EC adopts new recommendations and guidance for renewables roll-out

The European Commission (EC) this week adopted various new and updated recommendations and guidance documents with the purpose of improving and streamlining renewable energy permitting procedures and auctions across the EU block.

Firstly, the Commission has updated both its recommendation on accelerating permit-granting procedures for renewables and related infrastructure, and its accompanying guidance on the same topic. The updated guidance, in particular, gives examples of good practices on simplifying the procedures and underscores the importance of digitalisation and community participation.

Furthermore, the EC has adopted another guidance document on designating renewables acceleration areas.

Similarly, the Commission has published its recommendation and guidance on the design of renewable energy auctions so that they take into account “objectives such as quality, contribution to resilience and environmental sustainability.” It highlights that the use of non-price criteria will enable higher value-added projects to be rewarded.

Lastly, the Commission has updated the Union Renewables Development Platform, which is an online system allowing Member States to publish basic information about their auction schedules.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!