European Union: Renewables

Germany is rolling out nationwide solar installation requirements for buildings starting January 1, 2027, as part of its Building Modernization Act implementing EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive obligations. The phased requirements will progressively extend from new public non-residential buildings to residential properties and parking areas through 2031, with technology-neutral provisions allowing both photovoltaic and solar thermal systems installed on roofs or elsewhere on the property.

Northern Ireland's agricultural sector presents a unique opportunity to transform organic waste into biomethane, a renewable gas that could meet nearly half of the region's gas demand while supporting decarbonisation goals. However, realising this potential requires establishing a comprehensive policy, legal and regulatory framework to provide the long-term certainty needed to attract significant private investment in this capital-intensive industry.

Managing Director Dominik Hübler discusses proposed changes to the German Offshore Wind Act, including the introduction of contracts for difference (CfDs) and their implications for future auctions. The interview explores why the German model carries higher risks than other markets, examines the outlook for upcoming auctions, and presents potential solutions to reduce strike prices and cancellation risks.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has issued a landmark ruling clarifying whether the Bolkestein Directive applies to small hydroelectric plants that generate electricity. This decision addresses the critical question of how EU internal market rules interact with national concession regimes for exploiting natural water resources. The judgment has significant implications for the regulatory framework governing renewable energy production and the award of water diversion concessions across Member Sta

Spain's draft Royal Decree introduces stringent energy sustainability, environmental, resilience and digital sovereignty requirements for data centers, including renewable additionality, hourly correlation, and efficiency standards. The regulation applies to all access and connection permits obtained after entry into force, with specific compliance deadlines for projects in progress and those with granted permits not yet connected to the grid.

The European Union's hydrogen market faces a critical juncture as policymakers balance ambitious renewable energy targets with complex regulatory frameworks that have slowed investment. Recent policy signals from Brussels and Vienna indicate a strategic recalibration—the EU Commission has announced a targeted review of RFNBO production criteria while simultaneously launching new funding mechanisms and infrastructure initiatives.

Ireland's life sciences sector is experiencing significant growth, driving demand for specialized real estate and infrastructure. As the country prepares for its EU Presidency in H2 2026, energy policy reforms...

France's latest offshore wind tender presents an unprecedented challenge in auction design, offering 10 GW across fixed-bottom and floating projects with complex allocation rules that could reshape competitive dynamics. The sophisticated mechanism combines capacity caps, average price thresholds, and cascading relinquishment procedures that force bidders to strategize across multiple sites simultaneously rather than optimizing individual bids in isolation.

Hungary has joined the EU's Tripartite Agreement for Energy Storage, committing to develop 700 MW of new storage capacity by 2028. This strategic move strengthens the country's energy sovereignty, accelerates renewable integration, and supports grid stability while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.