MEPs on the Industry, Research and Energy Committee have backed a proposal to speed up the granting of permits for renewable energy projects, electricity grids, storage facilities, and recharging stations across the European Union, as part of the broader European grids package. The draft legislation introduces shorter deadlines, a single national digital portal for all permitting steps, and a dedicated EU-wide permitting framework for electricity grid infrastructure.

In their amendments, MEPs want to broaden and strengthen the presumption of over-riding public interest for renewable energy projects and electricity grids. They want to remove the possibility for EU member states to restrict, or create exceptions to, this presumption, except in duly justified cases strictly necessary to protect formally designated cultural heritage.

MEPs also want new rules, accelerated deadlines and more transparency for grid connection procedures. Procedures must not exceed three months, and, if…