1. Throw off unnecessary ballast

The association demands that the energy transition be anchored in administrative law as a priority public interest. This is the only way solar and wind projects as well as storage systems can be approved more quickly in the future. Privileged construction law is proposed, particularly for agri-PV systems, while unnecessary technical specifications are to be deleted for floating PV systems. The BEE also advocates for a clear legal definition of storage in the Energy Industry Act.

2. Digitalization as an accelerator

Another focus is on the digitalization and standardization of processes. Digital platforms with checklists, clear responsibilities and binding deadlines could not only save time, but also create more transparency. Project sponsors would benefit from this, as would investors and authorities.

3. Transparency promotes acceptance

In addition, the BEE emphasizes the importance of transparency and proximity to the citizen in the design of the procedure. Particularly in rural regions where many renewable energy projects are to be built, the involvement of local residents is a central factor for acceptance and implementation. Participation formats, early information and digital dialogue offerings could help reduce resistance and accelerate expansion.

4. Advantages for planning security and financing

For project developers, the reform proposals mean more planning security, reduced costs and clearer procedures. Investors benefit from more predictable project pipelines, which makes financing easier and increases trust. These measures can make a noticeable difference, especially in smaller municipal projects.

A European comparison shows that countries with clear, digital and standardized processes achieve significant advances in the expansion of renewables. Germany is therefore under pressure: global climate goals, national energy supply security and the competitiveness of the economy depend crucially on whether planning and approval can be raised to a new level of efficiency.

5. More speed for the energy transition through modern processes

A central goal of the proposed reforms is to significantly accelerate the expansion of renewable energies. Digital approval platforms, standardized procedures and binding deadlines can reduce many hurdles that are currently unnecessarily delaying projects. Especially in view of the ambitious climate goals by 2030, it is clear: every month counts.

The BEE therefore not only calls for administrative simplification, but also more decision-making and scope for action for local authorities. Only with a modern approval culture can the necessary expansion speed be achieved – pragmatic, legally secure and socially sustainable.

The qualifications of the responsible authorities also play an important role. Quick approvals often fail not because of will, but because of a lack of human resources or a lack of technical expertise. The association is calling for targeted investments in training and further education as well as in modern IT infrastructure in order to sustainably reduce processing times.

6. Outlook: The vision of BEE

“A significant reduction in bureaucracy is a basic requirement for the success of the energy transition. Valuable potential is currently being wasted because renewable projects are stuck in unnecessarily long approval processes and network operators are overwhelmed.” Clear words from Ursula Heinen-Esser, President of the BEE.

The implementation of the BEE proposals could be a decisive lever for strengthening the renewables industry and bringing Germany back on target when it comes to climate protection. It will be important that the federal, state and local governments pull together and that more political attention is paid to the planning reality on site. This is the only way to effectively combine climate goals, security of supply and acceptance.