The implementation of the EU RED III Directive could bring far-reaching changes to offshore wind permits: Acceleration zones are intended to simplify procedures, and environmental assessments are to be eliminated. At the end of June, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy submitted the draft bill for consultation with industry associations, and the cabinet is expected to make a decision in July. The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology supports the goal of speedy procedures but calls for mandatory inclusion of environmental documents even if an EIA is omitted. 

PSWP is one of the leading law firms specializing in energy law and regularly advises on licensing and environmental issues in the offshore sector. The event will focus on the planned amendments to the Offshore Wind Energy Act (WindSeeG) and the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) – including the new procedural deadlines, regulations on the deemed approval, and the outstanding questions regarding the implementation of the RED III requirements into German law.

What does the draft specifically envisage? Where are the risks? And how can legal certainty be reconciled with RED III?

We discussed these questions with you in the new edition of our “BWO-EXPERTISE” format.