Upcoming changes to the Renewable Energy Act aim to ease procedures for connecting renewable energy projects to the grid, encourage self-generation and strengthen the role of consumers as active participants in the energy market. The new regulation transposes Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (the so-called RED III), which aims to create administrative conditions for the mass penetration of RES by economic operators and households to meet their own green energy needs.

It foresees fast-track procedures for the connection of new RES capacities, within fixed timeframes and the possibility of phased development of projects, especially near priority areas for the development of such projects. The integration of renewable energy solutions in heating and cooling in urban areas is foreseen, through inclusion in infrastructure planning and energy efficiency programmes.

The concept of ‘active customer’ is expanded - consumers who can sell their surplus electricity to the grid. A simplified procedure is foreseen for small installations of up to 10.8 kW and a fast-track procedure of up to three months under standard conditions for companies with up to 50 kW of self-consumption capacity.

A centralised administrative service is envisaged to be also set up to support the RES construction and connection processes, provided in administrative service centres in each municipality. Transparent metering and accountability of energy exchanges between consumers and the grid is envisaged.

Implementation of the new legislation is expected to start with priority in large cities where the need for energy alternatives is most pressing. In smaller localities, some requirements will be phased in with an approach adapted to local administrative capacity at municipal level.

The proposed amendments are a step towards a more affordable, efficient and sustainable energy system that meets the needs of consumers and producers and the requirements of European policies.