Relevant articles:
Energy Sector News in Lithuania in 2024 Q3: Key Developments and Strategic Initiatives
Energy Sector News in Latvia in 2024 Q3: Key Updates and Reforms
Energy Sector News in Estonia in 2024 Q3: Key Developments in Offshore Wind, Climate Policy, and Nuclear Energy
In May 2024, Estonia’s parliament approved amendments of the Building Code and other laws to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in Estonia. These amendments were adopted into Estonian law in June 2024. The changes are designed to meet the goals set out in the Energy Sector Organisation Act, which requires that by the year 2030 at least 65% of Estonia’s total energy consumption must come from renewable sources, with 100% of the country’s electricity being generated from renewable energy.
The new legislation introduces a compact process for obtaining building permits specifically created for offshore wind farms. Previously, developers were required to have three separate permits – building permit, water permit, and superficies licence – to be able to start the construction works. However, under the new system, all three permits are now covered by a single, consolidated licence – superficies licence.
Under the new amendments, developers of offshore wind parks whose superficies licence proceedings were initiated before the 1st of August 2024 can choose whether they would like to proceed with the new superficies licence process or continue with the “default” three-licences procedure.
Developers, who have filed an application for a superficies licence before the 1st of August 2024 but where the decision to initiate superficies licence proceedings has not yet been made, can choose to change the “default“ scheme to the new one by submitting an application to the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority before the decision to initiate superficies licence proceedings is made.
The option to choose between the old and new schemes provide developers with flexibility enabling to select the process that aligns with their project timelines, regulatory preferences, and strategic goals.
