Investments in renewable energy are stuck in offices. Poland in the crosshairs of the European Commission

The European Commission announced on Friday that it had moved to the second stage of the procedure for infringement of EU law against Poland in connection with the Renewable Energy Sources Directive. According to the EC, Poland has failed to fulfill its obligation to accelerate procedures regarding renewable energy sources and the inclusion of new capacities in the system.

In the next step, the EC may refer the case against Poland to the CJEU.

The goal: faster approvals and less bureaucracy

This concerns the RES directive amended in 2023, which obliges Member States to accelerate procedures for issuing permits for the installation of renewable energy sources and for infrastructure projects allowing for the inclusion of additional power in the power system.

– They also include clear time limits on permitting procedures targeting specific technologies or types of projects, strengthening the role of a single point of contact for applications and the presumption that renewable energy projects and related network infrastructure constitute a matter of overriding public interest – recalled the EC in a statement issued on Friday.

Main barriers: complicated law and staff shortages

The directive states that lengthy administrative procedures for issuing permits constitute one of the main barriers to investment in renewable energy projects and related infrastructure. These barriers include: the complexity of applicable regulations regarding the selection of locations and administrative permits for such projects, the complexity and duration of assessing the environmental impact of projects, issues related to connection to the network, limitations in adapting technological specifications during the permitting procedure, and staffing problems of licensing authorities or network operators.

Two months to avoid a lawsuit

Countries had time to introduce simplifications and accelerate procedures until July 1, 2024. Two months later, the European Commission launched a procedure for violation of EU law in connection with failure to fulfill this obligation against almost all, as many as 26, member states.

Poland has two months to make up for the neglect. If it fails to do so, the EC may refer a complaint against Poland to the CJEU.

From Brussels Magdalena Cedro (PAP)

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