The energy ministry is examining current wind and solar energy market data to decide on whether to stage RES auctions for new project installation capacities in June or July, as was originally planned, or to postpone these sessions for the final quarter of the year.

The ministry would rather stick to the original plan as it wants to avoid creating an impression of a wider freeze by the coronavirus pandemic on plans.

A successful mixed RES auction on April 2 was heralded by the ministry as solid proof of a market still operating in proper fashion.

However, the extended lockdown has necessitated a reexamination of market data by ministry officials as project maturation in the RES sector has been impacted by the pandemic’s consequent conditions.

At the distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO, examination and processing procedures of investor applications for new connection terms have slowed down considerably.

The same goes for municipal authorities and other public agencies involved in the licensing process of new RES projects.

It is feared this overall slowdown could diminish the number of projects investors will be prepared to take to the RES auctions, staged by RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy.

RES auction dates have been postponed in most other European countries in recent times.