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energy news

Get an overview of our energy news.

Read through our energy experts' articles, publications and news:

newsletter

24 April 2023

N.Zafoschnig

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.

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publication

The International Comparative Legal Guide - Environment & Climate Change Law 2023

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event

2. Österreichischer Wasserstofftag

10. Mai 2023 | 9:30 Uhr

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event

20 March 2023

C.Cudlik B.Schlatter

Webinar | Emergency Response to Energy Price Surges - RePowerEU Considerations for Energy Market Players

The expansion of renewables is currently taking place at various speeds across the EU. 

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newsletter

23 February 2023

austria

S.Wolf J.Mayer

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".

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newsletter

17 February 2023

austria

B.Rajal M.Krzystek

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.

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newsletter

07 February 2023

austria

J.Mayer S.Wolf

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.

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roadmap

ESG: Why does it matter?

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roadmap

Competition in the tomorrow's European energy markets of tomorrow: between uncertainties and opportunities

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roadmap

Photovoltaics: the green energy source. Austrian tax aspects to consider when implementing photovoltaic systems

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roadmap

Market and legal update on green bonds on the EU and Austrian level: how to finance the energy transition (even in times of crisis)

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roadmap

Bulgaria: Materialised bonds: a cheap and simple method for financing corporate projects

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roadmap

The hydrogen backbone: Broken from the beginning?

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roadmap

Renewable energy transition ahead

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roadmap

Secure(d) in uncertain times: law in a crisis of resources

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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.

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press release

13 December 2022

romania

M.Cojocaru R.Bachner

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.

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press release

07 December 2022

M.Cojocaru

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.

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event

08 December 2022 - 09 December 2022

bulgaria

D.Vlaevsky

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

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event

17 November 2022 - 18 November 2022

bulgaria

D.Kairakov

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

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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.

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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.

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newsletter

15 September 2022

austria

B.Rajal

The European Commission's emergency interventions in the energy market: Legal basis disputable

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publication

Chambers Climate Change Regulation Guide 2022

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event

08 September 2022 - 09 September 2022

bulgaria

S.Tsekova

Good practices in construction of photovoltaic plants

8-9 September 2022 | Faculty of Economics, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia

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newsletter

07 September 2022

austria

B.Rajal M.Ebner M.Florea

Renewable Energy in CEE

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publication

Chambers Alternative Energy & Power Guide 2022

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newsletter

Österreich: UVP-Novelle 2022 in den Startlöchern

Eine Novellierung des UVP-Gwurde 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.

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newsletter

25 July 2022

austria

B.Schlatter

Ausbau von Großflächen-PV in NÖ rückt näher

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newsletter

01 July 2022

austria

B.Rajal

Erneuerbare Energie in Österreich – Marktprämienauktionen starten!

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newsletter

13 June 2022

austria

C.Holzer

Upcoming tax for already existing wind power and PV plants: double trouble in Burgenland?

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media coverage

13 June 2022

bulgaria

S.Tsekova

In Search of a New Energy Normal (Part 2) – What’s the Plan?

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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.

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newsletter

19 May 2022

austria

C.Cudlik

REPowerEU – Erste Einblicke in den Kommissionsvorschlag zur Beschleunigung von Erneuerbaren-Energie-Projekten

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newsletter

EAG-Investitionszuschüsseverordnung Strom in Kraft

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newsletter

12 April 2022

romania

M.Cojocaru

Romania launches new renewables support scheme for wind and solar projects. Over EUR 450m up for grabs

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event

07 April 2022

austria

C.Cudlik

webinar: "water law in practice"

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publication

The International Comparative Legal Guide - Environment & Climate Change Law 2022

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publication

24 March 2022

austria

B.Rajal

CEE Legal Matters Comparative Legal Guide: Oil & Gas Laws and Regulations in Austria

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newsletter

09 February 2022

austria

F.Schneider B.Rajal

Weiterer Meilenstein am Weg zu 100% Ökostrom bis 2030: EAG-Investitionszuschüsseverordnung Strom in Begutachtung geschickt

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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.

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publication

14 January 2022

austria

B.Rajal

Energiegemeinschaften - Elektrizitätsunternehmen oder Gewerbebetrieb?

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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).

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newsletter

12 January 2022

austria

B.Rajal

EAG-Novelle 2022 – Windkraft im Fokus

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newsletter

Bulgaria (Energy): Record high electricity prices lead to zero premium for RES producers and moratorium on the regulated market

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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.

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roadmap

Austria on its way to number one hydrogen nation?

In 2020, the newly constituted government grandiosely announced that Austria will become the "number one hydrogen nation". But is this even remotely realistic just two years later?

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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.

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newsletter

16 December 2021

croatia

B.Rajal P.Šantić*

Croatia to start renewables auctions for large-scale projects in spring 2022

Last week two key regulatory changes took place that will have important implications for future development of the Croatian renewable energy market.

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newsletter

30 November 2021

austria

B.Rajal

Drafts of the recast of Gas Directive and Regulation leaked: First glimpse of the regulation of hydrogen networks

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newsletter

19 November 2021

austria

B.Rajal

WEG-Novelle: Gesetzliche Erleichterungen für hausinterne E-Tankstellen und Photovoltaikanlagen

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event

08 September 2021

austria

B.Rajal

Energy Tomorrow

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press release

Bulgaria: Schoenherr advises MET Group on the acquisition of a 60 MW operational wind park in Western Bulgaria

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press release

Romania: Schoenherr advises Nofar Energy on the acquisition of a 153 MW photovoltaic park under development in Romania

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newsletter

21 July 2021

austria

B.Rajal

Neue Leitlinien für staatliche Klima-, Umwelt- und Energiebeihilfen am Start!

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event

03 August 2021

austria

B.Rajal

Road to Renewables | Update: Das Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz

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event

20 October 2021

C.Schmelz B.Rajal C.Cudlik

1. Österreichischer Wasserstofftag

Von der Vision zur Realität

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newsletter

09 July 2021

austria

B.Rajal

EAG-Gesetzespaket nun endlich beschlossen – Was ist neu?

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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!  

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newsletter

Austria: Energy from biomass and biogas

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newsletter

09 June 2021

austria

C.Cudlik

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.

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newsletter

Austria: New wind power system blows onto renewable energy scene

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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.

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newsletter

18 May 2021

romania

M.Cojocaru

Romania is getting ready to ride a second wave of renewable energy investments

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newsletter

17 May 2021

austria

B.Rajal

Austria: Electricity producers welcome in future energy communities

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publication

renew romania 2021

the investor’s guide to renewable energy projects 2021

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press release

11 May 2021

romania

M.Cojocaru

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.

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newsletter

05 May 2021

austria

B.Rajal

Austria: Which company structure is best for renewable energy communities?

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press release

Austria: Schoenherr advises leading energy service providers on e-mobility joint venture

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event

13 May 2021

romania

M.Cojocaru

Webinar: Renew Romania

renewable energy | bridging the gap between the current reality and 2030 ambitions

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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.

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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.

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publication

01 April 2021

austria

B.Rajal

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Neue Wege der Stromvermarktung?

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newsletter

Energie aus Biomasse und Biogas

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newsletter

23 March 2021

austria

N.Zafoschnig

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.

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media coverage

22 March 2021

B.Rajal

Stromerzeuger in zukünftigen Energiegemeinschaften willkommen

In seiner aktuellen Version ist das Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz in einem zentralen Punkt praxisnäher geworden.

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newsletter

22 March 2021

austria

B.Rajal

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!

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newsletter

Don Quijote aufgepasst: Ein neues Fördersystem für Windkraft kommt!

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newsletter

Wasser(kraft) marsch! Ein Überblick zum neuen Fördersystem für Wasserkraft

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newsletter

22 March 2021

austria

B.Rajal

Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz (EAG)

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newsletter

19 March 2021

austria

B.Rajal

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.

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press release

Austria: Schoenherr advises Liechtenstein Group on investment in PV-Invest

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event

25 March 2021

austria

B.Rajal

Road to Renewables: Power Purchase Agreements

Unsere Webinarreihe rund um das Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz (EAG) geht in die nächste Runde. Freuen Sie sich im März auf den folgenden Termin:

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media coverage

18 February 2021

B.Rajal

Schwierige Wahl der Gesellschaftsform für erneuerbare Energie

more
publication

10 February 2021

austria

B.Schlatter

Alles neu bei den Erneuerbaren

more
publication

10 February 2021

austria

B.Rajal

Die neue Netzreserve – Begleiterin des Klimaschutzes

more
media coverage

01 February 2021

S.Tsekova

The Buzz in Bulgaria: Interview with Stefana Tsekova of Schoenherr

CEE Legal Matters | Bulgaria

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newsletter

28 January 2021

C.Holzer

EIAs: grubbing ups and path clearances for overhead electrical power lines to be treated differently

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newsletter

20 January 2021

austria

B.Rajal

Austria: Network reserve to become part of congestion management system

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newsletter

Energiegemeinschaften – Gewerbeberechtigung erforderlich?

more
publication

Chambers Environmental Law 2020

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newsletter

16 December 2020

austria

B.Rajal

Netzreserve neu

more
event

11 December 2020

austria

B.Rajal B.Schlatter

Road to Renewables: Die Windkraft im neuen Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz

Der Ausbau der Windkraft um 10 TWh bis zum Jahr 2030 ist ein ambitioniertes Ziel, das mit Hilfe des neuen Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetzes (EAG) erreicht werden soll.

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press release

09 December 2020

austria

M.Ebner M.Pressler

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.

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event

16 December 2020

austria

B.Rajal

Road to Renewables: Netzreserve 2.0 - 4 Paragraphen, aber viele, viele Fragen!

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publication

13 November 2020

austria

C.Cudlik

Ist das österreichische Anlagenrecht reif für Power-to-X-Anlagen?

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event

20 November 2020

austria

B.Rajal

Road to Renewables: Energiegemeinschaften

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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.

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newsletter

19 October 2020

austria

B.Rajal

Sparking change: Renewable Energy Expansion Act published for evaluation

On 16 September 2020 the eagerly awaited draft Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG) was published for evaluation.

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publication

12 October 2020

C.Cudlik

Power-to-X im österreichischen Anlagenrecht

Ist das österreichische Anlagenrecht reif für Power-to-X-Anlagen?

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media coverage

08 October 2020

austria

B.Rajal

Schnelle Energiewende mit vielen Fragezeichen

more
newsletter

A Legislative Boost to the Energy Sector in Montenegro

more
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. 

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newsletter

20 September 2020

austria

B.Rajal S.Orator-Saghy

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.

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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.

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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").

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press release

23 June 2020

austria

C.Schmelz

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.

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press release

Austria: Schoenherr attains final breakthrough for pumped hydro power plant "Kühtai"

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newsletter

Consultations on TAR NC and second amendment to Gas System Charges Ordinance

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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). 

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newsletter

04 June 2020

romania

M.Cojocaru

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).

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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.

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press release

06 March 2020

austria

C.Herbst

Austria: Schoenherr advises HS Timber Group and Blue Minds IF on the acquisition of Interfloat

Schoenherr advised Austrian HS Timber Group and Blue Minds IF on the acquisition of Interfloat Corporation and GMB Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg GmbH. 

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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.

 

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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.

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media coverage

16 January 2020

austria

B.Rajal

Erzeugt bald jeder seinen Ökostrom?

Künftig soll es leichter und attraktiver werden, sogenannte Energiegemeinschaften zu gründen, die sich mit Ökostrom versorgen. Viele Details sind aber noch unklar.

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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.

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newsletter

08 November 2019

croatia slovenia

State aid for the Balkan's energy mix approved

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media coverage

06 November 2019

hungary

Green Premiums in Action: 1st Tender for Renewable Energy Subsidy Launched

First published in Budapest Business Journal, 06.11.2019

Many renewable energy investors have waited more than two years to see how green premium tenders would work in Hungary. The waiting was cut short by the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Authority (MEKH) in September, when the first pilot tender was launched.

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newsletter

18 October 2019

austria

N.Zafoschnig

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

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newsletter

27 September 2019

austria

B.Rajal

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.

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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).

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newsletter

06 May 2019

romania

M.Cojocaru

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.

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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.

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press release

17 January 2019

bulgaria

S.Tsekova

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. 

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newsletter

06 November 2018

romania

M.Cojocaru

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.

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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. 

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newsletter

03 September 2018

austria

N.Zafoschnig

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. 

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press release

09 August 2018

hungary

K.Hetényi

Hungary: Schoenherr strengthens regulatory team with energy law expert Daniel Varga

Schoenherr Hungary has boosted its regulatory capabilities by welcoming back experienced attorney at law Dániel Varga to the team.

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press release

07 June 2018

austria

R.Bachner

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)

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newsletter

18 April 2018

austria

C.Jirak

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.

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newsletter

18 April 2018

austria

B.Rajal

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.

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press release

30 March 2018

austria

C.Schmelz

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.

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press release

23 March 2018

slovenia

B.Brežan

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.

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newsletter

20 March 2018

croatia

P.Šantić*

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.

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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.

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press release

08 February 2018

romania

S.Guţiu

Schoenherr Bucharest scoops 5 ILO Client Choice Awards 2018

Schoenherr Bucharest received five out of nine Client Choice Awards from the International Law Office ("ILO") in 2018. 

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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. 

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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.

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publication

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. 

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newsletter

30 October 2017

romania

M.Cojocaru

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.

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newsletter

04 September 2017

austria

N.Zafoschnig

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.

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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.

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publication

09 August 2017

austria

C.Cudlik

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.

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press release

09 August 2017

austria

C.Schmelz

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.

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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.

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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"). 

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newsletter

12 May 2017

romania

M.Cojocaru

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.

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press release

16 April 2017

austria

G.Leissler

Österreich: Schönherr Datenschutzteam: "Verarbeitung von Mitarbeiterdaten im Spannungsfeld zwischen Datenschutz und Arbeitsrecht"

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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").

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newsletter

24 February 2017

croatia

P.Šantić* B.Rajal

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.

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newsletter

Albania: Finally on track for a comprehensive support scheme for renewable energy?

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newsletter

14 February 2017

austria

B.Rajal

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. 

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newsletter

05 February 2017

austria

B.Rajal

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. 

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roadmap

Bulgaria: The New Energy Efficiency Act

The new Energy Efficiency Act (SG 352015, “EEA”) implements Directive 2012/27/EU into Bulgarian law and aims to achieve energy efficiency by establishing national targets.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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roadmap

New Opportunities for Renewable Energy in Turkey

A new communiqué on unlicensed electricity production has been published. There will be new solar and wind energy plant licence applications from April 2015.

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roadmap

The Days after Croatia’s Accession to the EU – Energy Review

Will new rules of the game improve competitiveness on the Croatian energy market?

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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.

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roadmap

Romania: Transparency in Energy Trading at What Price?

As of July 2012, power trading is available only on the power exchange Opcom.

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