Urychlení rozvoje obnovitelných zdrojů schváleno Poslaneckou sněmovnou

On 3 June 2025, the Chamber of Deputies approved the government bill on the acceleration of the utilization of certain renewable energy sources and the amendment of related laws in a so-called expedited procedure during its first reading. This bill ensures the transposition of selected provisions of the European Directive on the support of renewable energy from 2023, aimed at accelerating the utilization of renewable energy sources in the member states of the European Union.

The bill represents a further step in the efforts to utilize renewable energy sources, which have already been reflected in the transposition amendments to the Energy Act such as LEX OZE I to III.

The bill simplifies existing permitting processes for the construction of renewable energy generation facilities through designated so-called acceleration areas. Within these areas, projects for renewable energy sources can be approved in a simplified procedure, enabling faster construction of power plants and related infrastructure. The designation of areas will occur at three levels: local significance in spatial plans, regional significance in spatial development principles, and national significance in the national spatial development plan.

Individual acceleration areas will be defined based on thorough mapping of the territory and comprehensive assessments of environmental impacts, biological aspects, and other public interests. For each area, a spatial measure will be issued concerning conditions and mitigation measures. Projects that meet the conditions within the acceleration areas will not be required to undergo the standard environmental impact assessment process, thereby significantly reducing the project preparation time.

Another innovation is the introduction of a deemed consent for smaller photovoltaic power plants with a capacity of up to 100 kW; if the relevant authorities do not decide within 30 days from the submission of a complete application, the project will automatically be deemed approved.

The bill also introduces a new fee for the production of wind energy at a rate of CZK 50 for each 1 MWh produced in the calendar year. The revenue from the fee will be allocated 98% to the municipality in which the wind power plant is located, and 2% to the municipal office of the municipality with extended powers, within whose administrative district the largest portion of installed capacity is situated.

The bill will now be submitted to the Senate, with the proposed effective date set for the first day of the calendar month following its promulgation.

Authors:

David Hlaváček

Michal Sladký