Renewable energy sector pundits and players fear a draft bill concerning a range of RES sector adjustments, being discussed in parliament today, could ultimately increase investment risks and costs.

The widespread negative views do not include a decision by authorities to eliminate a RES-supporting supplier surcharge, already factored into the equation by players, but a range of other planned changes that could make the sector’s investment climate less favorable.

One clause in the draft bill, for example, foresees the continuation of a production licence maintenance surcharge, whose introduction, by the country’s preceding administration, has been blamed for the cancellation of many production licenses, sector officials noted. The current government not only plans to maintain this surcharge, which was widely expected to be scrapped, but triple its cost for investors, critics added.

RES sector investment plans are being hampered and delayed by the Greek State and the country’s entire political spectrum, while investors are ultimately being charged extra amounts for these delays, frustrated players have pointed out.

Investors also fear the sector’s adjustments being discussed could lead to new RES special account issues, despite a recent improvement into surplus territory.