Monitoring progress of measures to streamline permit-granting procedures and development of permitting-related key performance indicators (KPIs)

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU has intensified its energy transition, aiming for higher shares of renewable energy sources (RES) to reduce energy dependence and substitute Russian imports. This initiative aligns with key EU strategies like the Green Deal, Fit-for-55 Package, REPowerEU, and the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED 2023/2413). Central to this effort is Council Regulation (EU) 2022/2577, a temporary emergency framework introduced in December 2022 to address lengthy permitting procedures—a major obstacle to renewable energy investments. The objectives of this project include:  

1. Analysis of the Council Regulation: A comprehensive review of Council Regulation (EU) 2022/2577, including its extended provisions under the November 2023 review, to evaluate its impact on accelerating renewable energy investments in ten EU Member States. Key areas of focus will include:
   • Overriding Public Interest: Article 3(2), which prioritizes renewable energy projects for permitting under environmental legislation.
   • Permit Granting for Repowering: Article 5(1), establishing a six-month timeline for permits to upgrade existing facilities.
   • Grid Connections: Article 6, expediting permits for renewable energy projects and their grid infrastructure.
2. Assessment of Key Legislative Measures: Evaluate how temporary emergency measures, now extended until June 2024 and partially incorporated into the revised RED, have addressed barriers to renewable energy deployment.
3. Policy Recommendations: Provide insights into the effectiveness of these measures in streamlining permitting processes and scaling renewable energy capacity. The findings will guide future legislative and regulatory developments to sustain the momentum of renewable energy deployment.
4. Capacity Building: Support EU Member States, regulators, and developers by offering evidence-based recommendations to enhance procedural and distributive efficiency in renewable energy permitting processes.

By analyzing the impact of accelerated permitting initiatives, this project contributes to refining the EU's renewable energy strategy, ensuring its alignment with broader sustainability, security, and climate goals.