site.btaParliament Amends Energy from Renewable Sources Act

Parliament adopted conclusively at second reading amendments to the Energy from Renewable Sources Act, submitted by Delyan Dobrev and Krasen Krastev (GERB-UDF), and Pavela Mitova (TISP). Part of the amendments are aimed at simplifying and reducing deadlines and administrative procedures.

According to the changes, all the necessary administrative permits related to the requirements for the construction, reconstruction and commissioning of the renewable energy production facilities shall be issued within one year.

To meet the mandatory minimum target share of renewable energy in transport, fuel suppliers shall ensure that the share of renewable energy in final energy consumption in transport is at least 14 % by 2030.

Grid operators shall not apply discriminatory or disproportionate procedures and shall not require consumers to pay grid service charges for electricity generated on-site by them and consumed on their premises. 

Each municipality shall operate an administrative service centre to provide guidance and information on the procedures for the construction, reconstruction or upgrading of renewable energy facilities.

The amendments to the RES law also provide allowable specs for heat pumps that end clients can install on premises connected to the electricity distribution network. 

The term of the preliminary contracts for the connection of wind power generation installations is extended to three years.

Changes are also made to the State Property Act, which stipulates that by a decision of the Council of Ministers, parts of public state-owned properties may be leased for up to 10 years without an auction to public enterprises and their subsidiaries, provided that the activities for which the properties are granted for management are not hindered.