A day after Greek Parliament’s ratification of a bill radically simplifying the first stage of the RES licensing procedure by granting project developers production licenses online and instantly if all requirements are met, authorities have begun work to simplify the rest of the licensing procedure, all the way to the issuance of RES unit operating licenses, energypress sources have informed.

The energy ministry’s secretary-general Alexandra Sdoukou, heading a special committee tasked with this project, has asked agencies representing various green energy technologies to forward updated proposals by Monday.

Then, days later, on Friday week, the committee, comprised of energy ministry officials, licensing authorities and market representatives, will stage a teleconference to discuss a number of issues, simplification of all other RES licensing procedures – beyond the first step now ratified – being at the top of the agenda.

Energy ministry officials are expected to table a groundbreaking proposal that would abolish installation licenses but maintain operating licenses. This proposal will be examined by the committee and implemented if deemed feasible.

The committee will shoot for the delivery of an initial plan before summer. Once ready, it will be forwarded for consultation. Any revisions during this process will make up the content of a draft bill finalizing the RES licensing simplifications.

Greece is striving to align with an EU directive requiring a RES licensing procedure time limit of two years for most projects and three years for special projects by June next year, deputy energy minister Gerassimos Thomas told parliament.