A new rule concerning the introduction of RES producer certificates, to replace electricity production permits – a measure taken to help quicken licensing procedures – is expected to be announced within the next few days.

The replacement of RES electricity production permits with RES producer certificates, to be issued by RAE, represents the first step of a new RES licensing simplification framework presented by the energy ministry last April.

This plan will aim to drastically reduce the duration of RES licensing procedures to two years from the current average of seven years.

Procedures leading to new licensing rules have been slightly delayed by administration changes at RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy. The authority was originally scheduled to deliver its plan on August 7 for immediate approval by the energy ministry.

This deadline date was set to offer RAE sufficient time to inform RES investors of the supporting documents required as a result of the new rules ahead of a planned early-October launch for application submissions.

RAE will issue RES producer certificates once applicants have presented proof of payment for related fees.

These fees have been set as follows: 3,000 euros per MW for capacities up to 1 MW; 2,500 euros for capacities between 1 MW and 10 MW; 2,000 euros per MW for 10 MW to 50 MW; 1,500 euros per MW for 50 MW to 100 MW; and 1,000 euros per MW for over 100 MW.