(08 May 2018) – The European Commission has issued two guidance documents on energy transmission infrastructure and hydropower, explaining the steps that need to be taken under EU nature legislation (Birds and Habitats Directives) when such energy projects are prepared.
The guidance documents are designed primarily for use by Member States competent authorities, project developers, scientific experts and consultants, Natura 2000 site managers, non-governmental organisations and any other stakeholders involved in the planning and approval process of energy projects in accordance with the requirements of the EU environmental legislation.
They underline the need for strategic planning that takes into consideration, early on in the process, the ecological requirements of protected species and habitats and wherever possible, they include measures to improve their conservation status.
The “Energy transmission infrastructure and EU nature policy” guide provides an overview of how energy infrastructure projects on land and at sea can operate in accordance with the requirements of the Nature Directives.
The guidance document “The requirements for hydropower in relation to EU Nature legislation” offers guidance and presents a series of practical case studies on how hydropower can operate in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats and Birds Directives.