Delays in the payment of compensatory fees from hydroelectric projects in Greece
15.1.2025
Question for written answer E-000149/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)
According to the Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette 4844/22.08.2024) issued by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, renewable energy and hybrid plants are to pay a special fee of 3 % to local communities. This money goes towards local development and consumer relief.
However, the decision has not been been implemented retroactively from 2022, despite the fact that the relevant law (4964/2022) had been adopted from that same year. In addition, it should be noted that provision has been made for producers to be removed from the RES plant register if they fail to make these payments on time. And yet, these payments have been delayed, which forms the subject of a long-standing appeal from local communities and bodies, such as the Technical Chamber of Greece and other local bodies, with reference made to the Kremasta Hydroelectric Plant in particular.
In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:
- 1.Is it aware of the delays in the payment of compensatory fees from hydroelectric projects in Greece, in particular in relation to the Kremasta Hydroelectric Plant?
- 2.Does it not consider that the non-retroactive application of the Ministerial Decision violates the principles of equal treatment and fair allocation of resources to local communities affected by hydroelectric projects?
- 3.Does it intend to look into the possibility of establishing a uniform framework for the payment of compensatory fees in Member States, with a view to ensuring timely and fair compensation for local communities hosting hydroelectric RES projects?
Submitted: 15.1.2025