Municipalities and renewable energy installers now have new options for a simpler and thus faster environmental assessment process when they want to install solar cells or wind turbines on land.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities has just sent a draft executive order for consultation, which opens up the possibility of designating so-called acceleration areas, where the paperwork can be completed more quickly.
Once the executive order is in place, areas where solar cells and wind turbines on land are planned can be designated as an acceleration area by the municipality in question. This can be done at the request of the municipality itself or at the request of the installer, i.e. those who know the local areas and projects best, the ministry writes in a press release.
Acceleration areas will be areas where the installation of solar cells or wind turbine projects is not expected to have significant environmental impacts. Therefore, the usual requirement for a full environmental impact assessment can be replaced by a simpler process.
Could go faster
- The pace must pick up. For energy from solar and wind is the fastest and cheapest way to more renewable energy, which contributes to a greener and safer Denmark. We still have to take care of both the environment, wildlife and the local area, but in some places the process can go faster, says Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard (M).
These are new elements in the EU's VEIII directive, which gives countries in Europe the opportunity to designate acceleration areas for renewable energy projects.
The executive order also implements rules for similar acceleration areas for electricity infrastructure, which the parties behind an agreement in December on faster expansion of the electricity grid support. The agreement was concluded between the government, SF, Liberal Alliance, De Konservative, Dansk Folkeparti and De Radikale.
Initiatives for more renewable energy on land
Possibility for acceleration areas for both solar cells, wind turbines and the electricity grid.
Agreement on the designation of energy parks with, among other things, one entrance for case processing.
Strengthened renewable energy schemes with, among other things, larger bonuses for neighbors and larger contributions to the green pool for benefits in local communities.
More efficient complaints processes, among other things, with more use of deadlines.
Targeted annual subsidy of 200 million DKK to municipalities with the most renewable energy.
Source: Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities
The draft executive order can be read at Høringsportalen.
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