation of the asset having the same, or even a lesser, impact than the operation of the project it targeted. Distribution systems on the other hand, due to the smaller size of their projects, lower voltage of their assets and tendency to be developed in built areas closer to consumers tend not to have significant environmental impacts. As such, to accelerate the deployment of the electricity system infrastructure and achieve climate neutrality and renewable energy targets, Member States should be allowed to justifiably exempt, under certain conditions, the projects mentioned in this recital from environmental impact assessments and appropriate assessments and the assessment of their implications on species protection pursuant to Article 12(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC17 and to Article 5 of Directive 2009/147/EC18 . | (25) Due the urgency in deploying energy infrastructure, the importance of streamlining authorisation procedures and the fact that environmental assessments represent the step with the longest duration in authorisation procedures, it matters to minimise such assessments without jeopardising the protection of the environment. The refurbishment, modernisation or repowering of existing transmission and distribution system infrastructure, and the construction of new distribution system infrastructure, are projects which generally entail minimal environmental impacts. Refurbishment, modernisation or repowering projects are routinely of limited size and affect only part of existing assets for which environmental impacts have been previously assessed. As a result, the impacts of such projects are often limited to those of construction works, with the operation of the asset having the same, or even a lesser, impact than the operation of the project it targeted. Distribution systems on the other hand, due to the smaller size of their projects, lower voltage of their assets and tendency to be developed in built areas closer to consumers tend not to have significant environmental impacts. As such, to accelerate the deployment of the electricity system infrastructure, Member States should be allowed to justifiably exempt, under certain conditions, the projects mentioned in this recital from environmental impact assessments and appropriate assessments and the assessment of their implications on species protection pursuant to Article 12(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC17 and to Article 5 of Directive 2009/147/EC18 . |
| 17 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/oj). | 17 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/oj). |
| 18 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7, , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/147/oj). | 18 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7, , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/147/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25a) In order to provide legal certainty for project promoters and competent authorities, water-related impacts of electricity grid infrastructure projects should be identified and addressed at the earliest possible stage of the authorisation procedure. Early coordination with the competent authorities responsible for the implementation of Directive 2000/60/EC, including river basin authorities where relevant, can help avoid delays, reduce litigation risks and ensure that grid deployment remains compatible with the Union’s water protection objectives. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25a) As a fundamental element of the Union’s energy policy, the "energy efficiency first" principle means taking utmost account in energy planning, and in policy and investment decisions, of alternative cost-efficient energy efficiency measures to make energy demand and energy supply more efficient, in particular by means of cost-effective end-use energy savings, demand response initiatives and more efficient conversion, transmission and distribution of energy, whilst still achieving the objectives of those decisions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25a) One of the environmental assessments contributing to long authorisation procedures when deploying energy infrastructure is the assessment mandated under Directive 2000/60/EC, despite the fact that grid infrastructure projects are usually unlikely to result in deterioration of a body of surface or groundwater. In order to significantly speed up the authorisation procedure without jeopardising the protection of the environment, transmission projects shall be exempted from these assessments. |
Building on the Rapporteur’s draft report, the proposed exemption for grid projects under the Water Framework Directive is welcomed. However, the requirement for mitigation measures to be an 'inherent component' should be deleted. Deleting this phrase ensures that mitigation remains targeted and proportionate.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25b) Electricity transmission and distribution system infrastructure is essential to integrate renewable energy, electrify demand and strengthen security of supply. However, such infrastructure may, depending on its location, design and construction methods, affect surface water bodies, groundwater bodies, hydromorphological conditions or water-dependent ecosystems. Therefore, authorisation procedures should not presume the absence of significant impacts on water bodies. Where the planning, construction or operation of such infrastructure may affect water bodies, competent authorities should ensure the full application of Directive 2000/60/EC, including the requirements to prevent deterioration and to achieve good status or good potential of surface water and groundwater. Any assessment should be carried out on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific location, design and cumulative impacts of the project, as well as the effectiveness of mitigation measures. |
Anna Stürgkh, Bart Groothuis, Brigitte van den Berg, Morten Løkkegaard, Emma Wiesner, Andreas Glück, Barry Andrews, Christophe Grudler
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (26) The benefits of the deployment of electricity infrastructure in terms of nitrogen emission reductions largely exceed the cost of the minimal emissions that result from their construction. As such, Member States should ensure that the quick deployment of electricity infrastructure is in no way limited by the temporary emissions that result from their construction. | (26) The benefits of the deployment of electricity infrastructure, stand-alone energy storage, recharging stations, hydrogen production facilities and hydrogen system infrastructure in terms of nitrogen emission reductions and overall system decarbonisation largely exceed the cost of the small, temporary emissions that result from their construction. As such, Member States should ensure that the quick deployment of such infrastructure is in no way limited by the temporary emissions that result from their construction. |
Temporary construction-phase nitrogen emissions should not block infrastructure that delivers structural nitrogen emission reductions. Extending this logic beyond electricity grids removes an unjustified inconsistency in the proposal.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (26a) According to ACER, at least ten Member States have exempted distribution system operators serving fewer than 100 000 connected customers from the obligation to prepare distribution network development plans, with the result that almost two thirds of EU distribution system operators operate outside standard planning requirements, leaving at least 14.6 million customers without the planning, data access and flexibility obligations that apply elsewhere in the system. Those same networks are in many cases not required to monitor grid utilisation or facilitate access to flexibility services, rendering large portions of the European distribution level structurally invisible to national planning processes and inaccessible to flexibility markets, precisely where renewable energy sources, storage and active demand are connecting at the fastest rate. Member States should therefore be required to ensure that undertakings benefiting from derogations under Articles 31, 32 and 35 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 participate in or are integrated into an independent distribution system operator that carries out those obligations collectively, in a manner that guarantees efficiency, transparency and non-discrimination for all system users regardless of the size of the underlying distribution system operator. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (26a) The carbon emissions that result from the construction of electricity infrastructure in peatlands shall be calculated and considered as part of the permitting process. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (26b) The independent distribution system operator model does not require participating undertakings to transfer their assets, dissolve their legal personality, or alter their ownership structure, and Member States retaining intermunicipal or publicly owned distribution network structures may apply it while preserving those features. Such models already exist in Member States: in Belgium, intermunicipal DSO asset companies in both the Flemish and Walloon regions operate their networks through shared independent operating companies, Fluvius System Operator and ORES respectively, which carry out network operations, planning and data services collectively on behalf of the participating intermunicipal companies. Distribution network planning carried out by the independent distribution system operator should be prepared and published in a manner that ensures its effective input into the processes referred to in Articles 32(3) and 40a of this Directive. The governance arrangements of the independent distribution system operator should be approved by the national regulatory authority and made publicly available so as to ensure accountability, non-discriminatory access and equitable representation of all participating undertakings. With roughly 70% of new renewable generation connecting at the distribution level, and two thirds of total grid investment until 2040 in the EU have to take place at the distribution level, existing bottlenecks need to be addressed. Effective financial incentives need to be put in place to encourage a maximisation of grid connections and necessary grid enhancement. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (27) National transmission network planning reflecting developments in climate and energy policy and related changes in consumption and generation is critical for success of electrification and energy transition as a whole. However, existing requirements under Article 51 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 only applied to certain transmission system operators and did not provide for sufficiently long period of planning to account for anticipatory investment. It is important that transmission system expansion consider at least fifteen years' time horizon, and considers with priority use of non-fossil flexibility, non-wire solutions and other alternatives to system expansion, is based on a joint scenario developed with other system operators across sectors and is aligned with the central scenario under the Union-wide ten-years network development plan. To ensure transparency and incorporate grid users, including generation, industry, data and transport sectors better in the network planning, link to Article 55 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 also requires their early consultation during the joint scenario development process to allow anticipatory investment. | (27) National transmission and distribution network planning reflecting developments in climate and energy policy and related changes in consumption and generation is critical for success of a smart and cost-effective electrification and for achieving the national and European energy targets as a whole. However, existing requirements under Article 51 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 only applied to certain transmission system operators and did not provide for sufficiently long period of planning to account for anticipatory investment. It is important that transmission system expansion consider at least fifteen years' time horizon, and considers with priority use of non-fossil flexibility, non-wire solutions and other alternatives to system expansion, is based on a joint scenario developed with other system operators across sectors, is done in strict cooperation, under aligned timelines and intervals, with the distribution system network planning with mutual exchange of the planning scenarios and underlying assumptions used by each party , and is aligned with the central scenario under the Union-wide ten-years network development plan. To ensure transparency and incorporate grid users, including generation, industry, data and transport sectors better in the network planning, link to Article 55 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 also requires their early consultation during the joint scenario development process to allow anticipatory investment. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (27) National transmission network planning reflecting developments in climate and energy policy and related changes in consumption and generation is critical for success of electrification and energy transition as a whole. However, existing requirements under Article 51 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 only applied to certain transmission system operators and did not provide for sufficiently long period of planning to account for anticipatory investment. It is important that transmission system expansion consider at least fifteen years' time horizon, and considers with priority use of non-fossil flexibility, non-wire solutions and other alternatives to system expansion, is based on a joint scenario developed with other system operators across sectors and is aligned with the central scenario under the Union-wide ten-years network development plan. To ensure transparency and incorporate grid users, including generation, industry, data and transport sectors better in the network planning, link to Article 55 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 also requires their early consultation during the joint scenario development process to allow anticipatory investment. | (27) National transmission network planning reflecting developments in energy policy and related changes in consumption and generation is critical for success of electrification and energy transition as a whole. However, existing requirements under Article 51 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 only applied to certain transmission system operators and did not provide for sufficiently long period of planning to account for anticipatory investment. It is important that transmission system expansion consider at least fifteen years' time horizon, and considers non-wire solutions and other alternatives to system expansion, is based on a joint scenario developed with other system operators across sectors and is aligned with the central scenario under the ten-years network development plan. To ensure transparency and incorporate grid users, including generation, industry, data and transport sectors better in the network planning, link to Article 55 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 also requires their early consultation during the joint scenario development process to allow anticipatory investment. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (27a) Long-term planning for a decarbonised energy system requires coordination between electricity, natural gas and hydrogen networks, and carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure. As carbon dioxide infrastructure supports hydrogen production and industrial decarbonisation, future Union measures should be consistent with the permit-granting procedures set out in this Directive, including temporary construction-related emissions. |
Carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure supports hydrogen production and industrial decarbonisation and should be planned alongside electricity, natural gas and hydrogen networks. This recital promotes coherence between regulatory frameworks and clarifies that temporary construction-related emissions should not unduly delay permitting for infrastructure necessary for long-term decarbonisation.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (28) In view of the amendments to Directives (EU) 2018/2001 and (EU) 2019/944, as well as the parallel amendments to Regulation (EU) 2022/869, the Commission should introduce a unified approach to the permit-granting procedures of energy projects. While Directive (EU) 2024/1788 introduces measures to simplify and streamline administrative permit-granting procedures a targeted amendment is required to ensure a harmonised approach and that a consistent framework is deployed at the Union level. | (28) In view of the amendments to Directives (EU) 2018/2001 and (EU) 2019/944, as well as the parallel amendments to Regulation (EU) 2022/869, the Commission should introduce a unified approach to the permit-granting procedures of energy projects. Such an approach should be based on a coherent definition of energy infrastructure across Union legislation in order to avoid fragmentation and ensure consistent application. While Directive (EU) 2024/1788 introduces measures to simplify and streamline administrative permit-granting procedures a targeted amendment is required to ensure a harmonised approach and that a consistent framework is deployed at the Union level. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (29) Lack of resources in national authorities and the limited digitalisation of permitting procedures results in delays in the permitting of natural gas facilities, hydrogen production facilities, and hydrogen system infrastructure. Member States should ensure that such authorities have adequate human, financial and technical resources, including skills and digital management tools and systems that enable them to render decisions within the deadlines provided in the Directive. | (29) Lack of resources in national authorities and the limited digitalisation of permitting procedures can result in delays in the permitting of natural gas facilities, hydrogen production facilities, and hydrogen system infrastructure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (29) Lack of resources in national authorities and the limited digitalisation of permitting procedures results in delays in the permitting of natural gas facilities, hydrogen production facilities, and hydrogen system infrastructure. Member States should ensure that such authorities have adequate human, financial and technical resources, including skills and digital management tools and systems that enable them to render decisions within the deadlines provided in the Directive. | (29) Lack of resources in national authorities and the limited digitalisation of permitting procedures results in delays in the permitting of natural gas facilities, hydrogen production facilities, and hydrogen system infrastructure. Member States should ensure that such authorities have adequate human, financial and technical resources, including staff with skills in the field and the necessary experience to take decisions, and digital management tools and systems that enable them to render decisions within the deadlines provided in the Directive. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (31) Regarding approval procedures under Directive (EU) 2024/1788, in line with the importance of ensuring the quick deployment of hydrogen facilities and hydrogen system infrastructure and the fulfilment of the deadlines established in that Directive Member States should ensure that, in jurisdictions where the concept of tacit approval exists under national law, it is applied to administrative decisions concerning such projects, except for environmental decisions. To guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public all decisions adopted, including those that were tacitly adopted. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (31) Regarding approval procedures under Directive (EU) 2024/1788, in line with the importance of ensuring the quick deployment of hydrogen facilities and hydrogen system infrastructure and the fulfilment of the deadlines established in that Directive Member States should ensure that, in jurisdictions where the concept of tacit approval exists under national law, it is applied to administrative decisions concerning such projects, except for environmental decisions. To guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public all decisions adopted, including those that were tacitly adopted. | (31) Regarding approval procedures under Directive (EU) 2024/1788, in line with the importance of ensuring the quick deployment of hydrogen facilities and hydrogen system infrastructure and the fulfilment of the deadlines established in that Directive Member States should ensure that, in jurisdictions where the concept of tacit approval exists under national law, it is applied to administrative decisions concerning such projects, except for environmental decisions. To guarantee the rights of third parties to judicial protection, the relevant authorities should make public as soon as possible all decisions adopted, including those that were tacitly adopted. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (31a) The Citizens Energy Package and the Grids Package acknowledge that direct community participation in renewable energy projects can be a crucial determining element for the success of the energy transition. Benefit sharing can thus ensure that communities directly benefit from renewable energy projects in their vicinity, helping ensure security and affordability for households and businesses. Direct (co)ownership is to be understood as the ideal and priority form of benefit sharing. Moreover, in line with the Commission’s Guidance on efficient grid connections, Member States can also prioritise community energy projects in grid connection queues, recognising their added social, environmental, and grid ancillary value. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (33a) Where a closed distribution system is used to ensure the optimal efficiency of an integrated supply that requires specific operational standards, or where a closed or geographically confined distribution system is maintained primarily for the use of the owner of the system or transmits only a limited amount of energy to a limited number of customers it should be possible to exempt the distribution system operator from obligations which would constitute an unnecessary administrative burden because of the particular nature of the relationship between the distribution system operator and the system users. A complete exemption from network regulation should be possible in case of geographically confined distribution systems, if they have no significance for ensuring effective and undistorted competition in the electricity supply and Article 4 is guaranteed. Industrial sites, residential areas, commercial sites or shared services sites such as train station buildings, airports, hospitals, large camping sites with integrated facilities, and chemical industry sites could include closed or confined distribution systems. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (33a) No provision of this directive shall prevent the Member States, regional authorities or local authorities, in accordance with national legislation, from rejecting, restricting or applying conditions to variable renewable energy projects for reasons relating to land use planning, landscape conservation, cultural heritage, public acceptance, public safety, environmental protection or network constraints. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1) in Article 2, second paragraph, the following points (10a) to (10f) are inserted: | (1) in Article 2, second paragraph, the following points (10a) to (10h) are inserted: |
The proposal addresses stand-alone energy storage and the hybridisation of renewable energy plants, but does not clearly cover hybrid charging sites, namely recharging stations combined with behind-the-meter battery storage. Such sites can reduce peak demand, ease pressure on the grid and enable the deployment of ultra-fast charging infrastructure where grid capacity is constrained. Their exclusion from the relevant definitions may create legal uncertainty, discourage investment in essential charging infrastructure and undermine the objective of providing simplified and coherent regulatory treatment for hybridised energy assets.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10b) ‘stand-alone energy storage’ means energy storage that is not combined with an energy-producing facility; | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10b) ‘stand-alone energy storage’ means energy storage that is not combined with an energy-producing facility; | (10b) ‘stand-alone energy storage’ means energy storage that is not combined with an energy-producing facility or recharching stations; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10b) ‘stand-alone energy storage’ means energy storage that is not combined with an energy-producing facility; | (10b) ‘stand-alone energy storage’ means energy storage that is not combined with an energy-producing facility or recharging stations; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10ba) 'clean molecule' means biogas and biomethane, low-carbon hydrogen and RFNBOs as defined by the Delegated Acts stemming from the related European legislation regarding the renewable energy Directive and the Gas Package |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10c) ‘recharging station’ means a recharging station as defined in Article 2, point (52), of Regulation (EU) 2023/1804; | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10d) ‘hybridisation’ means the conversion of a renewable energy plant that is not a hybrid plant into a hybrid plant behind the same connection point; | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10d) ‘hybridisation’ means the conversion of a renewable energy plant that is not a hybrid plant into a hybrid plant behind the same connection point; | (10d) ‘hybridisation’ means the conversion of a renewable energy plant that is not a hybrid plant into a hybrid plant behind the same connection point or a recharging station that is not a hybrid recharging station into a hybrid recharging station; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10d) ‘hybridisation’ means the conversion of a renewable energy plant that is not a hybrid plant into a hybrid plant behind the same connection point; | (10d) ‘hybridisation’ means the conversion of a renewable energy plant that is not a hybrid plant or a recharging station that is not a hybrid recharging station into a hybrid recharging station behind the same connection point; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10d) ‘hybridisation’ means the conversion of a renewable energy plant that is not a hybrid plant into a hybrid plant behind the same connection point; | (10d) ‘hybridisation’ means the conversion of a renewable energy plant that is not a hybrid system into a hybrid system behind the same connection point; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10da) ‘recharging pool’ means a recharging pool as defined in Article 2, point (51), of Regulation (EU) 2023/1804. For the purposes of applying the capacity thresholds laid down in this Directive, where two or more recharging stations within a recharging pool share the same point of connection to the grid, their capacity shall be assessed jointly. Where such recharging stations have different points of connection to the grid, their capacity shall be assessed separately. |
This amendment aligns the terminology of this Directive with Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 by referring to recharging pools. It also clarifies how capacity thresholds are to be applied for permitting purposes. Where several recharging stations within a recharging pool share the same point of connection to the grid, their capacity should be assessed jointly, reflecting their common grid impact. Where such recharging stations have different points of connection to the grid, their capacity should be assessed separately in order to avoid artificial aggregation of technically distinct installations. This provides legal certainty for competent authorities, grid operators and project developers, while ensuring a proportionate application of simplified permitting rules.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10e) ‘hybrid plant’ means a renewable energy plant that combines multiple renewable energy technologies, or that combines one or more renewable energy technologies with energy storage; | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10e) ‘hybrid plant’ means a renewable energy plant that combines multiple renewable energy technologies, or that combines one or more renewable energy technologies with energy storage; | (10e) ‘hybrid system’ means a renewable energy plant that combines multiple renewable energy technologies, or that combines one or more renewable energy technologies with energy storage and energy efficiency solutions, including district heating, demand response and grid-supportive cogeneration; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10e) ‘hybrid plant’ means a renewable energy plant that combines multiple renewable energy technologies, or that combines one or more renewable energy technologies with energy storage; | (10e) ‘hybrid plant’ means a renewable energy plant that combines multiple renewable energy technologies, or that combines one or more renewable energy technologies with energy storage, or that combines biogas with biomethane production; |
The amendment clarifies that installations combining biogas and biomethane production fall within the concept of hybrid plants. This ensures that projects integrating biomethane upgrading into existing biogas sites can benefit from the procedural framework applicable to hybrid installations. The approach supports the modernisation and continued use of existing renewable energy infrastructure and facilitates the gradual transition towards renewable gas production and injection into the gas system.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10e) ‘hybrid plant’ means a renewable energy plant that combines multiple renewable energy technologies, or that combines one or more renewable energy technologies with energy storage; | (10e) ‘hybrid plant’ means a renewable energy plant that combines multiple renewable energy technologies, or that combines one or more renewable energy technologies with energy storage and connect to the same grid connection point; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection permit’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete request for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s decision on whether the project can be connected to the grid; | (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection permit application’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete request application for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s decision proposal on whether how and when the project can be connected to the grid. All documents required for the connection application must be submitted to start the procedure for a grid connection application. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection permit’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete request for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s decision on whether the project can be connected to the grid; | (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection application’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete application for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s proposal on whether, how and when the project can be connected to the grid. All documents required for the connection application must be submitted to start the procedure for a grid connection application ; |
Anna Stürgkh, Martin Hojsík, Bart Groothuis, Brigitte van den Berg, Morten Løkkegaard, Emma Wiesner, Andreas Glück, Barry Andrews, Christophe Grudler, Sigrid Friis
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection permit’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete request for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s decision on whether the project can be connected to the grid; | (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection agreement’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete request for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s decision on whether the project can be connected to the grid; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection permit’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete request for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s decision on whether the project can be connected to the grid; | (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection request’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete request for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s decision on whether the project can be connected to the grid; |
This reformulation will help distinguish the procedure, which takes place between two private-law entities and has a contractual nature, from the issuance of authoritative decisions, such as building permits, by the relevant public authorities.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection permit’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete request for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s decision on whether the project can be connected to the grid; | (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection request’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete request for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s decision on whether the project can be connected to the grid; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection permit’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete request for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s decision on whether the project can be connected to the grid; | (10f) ‘procedure for a grid connection’ means the procedure from the project developer’s complete request for a connection to the grid up to the system operator’s decision on whether the project can be connected to the grid; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10fa) 'benefit-sharing' means the process of ensuring an equitable distribution of the benefits derived from a renewable energy project between public and private developers and operators on one hand, and the local communities affected by its impacts on the other. Such redistribution may be direct through financial, in-kind, or ownership mechanisms, including through Renewable Energy Communities as per the definition in Article 2 (16) of Directive 2018/2001, as well as indirect through contributions to the local economy; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10fa) 'energy infrastructure' means infrastructure necessary for the generation, conversion, transport, storage and system integration of energy, including electricity networks, gas and hydrogen infrastructure, CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure, energy storage facilities, and generation plants contributing to or supporting the transition towards climate neutrality, as well as the connection of such infrastructure to the grid. |
The amendment introduces a clear and technology-neutral definition of “energy infrastructure” in order to strengthen legal certainty and ensure a consistent application of the Directive across Member States. The definition reflects the integrated nature of the energy transition by covering the wider electricity infrastructure.
Anna Stürgkh, Martin Hojsík, Bart Groothuis, Brigitte van den Berg, Morten Løkkegaard, Barry Andrews, Christophe Grudler, Sigrid Friis
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10fa) 'related grid’ means transmission and/or distribution system infrastructure which is necessary to integrate electricity flows to or from plants, generation facilities or storage installations into the electricity system; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10fa) ‘hybrid recharging station’ means a recharging station that combines a recharging station with energy storage connect to the same grid connection point; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10fa) ‘hybrid recharging station’ means a recharging station that combines a recharging station with energy storage; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10fb) ‘recharging pool’ means ‘recharging pool’ as defined in Article 2 point 51 of the Regulation (EU) 2023/1804; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10fb) ‘recharging pool’ means one or more recharging stations at a specific location. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10fc) ‘share of the benefits of renewable energy projects’ means the equitable redistribution of a proportionate share of the economic and non-economic benefits generated by a renewable energy installation, throughout all stages of the project lifecycle, to the local communities in proximity of the project installation, such redistribution may take place preferably through direct ownership mechanisms, including via renewable energy communities, financial or in-kind mechanisms as well as indirect through contributions to the local economy; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10fd) 'non-wire solutions' means 'non wire solutions' as defined in Article 2, point 19 of TEN-E Regulation XX/XX; |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1a) in Article 15c, paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: | |
| 5. The competent authorities shall apply the permit-granting procedure and deadlines referred to in Article 16a to individual projects in renewables acceleration areas. | "5. The competent authorities shall apply the permit-granting procedure and deadlines referred to in Article 16a to individual projects and related transmission and distribution infrastructure in renewables acceleration areas." |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1a) Article 15c, paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: | |
| 4. By 21 May 2024, Member States may declare as renewables acceleration areas specific areas which have already been designated to be areas suitable for an accelerated deployment of one or more types of renewable energy technology, provided that all of the following conditions are met: | "4. By 31 December 2027, Member States may declare as renewables acceleration areas specific areas which have already been designated to be areas suitable for an accelerated deployment of one or more types of renewable energy technology, provided that all of the following conditions are met:" |
An extension of the deadline in Article Directive (EU) 2023/2413 para 4 until the end of 2027 leads to improved national implementation and make therefore significant contribution to speeding approval processes.
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5. The competent authorities shall apply the permit-granting procedure and deadlines referred to in Article 16a to individual projects in renewables acceleration areas. | "5. The competent authorities shall apply the permit-granting procedure and deadlines referred to in Article 16a to individual projects and related transmission and distribution infrastructure in renewables acceleration areas." |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1a) Directive (EU) 2018/2001 is amended as follows: Article 15c - paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: | |
| 1. By 21 February 2026, Member States shall ensure that competent authorities adopt one or more plans designating, as a sub-set of the areas referred to in Article 15b(1), renewables acceleration areas for one or more types of renewable energy sources. Member States may exclude biomass combustion and hydropower plants. In those plans, competent authorities shall: | "1. By 21 February 2026, Member States shall ensure that competent authorities adopt one or more plans designating, as a sub-set of the areas referred to in Article 15b(1), renewables acceleration areas for one or more types of renewable energy sources. In those plans, competent authorities shall:" |
The deletion of the explicit option for Member States to exclude biomass combustion and hydropower plants ensures a technology-neutral and non-discriminatory framework for the designation of renewables acceleration areas. This is essential because biomass and hydropower remain material components of the Union’s renewable energy mix. In 2024, renewables accounted for 25.2% of EU gross final energy consumption, while the Union remains 17.3 percentage points short of its 2030 target of 42.5%, requiring a much faster annual deployment rate. Hydropower is particularly important in several Member States with high renewable electricity shares, including Austria and Sweden, where renewable electricity is largely supported by hydropower. Excluding hydropower at Member State discretion would therefore risk undermining proven renewable capacity and reducing flexibility in national decarbonisation pathways. Biomass also plays a significant role, especially outside the electricity sector. According to IEA Bioenergy, biomass accounted for around 60% of the EU renewable energy share in final energy consumption in 2022, demonstrating its continued relevance for heating, industry and dispatchable renewable energy. A technology-specific exclusion would fragment national implementation, weaken investment certainty and conflict with the principle that renewables acceleration areas should be designated on the basis of objective territorial and environmental suitability, not a priori technology carve-outs. Environmental safeguards remain fully applicable through the designation criteria, mitigation rules and relevant Union environmental law. The amendment therefore strengthens legal predictability, supports a level playing field among renewable technologies and preserves Member State flexibility to assess projects case by case rather than excluding entire renewable technologies in advance.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1a) Article 3 is deleted; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2) in Article 15c, the following paragraph 6 is added: | deleted |
| ‘6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC;’ |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2) in Article 15c, the following paragraph 6 is added: | deleted |
| ‘6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC;’ |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2) in Article 15c, the following paragraph 6 is added: | (2) in Article 15c, the following paragraph 6 and 7 are added: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC’; | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; | 6. Until a Member State has fulfilled the mapping obligations referred to in Article 15b and has designated renewable energy acceleration areas pursuant to this Article of sufficient total surface area to accommodate the renewable energy capacity required to meet its national contribution towards the Union renewable energy target for 2030 set out in Article 3(1), that Member States shall not designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC. Restricted areas already designated before [date of entry into force] shall be reviewed by Member States within 6 months of that date and, where the conditions set out in this paragraphs are not met, shall be repealed or amended accordingly; |
Anna Stürgkh, Bart Groothuis, Brigitte van den Berg, Morten Løkkegaard, Andreas Glück, Christophe Grudler
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; | 6. Only where a Member State designated sufficient and proportionate land surface for renewables acceleration area as referred to in Article 15c of Directive (EU) 2023/2413, that Member State may also designate areas restricting the installation of renewable energy plants and infrastructure. Member States shall not designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC. This shall also apply to the extension or redefinition of existing land use categories; |
Many Member States have not yet implemented renewable acceleration areas. Therefore, before setting up exclusion areas, Member States shall first implement acceleration areas as required by Directive 2023/2413 and only then exclusion zones shall be set. If those exclusion zones are set, they shall be not extensively to block grid expansion. In addition, it should be clarified that "designation of large areas" does not solely apply to newly identified areas, but also to the expansion of existing restrictive areas.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; | 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC, where relevant, or where Member States can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure may result in deterioration in quality of water used for abstraction of water intended for human consumption and where as a result of the respective installation an increase in the level of purification treatment in the production of drinking water would be required; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC’; | 6. Member States may exclude renewables acceleration areas for reasons relating to environmental protection, landscape conservation, cultural heritage, public acceptance, land use planning, national security, network stability, the overall structure of their energy mix, or for any other reason related to their national interests. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; | 6. Member States shall not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; Member States shall ensure that any restrictions are limited to the minimum necessary and do not prevent the deployment of renewable energy in a manner consistent with environmental protection; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; | 6. Member States shall not designate new and existing large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure such as grid and storage facilities is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would adversely affect national security or integrity and operational reliability of critical infrastructure or would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC. |
The amendment clarifies that Member States retain sufficient flexibility when designating acceleration areas for renewable energy infrastructure. A rigid exclusion of specific areas at an early stage of the planning process may unnecessarily limit the effectiveness of acceleration areas and reduce the practical feasibility of infrastructure deployment. Existing obligations under Union environmental law remain fully applicable and continue to ensure an appropriate level of environmental protection. The amendment therefore supports a more balanced and operationally workable planning framework.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; | 6. Without prejudice to applicable national legislation on the protection of landscapes and cultural heritage, Member States should endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; | 6. Without prejudice to applicable national legislation, Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; | 6. Member States shall not designate large areas where the installation of energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; | 6. Member States shall not designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; |
Mariateresa Vivaldini, Elena Donazzan, Francesco Torselli, Nicola Procaccini, Alessandro Ciriani, Carlo Ciccioli, Pietro Fiocchi
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Member States shall endeavour not to designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; | 6. Member States shall not designate large areas where the installation of renewable energy plants and their related infrastructure is legally or de facto restricted due to environmental reasons, including protection of landscape, unless they can demonstrate that those types of plants and their related infrastructure would result in irreversible damage in the area which cannot be mitigated or compensated for during the environmental assessment pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU and, where relevant, the appropriate assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. When identifying and designating renewables acceleration areas, Member States shall take due account of high-value agricultural land, permanent crops and productive soils, in order to safeguard food production and the economic viability of the agricultural and agri-food sector. Where the designation of such areas or the authorisation of projects within them would entail the removal of high-value agricultural land, permanent crops and productive soils, the competent authorities shall first assess whether less harmful locations are available, including by prioritising non-productive, artificialised or degraded land that can achieve the same objective within a similar timeframe. For solar energy projects, Member States shall prioritise rooftops, parking areas, industrial sites, degraded land, brownfields and other artificial surfaces before converting productive agricultural land, and shall encourage agrivoltaic designs that allow the continued agricultural use of land where renewables acceleration areas are designated on agricultural land; |
This amendment aligns the designation of renewables acceleration areas with sustainable land‑use planning by requiring Member States to prioritise artificial and degraded surfaces, protect high‑value farmland and long‑established permanent crops, and promote agrivoltaics so that renewable deployment does not undermine food production or the agricultural and agri‑food sector.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. Member States shall, in cooperation with the competent national authorities and administrations, carry out periodic reviews of the areas referred to in the preceding paragraph in order to reassess their designation in light of the criteria and parameters laid down in this Directive. The reassessment procedure shall not exceed one year. For the purposes of the related administrative sub-procedures, any authorisations, permits or observations to be issued by the competent public authorities shall be deemed to have been granted where no reply has been provided within a period of three months. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. While preparing renewables acceleration areas, Member States shall consult the relevant infrastructure system operators. Before their adoption, the plans designating renewables acceleration areas shall be subject to consultation with the relevant infrastructure system operators. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. When defining renewables acceleration areas, Member States shall take into account the existing or planned electricity transmission or distribution grid and available transmission or distribution grid capacity ensuring grid stability, grid reliability and grid safety. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. When defining renewables acceleration areas, Member States shall take into account the existing or planned electricity transmission or distribution grid and available transmission or distribution grid capacity ensuring grid stability, grid reliability and grid safety. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6b. While preparing renewables acceleration areas, Member States shall consult the relevant infrastructure system operators. Before their adoption, the plans designating renewables acceleration areas shall be subject to consultation with the relevant infrastructure system operators. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6c. In defined renewables acceleration areas, transmission or distribution infrastructure shall benefit from the same permit granting procedures as renewable energy sources. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6c. In defined renewables acceleration areas, transmission or distribution infrastructure shall benefit from the same permit granting procedures as renewable energy sources. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) Within [one year from the entry into force of this Directive], Member States, in cooperation with the competent local authorities, shall identify guiding principles and criteria for the designation of “service areas for high industrial intensity zones” and “service areas for high population density zones”. | |
| Within the areas referred to in the preceding paragraph, the installation and maintenance of energy plants and their related infrastructure shall be considered to be in the overriding public interest, urgent and non-deferrable, and may also be located in areas subject to restrictions under existing urban planning instruments, in accordance with national law. | |
| The authorisation procedures for the activities referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be completed within a maximum period of one year and shall be carried out in coordination among the different competent national authorities. For the purposes of the related administrative sub-procedures, any authorisations, permits or observations to be issued by the competent public authorities shall be deemed to have been granted where no reply has been provided within a period of three months. The public authorities involved shall not issue acts requiring additional assessments or investigations unless their proportionality and reasonableness are duly justified. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | deleted |
Delete or make it voluntary and allow national tax systems to fulfil the objective: Member States may facilitate voluntary measures through which renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 20 MW provide direct or indirect benefits to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. Existing national, regional or local fiscal arrangements, including property taxes, municipal compensation mechanisms or other legally established payments benefiting local communities, shall be deemed to fulfil the objective of this paragraph.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a proportionate share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 1 MW are allocated directly or indirectly, to local citizens, municipalities and communities in proximity to those projects. Those measures shall ensure that such benefits are tangible, measurable and effectively accessible to the affected communities. Benefit sharing schemes shall prioritise, where feasible, co-ownership of the assets, including through renewable or citizens energy communities, and access to the energy produced. Member States shall accompany such measures with appropriate indicators to measure and assess their effectiveness. Projects directly developed by citizen and renewable energy communities shall be exempted from the obligation of this paragraph. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States may adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects, taking into account national, regional and local circumstances, as well as existing practices, provided that such benefits are not already being passed on directly or indirectly by project developers. Such measures must be proportionate and reflect a clear causal link between the project and the community concerned. The Commission shall issue non-binding guidance to promote best practices, simplicity and predictability in benefit-sharing, in such a way that does not lead to increase in administrative burden. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States may adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects taking into account national, regional and local circumstances, as well as existing practices, provided that such benefits are not already being passed on directly or indirectly by project developers. Such measures must be proportionate and reflect a clear causal link between the project and the community concerned . |
Mariateresa Vivaldini, Elena Donazzan, Francesco Torselli, Nicola Procaccini, Alessandro Ciriani, Carlo Ciccioli, Pietro Fiocchi
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States shall may adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. Member States ensure that local communities can benefit from the project in an agreed way with the project promoter. Guidance should be developed by the Commission before implementation of this provision. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States may adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. These measures shall remain at the discretion of the Member States, must only be made public following early consultation with local communities, and must not generate any additional cost or administrative burden for communities. |
Measures relating to the distribution of benefits must not be mandatory and must not be used to ‘buy’ the silence of local communities who are opposed to wind or solar energy projects.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States may adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 120 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to the municipality of the project’s location or to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. Where a renewable energy project has adopted necessary mitigation measures, any sharing of benefits is not necessary. Costs for the developer have to remain reasonable. |
We do not support binding EU-level obligations to share the benefits of renewable energy projects. Such regulation would increase the administrative and financial burden of renewable energy projects. A benefit-sharing obligation would place renewable energy projects in a different position compared to other private projects. We consider the 10 MW threshold to be very low and that it would unnecessarily apply even to projects with only minor impacts, such as bio-fueled combustion plants in existing industrial site.
Anna Stürgkh, Martin Hojsík, Bart Groothuis, Brigitte van den Berg, Morten Løkkegaard, Andreas Glück, Barry Andrews, Christophe Grudler, Sigrid Friis
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. Where equally effective direct or indirect measures are already in place, this provision shall be considered fulfilled and no new measures need to be introduced. |
Member States in which effective benefit sharing measures are already in place should not be obliged to implement a second layer of measures.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. Any fiscal scheme already established by a Member State that provides for a local return shall be deemed recognized for the purposes of this provision. |
Several Member States, already operate long-standing fiscal schemes that ensure a tangible redistribution of revenues from renewable energy projects to local communities. Such mechanisms already fulfil the objective of sharing the value of renewable projects with local citizens and communities. Introducing an additional layer of obligations at EU level, without recognising existing national schemes would create overlapping requirements and excessive economic and administrative complexity, thereby undermining project viability.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a greater share of the benefits of renewable energy projects than those accrued to the general population from the project with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States may adopt measures to facilitate the sharing of benefits from energy projects with local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. |
The amendment clarifies the framework for community benefit schemes related to renewable energy infrastructure. Such mechanisms should remain proportionate, legally feasible and sufficiently flexible to reflect the different regulatory and administrative structures across Member States. Overly prescriptive requirements may create unnecessary implementation complexity and reduce the effectiveness of project deployment. The amendment therefore supports a balanced approach between local participation and efficient infrastructure development.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects, also by promoting agreements with the project developer. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of commercial renewable energy projects selling energy to the grid, with an installed capacity above 500 KW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a minimum 50% share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 1 MW is passed on directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. |
Jana Nagyová, Ondřej Knotek, Tomáš Kubín, Mélanie Disdier, Julie Rechagneux, Aleksandar Nikolic, András Gyürk
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States may adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of new renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States may adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 20 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities in proximity to those projects. | 3. Member States may adopt measures to ensure that a share of the benefits of new renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 30 MW is passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3a. By way of derogation from paragraph 3, Member States which, at the date of entry into force of this Directive, have in place national measures ensuring a higher level of benefits passed on, directly or indirectly, to local citizens and communities, and/or lower installed capacity thresholds for renewable energy projects, than those provided for in that paragraph, shall maintain those measures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3a. When setting up benefit-sharing schemes, developers of renewable energy projects shall prioritise community ownership of the energy generating assets, and the energy produced by those assets, through renewable energy communities as per the definition of Article 2 (16) of Directive 2018/2001. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. Member States shall designate and finance an independent facilitator to promote dialogue between the project developer and the general public for renewable energy projects with an installed capacity above 10MW. The facilitator shall only intervene upon request by any of the relevant parties and shall: | deleted |
| (a) facilitate public consultations, as necessary, including early consultations during the phase prior to the permit application; | |
| (b) engage to find solutions to address potential concerns raised by local communities. | |
| (c) ensure support and transparency in the choice of the type of benefit sharing measure, where relevant. | |
| Member States may set up a fee, paid by project developers, to finance the services of the facilitator.; |
The role of independent facilitators should remain voluntary, carefully integrated into existing governance structures, and proportionate to avoid adding unnecessary complexity or enabling strategic delays. Binding obligations in this area could introduce procedural risks rather than support constructive dialogue.
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- Licensed CC BY 4.0.
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- 25 September 2026
Cite as
European Parliament (2026). “AMENDMENTS 54 - 263 - Draft report Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures”. Text, 12 May 2026. docId ITRE-AM-785338. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ITRE-AM-785338 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/ITRE-AM-785338 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-itre-am-785338,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{AMENDMENTS 54 - 263 - Draft report Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures}},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-05-12},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ITRE-AM-785338}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ITRE-AM-785338},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId ITRE-AM-785338. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}