Two guidance documents published by the European Commission on Tuesday 8 May should make it clearer for member states to see how to proceed when it comes to reconciling renewable energy projects with compliance with the requirements of the European “habitats” and “birds” directives.
The first document concerns energy transmission infrastructure, and the second hydropower. Both highlight the need for strategic planning of projects to take into account, as upstream as possible in the approval process, the ecological requirements for safeguarding protected species and their habitats. They also recommend measures for improving conservation.
Examples of best practice or case studies illustrate how to minimise any harmful impact such projects might potentially have on the natural world.
The guidance documents are designed for all parties involved in the preparation of renewable energy projects – relevant national authorities, developers, scientific experts, Natura 2000 site managers, and NGOs.
European Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella said: “Today’s guidance documents offer practical recommendations to guarantee that renewable energy developments do not pose further threat to our species, habitats and Natura 2000 sites. By allowing everybody involved in the preparation of renewable energy projects to consider environment early in the process, they will facilitate projects that work with nature and not against it”.
The guidelines come within the framework of the EU action plan for nature, people and the economy for improving implementation of the “habitats” and “birds” directives and do not revise them (see EUROPE 11853, 11811) – in line with the conclusions of the REFIT exercise for these key legislations which form the backbone of nature protection in the EU (see EUROPE 11684). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)