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newsletter
Austria: E-Mobilität und die Novelle der Kraftstoffverordnung: Neue Geschäftsmodelle
Die Kraftstoffverordnung 2012 (KVO 2012) unterwirft Personen, die fossile Kraftstoffe für den Straßenverkehr in Verkehr bringen, einer Substitutions- und Treibhausgas-Minderungspflicht. Am 1. Jänner 2024 trat mit einer Neufassung des § 11 KVO eine Bestimmung in Kraft, die der Dekarbonisierung des Verkehrssektors und dem Ausbau der E-Mobilität zusätzlichen Schub verleihen soll.
newsletter
Hungary: Amendments to grid capacity allocation rules may signal last chapter of solar power gold rush
Only a few years ago, the Hungarian National Energy Strategy set the then ambitious target of reaching 6 GW of solar power capacity by 2030. By early 2024, that target had already been achieved, as the gross capacity of PV installations doubled within only two years. The new target for 2030 is now set at 12 GW, and there is little doubt that it will be easily reached.
press release
Hungary: Schoenherr supports MET Group in purchase of 520,000 sqm of project land in Kaba
Schoenherr advised Oberon Solar Park Kft, a subsidiary of the Switzerland-based MET Group, on its acquisition of 52 hectares of land located in Kaba, Eastern Hungary. The transaction was executed as a share deal and will enable MET Group to construct the so-called Kaba2 project.
newsletter
Romania: CfD scheme for renewables to go live in 2024
In March the European Commission approved a EUR 3bln (RON 15.22bln) Romanian scheme to support installations producing electricity from onshore wind and solar photovoltaic. The approval relates to an initiative launched for consultations by the Ministry of Energy in August 2023, aimed at implementing a Contracts for Difference (CfD) support mechanism for low-carbon technologies (the "CfD Scheme").
press release
Austria/Czech Republic/Poland: Schoenherr advises Hartree Partners on cross-border energy joint venture with Botres Group
Schoenherr advised Hartree Partners Ltd., a global energy and commodities firm, on its acquisition of 50 % of the shares in Botres Group, a key supplier of ultra-modern industrial biogas plants and biorefineries in Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy and Spain, and the formation of a cross-border equity joint venture in the energy sector.
newsletter
Austria: UPDATE Erneuerbares-Gas-Gesetz (EGG)
Der Ministerrat hat sich zu einer Regierungsvorlage zum EGG durchgerungen. Dadurch rückt die Phase eines Investitionsbooms für Biomethananlagen in Österreich ein Stück näher. Österreich muss den Anteil erneuerbarer Gase bis 2030 schrittweise um den Faktor 50(!) erhöhen! Eine Herkulesaufgabe. Gegenüber dem Begutachtungsentwurf gibt es weitgehende Änderungen (ua einen neuen Fördermechanismus für Gasversorger).
newsletter
Austria: Night-time marking of wind turbines
The Austrian Federal Government plans to amend the Austrian Aviation Act (Luftfahrtgesetz; LFG) to allow for on-demand night-time marking of aviation obstacles, such as the beaconing of wind turbines.[1] This is intended to reduce light emissions, especially at night.
press release
Hungary/Romania: Schoenherr advises Enery on sealing 10-year solar VPPA with Dreher Breweries
Schoenherr advised Enery, one of the leading players in the renewable energy sector in Central and Eastern Europe, on signing a 10-year virtual cross-border power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Dreher Breweries (Dreher Sörgyárak Zrt.), part of Asahi Europe & International. The agreement aims to provide green energy and guarantees of origin for the production at Dreher Breweries' facilities in Hungary.
newsletter
Romania shifting to an auction-based power grid access mechanism
Against the backdrop of the gradual exhaustion of available grid capacity, the Romanian energy market watchdog ("ANRE") recently published a draft order contemplating an overhaul of the grid capacity booking method available to producers (the "Draft Order"). Departing from the current approach of grid capacity granted bilaterally on a first come first served basis, the new rules lay down a competitive mechanism, enabling producers to book grid capacity through auctions.
roadmap
Sustainability-linked loans and green finance developments in Poland
Greater interest in ESG and the energy transition may be observed recently throughout Europe, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The green energy transition has become not only a matter of climate protection but also of domestic security. As banks are one of the most important sources of external financing, they play a significant role in the transformation to a sustainable economy and can contribute towards mitigating adverse effects on the environment and society by key players in the global economy.
roadmap
Unpacking the EU Nature Restoration Law
The draft of the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) unveiled by the EU Commission in 2022 and narrowly approved by the EU Parliament in July 2023, has been met with both enthusiasm and controversy. It sets lofty objectives for the Member States to restore ecosystems, supporting the unionwide and long-term sustainable recovery of biodiversity and nature's resilience. To achieve this, the NRL aims to establish binding restoration targets and obligations for various ecosystems. By 2030, these measures should cover at least 20 % of the Union's land and sea areas and extend to all ecosystems "requiring restoration" by 2050. To meet these goals, Member States must create and implement "restoration plans".
roadmap
Greening real estate in the EU: the road to zero-emission buildings
As a part of the "Fit for 55" package for a climate neutral Europe by 2050, a recast of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is currently being adopted. Although still in the legislative process, the new EPBD clearly will impose stricter requirements for energy efficiency of buildings, with the plan to achieve zero-emission and fully decarbonised building stock by 2050. The three main aspects of the revised legislation are described below.
newsletter
New notification obligation for Czech energy sector transactions
Effective 1 January 2024, the Czech Energy Act (No. 458/2000 Coll.; "EA") mandates notification to the Ministry of Industry and Trade for both direct and indirect acquisitions of elements of energy critical infrastructure. The parties will be under a standstill obligation until the transaction is cleared. Notably, the triggering event is set to 10 % of shares or voting rights or even lower. Let's take a closer look at the new transaction review feature.
newsletter
Austria: Neu im ElWG-Entwurf: Bestehende Netzanschlussverhältnisse in Gewerbe- und Industrieparks sollen (geschlossene) Verteilernetze werden
newsletter
Entwurf des neuen ElWG: Der "Untergang" des Versorgers, der "neue" Lieferant und vieles mehr
Am 12.01.2024 ist der Entwurf des neuen Elektrizitätswirtschaftsgesetzes (ElWG-Entwurf) in Begutachtung gegangen. Das ElWG wird das in die Jahre gekommene ElWOG 2010 ersetzen. Das ElWG ist eine "kleine" Revolution, weil es ua bestehende Marktrollen wie jene des Stromlieferanten neu definiert und bislang nur faktisch existierende Marktteilnehmer (zB Aggregatoren) gesetzlich reguliert. Der Strommarkt wird dadurch und durch viele andere im ElWG vorgesehenen Änderungen neu strukturiert. Eine große Chance, aber auch Herausforderung für alle Marktteilnehmer.
press release
Austria/Romania: Schoenherr advises Kommunalkredit on financing construction of solar power plants in Romania
Schoenherr advised Kommunalkredit Austria AG ("Kommunalkredit") on granting a EUR 25m loan to INVL Renewable Energy Fund I ("INVL") to finance the construction of solar power plants with a total capacity of 51 MW in Romania. This is the first Romanian project in INVL's pipeline to reach the ready-to-build phase.
press release
15 December 2023
M.Cojocaru V.Cordea S.Lehniuc M.Mitan A.Huza L.Buzatu-Teodorescu G.Bădescu D.Trusculete
Romania: Schoenherr advises Nofar Energy on acquisition of Romania's largest solar PV project
Schoenherr Romania advised Nofar Energy on the acquisition of a 255 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project under development from Portland Trust. Expected to become operational in 2024, this is Romania's largest solar PV park. It spans 290 hectares in Corbii Mari, Dambovita county and is expected to generate 362 GWh of renewable energy a year, enough to cover the electricity consumption needs of approx. 160,000 households.
press release
12 December 2023
M.Ebner M.Vojnović J.Arsić M.Šehović M.Kovacs N.Müllner
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Schoenherr advises Raiffeisen Bank International AG on EUR 31.06m project financing for 60 MW solar power plant to Energy Financing Team SE
Schoenherr advised Raiffeisen Bank International AG in connection with a EUR 31.06m project financing to Energy Financing Team SE Bileca d.o.o. Bileca as the borrower. The funds will be used to develop a 60 MW solar power plant in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
newsletter
Offshore wind parks: a glimpse into Montenegro's future
The world has seen a significant shift towards sustainable energy sources in recent years. One of the most promising and rapidly growing sectors in the renewable energy industry is offshore wind parks. These structures that use the power of wind over the open seas are quickly gaining popularity as part of the global effort to combat climate change. This article will explore the global trend of offshore wind parks and shed light on Montenegro's potential in this eco-friendly energy source with a special focus on fixed-bottom wind parks.
newsletter
Hungary launches new CfD support scheme targeting electricity storage operators
On 14 August 2023 the Hungarian Government issued Gov. Decree 382/2023 ("Decree") establishing the legal framework for the implementation and functioning of the new Contracts for Difference ("CfD") support scheme for electricity storage operators ("Storage CfD Scheme").
newsletter
Romania launches new renewables CfD support scheme targeting 5 GW of onshore wind and solar capacities
Romania is on the verge of introducing a much-awaited new support scheme for renewable energy. On 7 August 2023, the Romanian Ministry of Energy launched for public consultations a draft decision approving the legal framework for the implementation and functioning of the Contracts for Difference ("CfD") support scheme for low-carbon technologies ("CfD Scheme").
press release
Romania: Schoenherr advises Enery on signing long-term virtual power purchase agreement for renewable energy with Ursus Breweries
Schoenherr advised Enery on signing a multi-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Ursus Breweries, part of Asahi Europe & International, to provide green energy and guarantees of origin for the production at their brewing facilities in Romania.
press release
Serbia: Schoenherr advises OTP Group on project finance facilities for development of six biogas power plants in Serbia
Moravčević Vojnović and partners in cooperation with Schoenherr advised OTP Group members, OTP Bank Plc Hungary and OTP Bank Serbia, in a biogas project finance transaction. The financing will be used by three special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) that acted as borrowers to develop six biogas power plants in Serbia. The project's sponsor, Pannonia Bio, is among the largest biorefinery operators in Europe.
newsletter
EU Parliament approves new Emissions Trading System
On 18 April 2023, the EU Parliament approved the provisional political plan to reduce CO2 emissions in the EU agreed on by the Council and the European Parliament on 18 December 2022.
newsletter
Key developments in Austrian environment and climate change law in 2022: part two – case law
This article is part of a series on developments in Austrian environment and climate change law in 2022 and, in particular, focuses on case law developments. For further details on legislative developments see, "Key developments in Austrian environment and climate change law in 2022: part one – legislation".
newsletter
Erneuerbares-Gas-Gesetz (EGG) mit Déjà vu: Die Strafzahlung für Gasversorger und die daran anknüpfende Frage der Weiterverrechnung an Endkunden!
Am 15.02.2023 wurde der Begutachtungsentwurf zum Bundesgesetz über die Einführung einer Versorgerverpflichtung für Gas aus erneuerbaren Quellen veröffentlicht ("Erneuerbares-Gas-Gesetz-Entwurf" – "EGG-Entwurf"). Der EGG-Entwurf sieht die Verpflichtung von Gasversorgern vor, einen bestimmten Anteil der von ihnen verkauften Gasmengen durch erneuerbare Gase zu ersetzen. Kommen Gasversorger dieser Verpflichtung nicht nach, drohen Strafzahlungen in Form eines Ausgleichsbetrags, der von der Regulierungsbehörde (E-Control) durch Bescheid vorgeschrieben wird. Die Strafzahlungen könnten nicht nur Versorger, sondern letztlich auch deren Endkunden zu spüren bekommen.
newsletter
Key developments in Austrian environment and climate change law in 2022: part one - legislation
2022 was a busy year marked by the late effects of the covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The latter has led to the rethinking of energy matters. Austrian legislation in 2022 was, therefore, characterised above all by new developments and amendments in energy law, with a focus on the expansion of renewable energy. This article is part of a series on developments in Austrian environment and climate change law in 2022 and, in particular, focuses on legislative developments.
roadmap
Photovoltaics: the green energy source. Austrian tax aspects to consider when implementing photovoltaic systems
press release
Romania: Schoenherr advises Nofar Energy on acquisition of 73 MW solar PV project
Schoenherr Romania advised Nofar Energy on the acquisition of a 73 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Slobozia, Giurgiu county.
press release
Romania: Schoenherr advises Enery on acquisition of Jade Power Trust's renewable energy assets in Romania and on attracting bank financing
Schoenherr advised Enery on the acquisition of a Romanian renewable energy multi-technology (wind, solar and hydropower) portfolio with 81 MWP of installed capacity from Jade Power Trust, and on the related financing. With this deal Enery, which has been developing solar greenfield assets in Romania for three years, enters the local green electricity production market as a major player.
press release
Romania: Schoenherr advises MET Group on first investment in Romanian renewable energy market
Schoenherr advised MET Group on the acquisition of a solar photovoltaic ("PV") project under development in Southern Romania. The project has a planned installed capacity of 52 MWp and is expected to reach ready-to-build status by the first quarter of 2023.
event
Contractual framework, guarantees, penalties and key performance indicators for construction of photovoltaic plants
8-9 December 2022 | Faculty of Economics, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia
event
The revised TEN-E Regulation – laying the foundation for renewable and low carbon gases infrastructure
17 – 18 November 2022 | Regional Oil and Gas Conference, Istanbul
newsletter
Erneuerbare-Wärme-Gesetz ante portas
Auf dem Weg zur Klimaneutralität gibt es in Österreich noch viele legistische Baustellen. Letztes Jahr wurde mit dem Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz (EAG) ein bundeseinheitlicher förderrechtlicher Rahmen für die Umstellung auf Erneuerbare Energien geschaffen. Im Bereich der Wärmebereitstellung für Gebäude fehlt auf Grund der Kompetenzverteilung zwischen Bund und Ländern bislang ein einheitliches bundesrechtliches Regelungsregime. Dies könnte sich nun ändern: Am 02.11.2022 wurde im Ministerrat das Erneuerbare-Wärme-Gesetz (EWG) beschlossen.
publication
International Comparative Legal Guide - Renewable Energy 2023
The International Comparative Legal Guides provide current and practical comparative legal information on a range of practice areas, following a Q&A format to ensure thorough coverage of each topic within different legal systems worldwide.
newsletter
Österreich: UVP-Novelle 2022 in den Startlöchern
Eine Novellierung des UVP-G1 wurde vom BMK2 bereits seit längerem angekündigt. Nunmehr schickte das BMK den Novellenentwurf bis zum 19.09.2022 in Begutachtung. Medial stand vor allem die "Beschleunigung von Genehmigungsverfahren" im Vordergrund. Die Novelle umfasst aber weit mehr. Der gegenständliche Beitrag bietet eine erste Orientierung.
press release
Romania: Schoenherr advises Samsung C&T Corporation on sale of 45 MW solar PV park to GreenVolt
Schoenherr Romania advised Samsung C&T Corporation on the sale of its participation in LJG Green Source Energy Alpha, a solar photovoltaic ("PV") project with an installed capacity of 45 MW, located in Giurgiu county. The solar PV park was sold to Greenvolt – Energias Renováveis ("GreenVolt") through its subsidiaries V-Ridium Solar 45 and V-Ridium Renewables.
newsletter
Romania launches new renewables support scheme for wind and solar projects. Over EUR 450m up for grabs
newsletter
Weiterer Meilenstein am Weg zu 100% Ökostrom bis 2030: EAG-Investitionszuschüsseverordnung Strom in Begutachtung geschickt
press release
Bulgaria: Schoenherr advises RGREEN INVEST on unique EUR 15m green bond to finance photovoltaic plant in Bulgaria
Schoenherr advised RGreen Invest, a French management company representing a fund for green energy projects, on a EUR 15m bond to finance the construction of a photovoltaic plant near the town of Razlog in southwestern Bulgaria, as well as on a standard security package for it. The bond's issuer is a member of the Renalfa group, a leading Bulgarian clean energy and e-mobility provider with a focus on renewable energy generation assets.
press release
Croatia: Schoenherr advises Mirova and RP Global on sale and refinancing of onshore wind farms in Croatia
Schoenherr advised Mirova and RP Global on the sale of two onshore wind farms in Dalmatia, Danilo (44MW) and Rudine (34MW), to Professio Energia d.d. (DLPR, Zagreb Stock Exchange).
newsletter
Bulgaria (Energy): Record high electricity prices lead to zero premium for RES producers and moratorium on the regulated market
roadmap
Sustainability and competition law: green light for sustainable cooperation agreements
Environmental protection and climate change are by far the hottest topics in contemporary competition policy. The European Green Deal, signed by the EU 27, sets out to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, where economic growth is decoupled from resource use.
roadmap
Austria's corporate tax regime goes green
In November 2021 the Austrian government outlined its draft for an eco-social tax reform, which intends to combine substantial tax relief through various (tax rate) measures as well as a significant increase of the tax burden for unsustainable, polluting behaviour by private households and companies.
press release
17 August 2021
A.Doytchinova K.Kaloyanova-Toshkova S.Tsekova M.Gabrovska D.Kairakov G.Roussinova-Ivanova D.Vlaevsky E.Todorova G.Petkova
Bulgaria: Schoenherr advises MET Group on the acquisition of a 60 MW operational wind park in Western Bulgaria
press release
Romania: Schoenherr advises Nofar Energy on the acquisition of a 153 MW photovoltaic park under development in Romania
event
NFT: An all-round legal view of Non-Fungible Tokens | Webinar
Did you miss our webinar, or do you want to listen to the discussed topics again? Watch the NFT webinar video recordings here!
newsletter
NFTs: What about energy and climate issues?
When we started our NFT self-experiment, it did not take long before questions relating to energy consumption came up. According to our estimates, the two transactions (i) minting of the token and (ii) authorisation of an eventual sales processing, produced a CO2-footprint of over 100 kg of CO2EQ.
press release
Romania: Schoenherr advises ENGIE Romania on the acquisition of an operational PV park
Schoenherr Romania advised ENGIE Romania ("ENGIE") on the acquisition of a fully operational photovoltaic ("PV") project with an installed capacity of 5.46 megawatt (MW), located in Teleorman county, Romania from two German investors.
publication
12 May 2021
M.Cojocaru O.Constantinescu M.Mitan S.Lehniuc C.Stan M.Florea A.Damaschin G.Bădescu
renew romania 2021
the investor’s guide to renewable energy projects 2021
press release
Romania: Schoenherr advises Risen Energy Solar Project GmbH on the sale of 20 MW PV park to Alternus Energy Group plc.
Schoenherr Romania advised Risen Energy Solar Project GmbH on the sale of a photovoltaic ("PV") project with an installed capacity of 20 MW, located in Giurgiu county, Romania to Alternus Energy Group plc.
press release
Austria: Schoenherr advises leading energy service providers on e-mobility joint venture
event
Webinar: Renew Romania
renewable energy | bridging the gap between the current reality and 2030 ambitions
newsletter
Energy communities – is a business licence required?
Energy communities are the new model for a more decentralised energy supply (for further details please see "Sparking change: Renewable Energy Expansion Act published for evaluation"). An energy community can generate, consume, store, distribute and sell energy, with the focus being the use of the jointly generated energy by the community members. According to the draft Renewable Expansion Act (EAG), which will be passed shortly, energy communities may also actively participate in the electricity market and provide energy services.
newsletter
Die Hüterin der EAG-Förderungen: Überblick zur EAG-Förderabwicklungsstelle
In Schönherrs Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz Infocorner werden die wesentlichen Eckpunkte des EAG-Pakets dargestellt und praxisrelevante Rechtsfragen behandelt. Bleiben Sie zudem über aktuelle Veranstaltungen und Webinare informiert.
newsletter
EAG: Änderungen des ElWOG und GWG
Die am 17.03.2021 veröffentlichte Regierungsvorlage des EAG-Gesetzespakets umfasst neben dem neuen Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz unter anderem auch Novellen des ElWOG und des GWG. Diese Novellen haben das Ziel, erneuerbare Energiequellen in das Energiesystem zu integrieren und die Systeminnovationen zu implementieren.
newsletter
Hier kommt die Sonne(nenergie)
Am 17.03.2021 wurde der mit Spannung erwartete Entwurf des Bundesgesetzes über den Ausbau von Energie aus erneuerbaren Quellen (Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz – EAG) im Ministerrat beschlossen. Um die Investitionssicherheit für bestehende und zukünftige Anlagen zu gewährleisten, bringt der Entwurf bedeutende Änderungen des Fördersystems für Photovoltaikanlagen – ein erster Überblick!
newsletter
Neues EAG: Update zu Energiegemeinschaften!
Am 17.03.2021 wurde die Regierungsvorlage zum geplanten Bundesgesetz über den Ausbau von Energie aus erneuerbaren Quellen (Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz – EAG) veröffentlicht. Diesem lang ersehnten Schritt geht ein Begutachtungsverfahren mit über 100 Stellungnahmen voraus. Mehr als 6 Monate wurde am Begutachtungsentwurf gearbeitet. Für die geplanten Energiegemeinschaften gibt es einige wesentliche Änderungen.
press release
16 March 2021
A.Popp A.Amann C.Benes T.Hayden B.Rajal P.Staudigl F.Urlesberger A.Visontai T.Waidmann N.Zafoschnig M.Frantar V.Kobe M.Laković S.Ribanchova S.Tsekova D.Vlaevsky
Austria: Schoenherr advises Liechtenstein Group on investment in PV-Invest
press release
Austria: Schoenherr advises Hypo Vorarlberg on EUR 330m synthetic securitisation to boost energy-efficient buildings
Schoenherr advised Hypo Vorarlberg on the synthetic securitisation of a EUR 330m portfolio of loans to small and medium-sized enterprises, corporate borrowers or certain private individuals. The transaction is designed to achieve regulatory capital relief under CRR (II) / CRD IV (V). The transaction builds upon a similar securitisation completed with Schoenherr's support at the end of 2017. It is a part of the European Investment Bank's response to support the Austrian economy following the COVID-19 pandemic.
press release
Bulgaria: Schoenherr advises MET Group on acquisition of 42 MW wind park from Enel Green Power
Schoenherr advised MET Group on the acquisition of a 100 % stake in one of the biggest wind parks in Bulgaria from Enel Green Power S.p.A. The 42-megawatt wind park, operational since 2010, is situated in the Kavarna region near the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Schoenherr acted as legal advisor on the buy-side. Merger clearance still needs to be obtained as closing is expected by the end of the year.
press release
Bulgaria: Schoenherr advises Enery on the acquisition and refinancing of the biggest solar park in Bulgaria
Schoenherr led Austrian renewable energy producer Enery to the completion of its acquisition of the largest photovoltaic park in Bulgaria.
newsletter
EAG-Entwurf: Energiegemeinschaften als neue Marktteilnehmer!
Der mit Spannung erwartete Begutachtungsentwurf des Bundesgesetzes über den Ausbau von Energie aus erneuerbaren Quellen (Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz – EAG) enthält ua Regelungen zu Erneuerbaren-Energie-Gemeinschaften. Damit soll die Bürgerbeteiligung an der Energiewende und eine verstärkte dezentrale Energieversorgung in Österreich gefördert werden.
press release
Romania: Schoenherr advises OMV Petrom on strategic partnership with Auchan to open 400 MyAuchan proximity stores in Petrom filling stations
Schoenherr Romania advised OMV Petrom on all legal matters regarding the extension of an existing partnership with Auchan Retail Romania, to open 400 MyAuchan proximity stores in Petrom filling stations over the next five years. Depending on the square meterage of the station, up to 2,500 products will be available on the shelves of MyAuchan proximity stores, allowing Petrom customers to do their grocery shopping while fuelling their cars.
newsletter
Energy: Bulgaria introduces licensing regime for natural gas traders
With a last-minute amendment of the Bulgarian Energy Act of 26 June 2020, natural gas trading becomes an activity subject to licensing by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (the "Energy Commission").
press release
Österreich: Schönherr erreicht für TIWAG finalen Durchbruch beim Vorhaben "Speicherkraftwerk Kühtai"
Schönherr hat für die TIWAG-Tiroler Wasserkraft AG ("TIWAG") die letzte rechtliche Hürde auf dem Weg zur Umsetzung des Vorhabens "Speicherkraftwerk Kühtai" genommen: Nachdem der Verfassungsgerichtshof (VfGH) bereits im September 2019 die Behandlung des Rechtsmittels einer Bürgerinitiative abgelehnt hat, wurden mit der nun zugestellten Entscheidung des Verwaltungsgerichtshofs (VwGH) auch die letzten Rechtsmittel von Projektgegnern gegen die Genehmigung dieses Vorhabens zurückgewiesen.
press release
Austria: Schoenherr attains final breakthrough for pumped hydro power plant "Kühtai"
press release
Schoenherr advises European Commission on legislative options for upgrading European gas markets
Schoenherr (as leader of a consortium of European law firms) has conducted a comprehensive study on the regulatory and administrative requirements for entry and trade on the gas wholesale market in the EU for the European Commission, Directorate General Energy (DG ENER).
newsletter
Will the COVID-19 pandemic ramp up Romania's green ambitions?
The unprecedented economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is severely impacting the electricity sector, with demand falling as much as 20 % in certain cases, according to data published by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
publication
14 May 2020
austria bosnia & herzegovina bulgaria croatia czech republic hungary moldova montenegro romania serbia slovakia slovenia
B.Rajal F.Schneider D.Kairakov S.Bednář L.Dočekalová D.Gindl A.Guzun M.Cojocaru G.Bădescu M.Moga-Paler A.Damaschin M.Lučivjanský M.Frantar M.Laković S.Moravčević P.Vučinić
European Energy Handbook 2020 - A special edition
newsletter
Green light for green electricity l Slovakia
Up until the end of 2018, renewable energy sources (RES) generators in Slovakia were mainly subsidised in the form of a guaranteed feed-in tariff granted for 15 years, the amount of which depended on the date when the RES facility was put into operation.
press release
Schoenherr advises Kommunalkredit Austria AG on Czech and Slovak acquisition financing to Enery Development
Schoenherr advised Kommunalkredit Austria AG as arranger and original lender, on the Czech and Slovak acquisition financing provided to Enery Development for the acquisition of six 21 MW solar power plants in the Czech Republic and two 4 MW solar power plants in the Slovak Republic, from Czech fund Green Horizon Renewables.
publication
The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Oil & Gas Regulation 2020
The International Comparative Legal Guides provide current and practical comparative legal information on a range of practice areas, following a Q&A format to ensure thorough coverage of each topic within different legal systems worldwide.
roadmap
Auction-based Subsidies in the Renewable Energy Sector: Time to Forget the Safe Space of Guaranteed Tariffs
Subsidies for power generation from renewable energy sources (RES) are undergoing material structural changes in the CEE region.
newsletter
Electric filling station: no operation of an electricity company - Austria
In its decision of 18 September 2019, the Austrian Higher Administrative Court ("VwGH") found that the operation of an electric filling station does not constitute the operation of an electricity company and is thus subject to the rules of the Austrian Trade Act ("GewO").1
newsletter
Additional funding for renewable energy - Austria
On 25 September 2019, an amendment to the Green Electricity Act (Ökostromgesetz 2012 – "ÖSG 2012") passed the Austrian National Council. The objective of the amendment is to prevent an interruption of the expansion of green electricity and to ensure a stable transitional period until the Renewable Energy Expansion Act (Erneuerbaren Ausbau Gesetz) is adopted in the next legislative period.
newsletter
Consultation on implementation of network code on harmonised transmission tariffs
EU Regulation 2017/460 (16 March 2017) has established a network code on harmonised transmission tariff structures (TAR NC).
newsletter
A second chance for the renewables sector?
The Romanian Ministry of Energy recently finalised the public debate of a document outlining a new mechanism for supporting low-carbon electricity generation, in the form of a Contract for Difference (CfD) scheme.
publication
The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Oil & Gas Regulation 2019
The International Comparative Legal Guides provide current and practical comparative legal information on a range of practice areas, following a Q&A format to ensure thorough coverage of each topic within different legal systems worldwide.
press release
Bulgaria: Schoenherr advises Woodside Energy on a farm-out agreement with Shell International
Schoenherr has advised Woodside Energy, Australia ("Woodside") on the farm-out agreement with Shell International Exploration and Development Italia S.p.A., concerning Block Khan Kubrat 1-14 in the Black Sea.
newsletter
The Oil & Gas Offshore Law: A Romanian Odyssey
Debate is raging about the Romanian "offshore" law setting out the legal framework for oil & gas exploration and production in the Black Sea offshore perimeters (the "Offshore Law" or the "Law"), fuelling political turmoil and deterring investment. After a failed attempt to pass the Offshore Law in summer, there are signs of much needed stability.
press release
CEE: Schoenherr advises on sale of United Group by KKR to BC Partners
Schoenherr has advised on the sale of a majority stake in United Group, the leading media and communication services provider across South East Europe, by KKR to funds advised by BC Partners.
newsletter
Austria: Automatic permits for certain energy infrastructure projects
Proposed new legislation would introduce automatic permits for certain energy infrastructure projects (eg, electricity grids and power plants). According to the federal minister for digital and economic affairs, in order to maintain Austria's attractiveness as a business location and ensure sustainable development, comprehensive investment in its infrastructure is required.
press release
Schoenherr advises UniCredit on strategic Bancassurance partnerships with Allianz and Generali in CEE
Schoenherr has advised the UniCredit Group on establishing two exclusive strategic partnerships with Allianz and Generali for the distribution of insurance products for individuals and small-businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia announced on 5 June 2018 (see here)
newsletter
Right to clean air – latest developments
In general, the Austrian legal system does not give individuals the right to force the legislature to act in a specific way or pass concrete laws. Normally, only political pressure can combat inaction. However, when it comes to air quality, things are different.
newsletter
Proposed amendments to gas ordinances and balancing system
To comply with the applicable EU regulations, E-Control recently published draft amendments to the Gas System Charges Ordinance 2018 and the Gas Market Model Ordinance. In response to international criticism, E-Control also proposed a redesign of the Austrian gas balancing system. In order to implement these amendments in the current Austrian gas market, E-Control, in cooperation with the transmission system operators Gas Connect Austria GmbH and Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH, drafted a proposal to establish a virtual interconnection point at Baumgarten.
press release
Austria: Schoenherr leads Vienna Airport to success in third runway proceedings: Federal Administrative Court gives green light
Schoenherr has secured a significant victory for the Vienna International Airport ("VIE") and the province of Lower Austria in the proceedings for the third runway at the airport.
press release
Schoenherr advises Slovenian ENI subsidiary on acquisition of Mestni Plinovodi
Schoenherr has advised Adriaplin d.o.o. ("Adriaplin"), the Slovenian subsidiary of Eni S.p.A., on the acquisition of Mestni Plinovodi d.o.o. ("Mestni Plinovodi"), a local natural gas distribution network operator and gas supplier, from a consortium of sellers consisting of gas distributors Ireti and ACSM-AGAM from Italy and Istrabenz Plini from Slovenia.
newsletter
New Gas Market Act - Croatian gas market reform continues in 2018
The new Gas Market Act came into force on 3 March 2018 (Zakon o tržištu plina)[1], with the primary aim of regulating the rights and obligations of participants in the Croatian gas market pursuant to the Third Gas Directive (2009/73/EC). In short, the Croatian gas market was legally liberalised in 2008, and de facto opened in the 2012/2013 gas season with a further gas market reform in 2014 and 2017. A brief outline of the latest amendments to the Gas Market Act adopted in February 2017 can be found here. Despite efforts to open up the Croatian gas market, in 2015 and 2017 the European Commission initiated two distinct infringement proceedings against Croatia for noncompliance with the above Directive.
publication
The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Oil & Gas Regulation 2018
The International Comparative Legal Guides provide current and practical comparative legal information on a range of practice areas, following a Q&A format to ensure thorough coverage of each topic within different legal systems worldwide.
press release
Schoenherr advises Deutsche Private Equity on acquisition of Euro-Druckservice
Schoenherr advised Deutsche Private Equity Management III ("DPE") on its acquisition of leaflet printing business Euro-Druckservice ("EDS") from a consortium of three company shareholders.
newsletter
EU: Lex "Nord Stream 2" in the pipeline
The European Commission has proposed an amendment to the Third Gas Directive 2009/73/EU ("Gas Directive") in order to extend the common gas rules to import pipelines. This will ensure the coherent applicability of the core principles of EU energy legislation (third-party access, tariff regulation, ownership unbundling and transparency) to all gas pipelines to and from third countries.
publication
01 November 2017
bulgaria croatia czech republic hungary romania serbia slovakia albania montenegro austria
B.Rajal S.Orator-Saghy S.Tsekova M.Cojocaru S.Hekelová M.Lučivjanský M.Frantar M.Laković S.Moravčević
European Energy Handbook 2017
This year's edition provides a legal framework of the energy sector in each jurisdiction, covering the structure and design of the gas and electricity industries, the regulations governing them, as well as existing and planned projects such as cross-border interconnectors.
newsletter
Romania to Introduce New Oil & Gas Royalties Regime
The Romanian government recently opened discussion on a long-awaited draft law aimed at redefining the existing oil & gas royalties system.
newsletter
Austria: New rules for mismatched unbundled capacities at interconnection points
The Gas Market Model Ordinance 2012 introduced a new gas market model in Austria. The ordinance regulates network access, capacity management and the balancing system in the three Austrian gas market areas: East, Tyrol and Vorarlberg.
press release
Austria/Poland: Schoenherr advises KPS Capital Partners, New York, USA on acquisition of DexKo Global
Schoenherr advised US asset manager KPS Capital Partners, LP, New York, USA ("KPS") on the acquisition of DexKo Global's ("DexKo") production facilities in Austria and Poland, from private equity investment firm Sterling Group L.P.
publication
Wasserwirtschaftliche Planung durch Private
Wasserwirtschaftliche Planung durch Private in Österreich
Die wasserwirtschaftlichen Rahmenpläne sind ein Bottom-up-Planungsinstrument des österreichischen Rechts, durch das Private aktiv zur wasserwirtschaftlichen Planung beitragen können. In der Praxis erweisen sich diese aufgrund größerer Detailliertheit und Lösungsorientiertheit als optimale Ergänzung zu dem übrigen Planungsinstrumentarium, der hoheitlichen Top-down-Planung sowie den hoheitlichen Zustimmungsbefugnissen.
press release
Österreich: Schönherr erreicht für TIWAG entscheidenden Etappensieg bei Umsetzung des Bauvorhabens "Speicherkraftwerk Kühtai"
Schönherr hat für die TIWAG-Tiroler Wasserkraft AG ("TIWAG") einen wichtigen Erfolg auf dem Weg zur Umsetzung des Vorhabens "Speicherkraftwerk Kühtai" erreicht: Das Bundesverwaltungsgericht ("BVwG") hat das Vorhaben unter Vorschreibung zusätzlicher Maßnahmen rechtskräftig genehmigt.
newsletter
Austria: Update on Austrian-German single electricity market
For nearly 15 years Austria and Germany have shared a single electricity market, under which traded power market flows and cross-border capacity are not formally matched, and thus there is no congestion management on the Austrian-German interconnector. The German and Austrian electricity wholesale markets have since constituted a single bidding zone for electricity; thus, the same wholesale electricity price applies in both countries.
newsletter
Renewable Energy: Amendment of the Austrian Green Electricity Act Doubles Funding
After four months of negotiations, the Austrian National Council has finally reached an agreement on the amendment of the Green Electricity Act ("Ökostromnovelle").
newsletter
Romania: EUR 100 Million State Aid for the Development of Niche Renewable Sources
On 14 April 2017, Government Decision No. 216/2017 approving a state aid scheme for investments promoting energy production from less exploited renewable energy resources, namely biomass, biogas and geothermal energy (the "Decision"), was published in the Romanian Official Gazette.
press release
Österreich: Schönherr Datenschutzteam: "Verarbeitung von Mitarbeiterdaten im Spannungsfeld zwischen Datenschutz und Arbeitsrecht"
newsletter
Bulgaria: Opening the gas market for foreign traders!
Most recently, the Bulgarian Energy Regulator has taken significant steps towards the full liberalisation of the natural gas market: In December 2016, the Bulgarian Energy Regulator adopted legislative amendments to the Rules for Trading of Natural Gas (Правила за търговия с природен газ, "Trading Rules") and the Rules for Access to the Gas Transmission and/or Gas Distribution Networks and the Natural Gas Storage Facilities (Правила за предоставяне на достъп до газопреносните и/или газоразпределителните мрежи и за достъп до съоръженията за съхранение на природен газ, "Access Rules"). Moreover, it adopted new Rules for Balancing of the Natural Gas Market (Правила за балансиране на пазара за природен газ, "Balancing Rules").
newsletter
Amendments to the Gas Market Act - a further step towards (fully) opening up the Croatian gas market on 1 April 2017
On 17 February 2017, the Croatian Parliament enacted the eagerly awaited amendments to the Gas Market Act that are intended primarily to remove the current gas import and export restrictions – which are contrary to EU internal energy market rules - and to allow further opening of the Croatian gas market.
newsletter
Austria: Government bill for amending the promotion scheme for green electricity. Hope for new investments, but not yet an ideal solution.
As a result of the strong decrease in electricity market pricing, green electricity plant projects cannot find a place in special promotion quotas.
newsletter
Österreich: Endlich! "Kleine" Ökostromgesetznovelle in Begutachtung
Der Ausbau von erneuerbarer Energie in Österreich ist in den letzten Jahren ins Stocken geraten. Insbesondere der starke Marktpreisverfall führte dazu, dass weniger Ökostromanlagenprojekte in den einzelnen Förderkontingenten Platz finden können.
roadmap
Natural Gas Market Legislation in Turkey
With its developing economy and strategic location, Turkey is attractive for both national and foreign investors in natural gas markets. As a corridor and transit line between the major natural gas providing countries, Turkey attracts the attention of reputable natural gas market participants. Its natural gas market is mainly regulated under laws and regulations that accord with EU legislation.
roadmap
Slovakia: Grid Tariff or Solar Tax?
A support scheme for renewable energy projects in Slovakia is generally guaranteed for 15 years. But from January 2014, a new special fee was introduced, which lowers the main feature of this support – the feed-in tariff.
roadmap
Energy Capacity Markets
The EU Commission and the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators are looking at options on how best to reward generation adequacy and flexibility in the power markets given the challenges brought by the European policy of moving towards a low carbon society.
roadmap
Slovakia Supports Biomass
The authors discuss the current position of biomass in power generation in Slovakia, the governmental support scheme, and the outlook for the future.
roadmap
Romania: Transparency in Energy Trading at What Price?
As of July 2012, power trading is available only on the power exchange Opcom.