RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, has proposed an additional wind energy capacity of 150 MW for RES auctions in 2020, which would take the sub-category’s total to 450 MW, believing the extra capacity is crucial for the country’s effort to achieve ambitious renewable energy targets over the coming years.

The proposal, which besides the 150-MW capacity boost, calls for the addition of any leftover capacity from the current year, has been forwarded to the energy ministry, which is expected to sign a related ministerial decision.

The ministry hopes to follow up on this week’s RES auction, on December 12, with an opening session for 2020 within the first two months of the year. This will greatly depend on the ability of RAE, currently understaffed, to handle required preparations.

The ministry is looking to stage separate auctions for the solar and wind energy sub-categories ahead of the first combined RES auction for 2020, expected around April.

A wind energy capacity increase for the combined auction is also expected to be sought by wind energy authorities. This would boost the total above the current level of 500 MW.