European Commission proposes acceleration of licensing procedures for energy storage
On December 10, 2025, the European Commission presented a proposal to significantly speed up the licensing procedures for energy infrastructure. The proposal is part of the so-called European Grids Package, which aims to modernize and expand the European energy grid more quickly. In doing so, the Commission wants to accelerate the integration of renewable energy, reduce energy costs, and further reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The proposal amends several existing European directives, including the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Electricity and Gas Market Directives. The reason for this is that lengthy and complex licensing procedures are a structural obstacle to the energy transition. For energy storage projects, the permitting process can currently take between one and seven years. This delay is caused by fragmented competences, extensive environmental impact assessments, limited digitization, and a shortage of capacity at permitting authorities. Although previous European measures, such as the revised RED and temporary emergency regulations, have led to some acceleration, fundamental bottlenecks remain. With this proposal, the Commission aims to address these specifically.
Energy storage gets its own licensing framework
An important new element is that energy storage will have its own licensing regime for the first time. The Commission is introducing a specific framework for stand-alone energy storage, with the exception of hydrogen storage. Stand-alone storage is defined as an energy storage system that is not connected to a renewable generation plant but has its own grid connection. In doing so, the Commission explicitly recognizes energy storage as an independent flexibility solution for the energy system, rather than solely as a supporting component of renewable generation.
Shorter deadlines and less administrative burden
For small storage installations up to 100 kW, the proposal removes virtually all administrative licensing requirements. Only a grid connection remains mandatory, and the maximum term for this is set at one month. These projects are also exempt from an environmental impact assessment, with the exception of locations in Natura 2000 areas or protected heritage sites. For larger storage facilities above 100 kW, a maximum permit period of six months applies, including environmental research and grid connection. For pumped storage, a longer period of up to two years will continue to apply due to the more stringent environmental requirements. The procedure will also be simplified for the hybridization of existing renewable installations, for example by adding storage: environmental studies may be limited to the additional impact and the period for grid connection will be reduced to a maximum of three months.
Storage designated as being of overriding public interest
In addition, the proposal gives energy storage a stronger legal position by designating it as a project of overriding public interest. Until climate neutrality is achieved, Member States must ensure that, when considering permits, the planning, construction, and operation of renewable energy installations, grids, storage facilities, and charging stations are given priority over other interests. Only in exceptional cases, such as cultural heritage or unacceptable environmental damage, can exceptions be made. At the same time, the level of protection for nature and the environment remains formally intact through targeted and conditional exemptions.
Storage explicitly part of network planning
Furthermore, energy storage is explicitly anchored in grid planning. The Electricity Market Directive stipulates that grid operators must actively consider energy storage, demand response, and other non-fossil flexibility options as alternatives to traditional grid reinforcement in their ten- and fifteen-year grid development plans.
An important step, but not yet law
The European Commission's proposal is not yet law. It will be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council in the coming period. Only after formal adoption will Member States have to transpose the new rules into national legislation within two years. For Energy Storage NL, this proposal marks an important step towards a faster and more predictable rollout of energy storage in Europe. However, the ultimate impact on the Dutch sector will depend on the political negotiations in Brussels and how the Netherlands ultimately implements the directive.
Read the European Commission's proposal here
