Accelerating the Renewable Transition Through Streamlined Regulation

A significant reduction in bureaucracy is essential for the success of the energy transition. Lengthy approval procedures and complex administrative barriers continue to slow down renewable energy development, resulting in wasted potential and unnecessary delays in connecting new projects to the grid.

A Modernization Agenda for Clean Energy Expansion

Recent modernization initiatives aim to make administrative processes faster, more digital, and more citizen-friendly. Industry associations have emphasized that accelerating renewable energy deployment requires pragmatic legal reforms and more efficient approval procedures. By improving coordination between authorities and standardizing assessment criteria, renewable projects can progress more swiftly from planning to operation.

Faster Approvals for Solar and Energy Storage Projects

Photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal installations remain key drivers of the energy transition. However, complex approval procedures and grid connection requirements continue to hinder their rollout. Simplifying the permitting process and reducing bureaucratic obstacles would enable faster project realization.

The agenda also highlights the need to streamline the integration of battery energy storage systems, solar thermal plants in rural areas (including those connected to district heating), and agrovoltaic systems. Legal recognition of these technologies under building and land-use regulations could further accelerate deployment.

Moreover, excessive administrative burdens—such as overlapping environmental requirements and state-level participation rules—should be minimized. Tax-related barriers in land allocation, including inheritance and property taxation, also need to be addressed to promote renewable energy investments.

Hydropower and Renewable Heat: Unlocking Untapped Potential

To fully harness the potential of hydropower and river-based heat utilization, current regulations require clearer definitions and simplified permitting procedures. Standardized, digital approval systems with shorter processing times would make it easier to modernize existing plants and introduce new renewable heat solutions.

Aligning energy legislation with environmental law will ensure that renewable energy generation is recognized as a matter of overriding public interest, providing greater legal certainty for developers and investors.

Modernizing Bioenergy for a Flexible Future

For bioenergy—including biogas, biomass, and biofuels—the modernization agenda calls for practical and simplified certification, documentation, and permitting requirements. This would encourage investment in flexible, efficient, and sustainable production facilities capable of generating both electricity and heat.

Facilities for the production of renewable gases and their associated infrastructure should also be recognized as serving the public interest, enabling smoother project implementation and grid integration.

Enhancing Grid Infrastructure and Connectivity

The rapid expansion of renewables must be accompanied by a corresponding upgrade of power, gas, and heat networks. Simplified rules for grid connection and the expansion of hydrogen and energy storage infrastructure are essential to ensure system stability and energy security.

Policies extending grid connection rights for biomethane plants, electrolyzers, and other renewable gas systems beyond 2025 are vital. A clear, streamlined connection framework would encourage further private and industrial investment in the clean energy sector.

Regulatory Clarity for Long-Term Confidence

Clear and consistent regulations are key to building confidence among investors and developers. Simplifying environmental protection and emission control laws, introducing binding timelines, and promoting digital approval platforms will ensure greater predictability for all stakeholders.

A transparent and efficient regulatory framework not only reduces administrative workload but also strengthens trust in public institutions, ultimately paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy future.