The introduction of areas with high potential for renewable energy production, envisaged in a bill of the Ministry of Energy, has sparked dissatisfaction at public consultations organized on the parliamentary platform. The authors of the project say that these areas will help identify suitable lands and attract investments more quickly. However, energy producer associations argue that some provisions could hinder the authorization and development process of renewable energy projects, reports IPN.

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Carolina Novac, stated that one of the provisions of the project is the identification of areas with the highest potential for generating renewable energy, especially wind energy. After determining these areas, the authorities will ensure the acquisition of the necessary permits, and subsequently organize auctions for specific locations. The renewable energy acceleration zones will be designated by the Ministry of Energy, through a special commission.

The President of the Association of Wind and Photovoltaic Electric Energy Producers in Moldova (APEEEF), Eugen Gîrlea, has called for the withdrawal of the project and the organization of public debates at the level of the entire sector. He expressed his concern that these areas could be established even on private lands and in areas where projects already exist or permits have been issued. He also questioned why the project provides for the organization of auctions for the allocation of acceleration zones, given that the European RED III Directive does not impose such a procedure.

The Vice President of the Employers’ Association of Electric Energy Producers from Renewable Sources “ECOENERGETICA”, Vasile Chirica, also criticized the project, which he described as one of the weakest promoted by the Ministry of Energy. He said that the new provisions will not simplify, but could complicate the authorization and development process of renewable projects. According to him, some procedures could take up to two and a half years, which would delay investors’ access to financing.

The President of the Parliamentary Commission for Economy, Budget and Finance, on whose platform consultations were organized, Marcel Spatari, stated that he will analyze the project in detail, including from the perspective of its impact on the business environment and competition. He announced the organization of a new round of technical consultations to clarify the necessity of promoting the project.

The introduction of Renewable Energy Acceleration Zones (REAZ) is part of the measures for transposing the European Directive RED III. According to the authorities, these zones are to be established following the mapping of the potential of renewable energy sources using special technologies.