The European Parliament is advancing proposals that could significantly speed up the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure by easing permitting requirements for many high-power charging stations across the European Union.
The measures form part of the proposed EU Grid Package, a legislative initiative aimed at accelerating the expansion of electricity networks and clean energy infrastructure needed to support Europe’s electrification goals.
Simpler Rules for Fast-Charging Projects
Under Parliament’s proposed position, charging stations with a total installed capacity of up to one megawatt built on so-called “artificial structures” would no longer require construction permits.
Although the legislation has yet to define the term precisely, supporters of the proposal, including members of the Greens group, say it is intended to include locations such as motorway service areas and highway rest stops.
Lawmakers are also seeking to raise the threshold for mandatory permitting from 100 kilowatts to 200 kilowatts for smaller renewable energy installations, battery storage systems and EV charging facilities.
If adopted, the measures could reduce administrative barriers for companies expanding Europe’s public charging network.
Faster Approval Timelines
Parliament is also proposing significantly shorter deadlines for authorities reviewing energy infrastructure applications.
The draft legislation calls for approval decisions within three months for charging stations of up to one megawatt and six months for larger charging, battery storage and solar projects located on artificial structures.
These timelines are considerably shorter than those proposed by the European Commission, while the Council of the European Union has argued for longer review periods.
Members of Parliament also support an automatic approval mechanism under which projects would be considered approved if authorities fail to issue a decision before the legal deadline, an approach opposed by Member States.
Digital Permitting System
Beyond shorter approval periods, Parliament wants every Member State to establish a single digital portal covering all permitting procedures, while also supporting the creation of a harmonised EU-wide approval framework for electricity grid infrastructure.
European Parliament Industry and Energy Committee Chair Niels Fuglsang said faster permitting is essential to strengthen Europe’s energy security and accelerate electrification.
“Europe is highly dependent on costly imported fossil fuels and this needs to change. I’m happy we have adopted a very ambitious agreement that will make a real difference on the ground, without sacrificing environmental standards.”
He added:
“With this text, we are speeding up the building of Europe’s electricity grids and home-grown renewables, which is urgently needed to ensure affordable energy and energy independence through the electrification of European households and industry, not to mention its critical importance in order to reach Europe’s energy and climate targets.”
Negotiations Continue
The Industry and Energy Committee approved Parliament’s negotiating position by 57 votes to three, with eight abstentions.
However, the proposals are not yet final. Negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union will now determine the final legislation, with discussions expected to continue under the Irish Presidency of the Council.
While Parliament is advocating the most ambitious permitting reforms, the final agreement is expected to reflect compromises between the three institutions before the new rules can enter into force.