European Union accelerates renewable energy approvals and permits
The European Union is pressing ahead with faster processing for renewable energy projects across the continent. During a plenary session, members of the European Parliament and national authorities agreed to reduce approval times for new facilities linked to renewable energy as part of the updated Renewable Energy Directive. The agreement, supported by a broad majority in the Parliament with 470 votes in favor, 120 against, and 40 abstentions, moves to the Council for formal ratification and is expected to take effect once formalities are completed.
Delays in permit processing for solar parks and wind farms remain a central issue in the European renewable distribution debate. In several countries, the bureaucratic maze has slowed projects. In Spain, for example, approval timelines can stretch to four years due to the intricate regulatory framework, a burden that strains regional administrations and, at times, leads to stalled initiatives.
In Catalonia, a slowdown in administrative procedures has caused many entrepreneurs and investors to reconsider or abandon projects. The Catalan Renewable Energy Observatory notes that delays stem from resource constraints and limited alternative options, complicating the achievement of green transition targets and discouraging promoters. Since a 2019 decree aimed at streamlining procedures was adopted, 172 major projects have been submitted but remain awaiting processing.
The directive revision approved in the plenary foresees that national authorities should not require more than twelve months to approve new renewable energy facilities if they are located in suitable areas. Outside those zones, the approval window extends to twenty-four months. Member States may justify a six-month extension in extraordinary circumstances, subject to proper justification.
For smaller projects or upgrades below 150 kilowatts in priority areas, the processing period is six months, with a potential three-month extension only in exceptional cases. Offshore wind facilities will receive a baseline of twelve months for permitting, with a possible six-month extension when warranted by particular conditions.
Spain is estimated to have around 20 percent of its land at low environmental sensitivity suitable for wind installations and about 35 percent appropriate for photovoltaic capacity, according to the zoning map from the Ministry of Ecological Transition. The map identifies areas with the best conditions for wind and solar projects to guide site selection. Additionally, roughly 250 square kilometers are available for offshore wind energy development.
The updated European framework also assigns national authorities the power to designate one or more designated touchpoints to streamline the process. Applicants will interact with a single point of contact for the administrative procedure and will receive documentation in electronic form. Within two years of the directive’s entry into force, each member state must ensure that the entire permit process is conducted online and accessible digitally.
Targeting a 45 percent final energy consumption share
Updating the directive aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable installations and push the European Union toward a goal of 45 percent final energy consumption from renewables by 2030. Spain is reviewing its National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan to raise renewable energy’s share to 48 percent by 2030, aligning with broader EU objectives.
In industry and transport, member states will choose between binding targets that reflect progress toward decarbonization. One option is a 14.5 percent reduction in greenhouse gas intensity through renewable energy use by 2030, or a binding minimum of 29 percent renewable energy in final energy consumption within the transport sector by the same year. Industrial sectors are set to increase renewable energy use by about 1.6 percent annually, while hydrogen and renewable fuels of non-biological origin are targeted to reach 42 percent by 2030 and 60 percent by 2035 for certain applications.
In the building sector, interim targets guide the 2030 outlook. The objective includes a minimum renewable energy share and a gradual annual increase in heating and cooling renewables, with an established national trajectory that tightens requirements from 2026 through 2030. The overall aim is to ensure a steady rise in the contribution of renewables to energy consumption across all key sectors, including industry, transport, and buildings.
In summary, the revised framework emphasizes clearer timelines, a streamlined contact point system, and online permit processes to hasten renewable energy deployment. By focusing on areas with the best renewable potential and setting robust, predictable targets for 2030, the European Union aims to accelerate its green transition while supporting member states in meeting ambitious energy and climate goals.