Renewable energies: the government wants to step on the gas

A national consultation was launched a few months ago on the development of renewable energies. This initiative had already been announced in the State of the Nation speech. A first progress meeting was held today at Senningen Castle, under the theme “Einfach – Séier – Erneierbar” (Simple – Fast – Renewable). Like three watchwords that must guide the government's strategy in terms of energy transition and decarbonization. The objective of the current consultation is to draw concrete measures to accelerate the development of wind power and photovoltaics.

To date, in terms of wind energy, the country has a total capacity of 210.7MW, still far from the objective of 453MW by 2030 set in the National Energy-Climate Plan (Pnec). On the solar energy side, the current capacity is 492MW for a 2030 objective of 1,236MW. Furthermore, 88% of national electricity production since January has come from renewable energies. On the other hand, in terms of consumption, Pnec sets ambitious objectives: reaching 37% of renewable energies in final consumption by 2030 (24% in 2024).

As part of the consultation, discussions have already been held between several key players in the energy sector and association representatives. The Prime Minister, (CSV), recalled the importance of this approach. “A successful energy transition can mean lower energy prices, increased independence and enhanced competitiveness. Luxembourg must give itself the necessary means to achieve its ambitious renewable energy objective. By involving stakeholders in the field and municipalities, many concrete ideas aimed at reducing the delays in administrative procedures could be identified, which the government will study in the weeks to come.”

Several areas of work were in fact presented today. Among them: the acceleration of the installation of photovoltaic panels on public buildings, the acceleration of authorization procedures through fixed deadlines, the digitalization and simplification of procedures or even the establishment of a single point of contact for project leaders. “We are committed to simplifying the legal texts applicable in this area, in particular with the aim of reducing processing times and simplifying procedures. Particular emphasis will be placed on the digitization and digitalization of procedures. The creation of a single point of contact within the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity will aim to coordinate the intervention of the different administrations and will speed up the decision-making process. We are beginning the upcoming discussions in an open and constructive manner, with the desire to make significant progress in the field of renewable energies, while respecting the natural environment,” said the Minister of the Environment. (CSV).

One authorization rather than three for wind turbines

Another area of ​​work consists of a review of the aid allocated to municipalities to support them in the development of greener projects. But also to pursue the concept of agrivoltaism. This is a practice that combines agricultural production with solar energy by installing photovoltaic panels above crops or pastures. This has the advantage of optimizing land use while protecting crops and producing electricity. “Agrivoltaism offers interesting prospects for combining agricultural production and renewable energy production, but it must be implemented in a way that respects our main priority: agricultural productivity. Agrivoltaism is based on a clear promise: to protect our agricultural lands and guarantee their yield. Our objective is to find a balance that enhances the land while responding to climatic and energy challenges, and ensuring that we preserve the capacity of our farmers to produce quality food,” insisted the Minister of Agriculture. (CSV).

Finally, another detailed line of work today consists of the implementation of a general authorization through the “Tool Box permitting”, aimed at authorizing standard wind turbines, without distinction of the type of wind turbine. Whereas today, the installation of a wind turbine requires obtaining at least three authorizations issued by several authorities. This new mode of operation would make it possible to simplify and accelerate authorization procedures for the installation of wind turbines, by standardizing criteria and reducing administrative delays.

The process will continue in the coming months with the creation of a working group chaired by the Ministry of the Economy and the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity. Its mission will be to explore and propose concrete solutions by continuing in consultation with the other administrations concerned and stakeholders. “This national consultation marks an important step in realizing the ambitions for the development of renewable energies in Luxembourg. In partnership with sector stakeholders, the government reaffirms its commitment to rapidly develop the country's renewable energy capabilities, to meet decarbonization targets while strengthening national energy resilience. We aim to simplify procedures, to do more, faster and in more places in terms of developing renewable energies,” indicated the Minister of the Economy, (DP).