Published: Fri, 18 March 2022
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Concerns for energy security and costs highlight the urgent need to develop renewable energy supplies in Ireland and across the EU, according to Seán Kelly MEP. The Ireland South MEP has proposed a “Fit for 55 label” to simplify and fast-track the delivery of public interest renewable energy projects.
“We cannot achieve our Green Deal targets without a massive expansion of renewable energy. However, the reality is that if we are to achieve our ambitious targets, we must fast-track the removal of planning or market-based obstacles to ensure rapid delivery of renewable energy technologies”, MEP Kelly said.
“The Fit for 55 label would effectively guarantee that necessary positive renewable energy projects receive far quicker licensing and planning authorisation. We do not have time to waste, so this is a logical and practical step we can employ to make the energy transition a reality and not just something that will forever seem beyond the horizon.”
Permitting and licensing procedures remain one of the biggest hurdles in achieving mass deployment of renewable technologies, according to the Fine Gael MEP.
“There is no value to citizens in having clean technologies available if we cannot get them deployed. That is why we need to ensure our planning and regulatory systems are fit to address the challenge of climate change.
“That is why I have proposed a “Fit for 55” label on public interest renewable projects that will allow the granting of a priority status in national law, to ensure a prioritisation of these projects by the competent authority, the streamlining of procedures and processes, and the removal of unnecessary red tape”, Kelly said.
The introduction of the label would require Member States to detail how they will adapt their permit system to ensure they meet commitments under their National Energy and Climate Plans. Reporting would be based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including how to Planning authorities are resourced.
The introduction of the label would require Member States to detail how they will adapt their permit system to ensure they meet commitments under their National Energy and Climate Plans. Reporting would be based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including how to Planning authorities are resourced.
Mr Kelly has submitted his proposal in writing to European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans and Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson.
