Regulatory guidelines for hydropower companies in Germany and Austria

22.6.2016

Question for written answer E-005059-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Angelika Niebler (PPE) , Markus Pieper (PPE) , Paul Rübig (PPE)

Hydropower companies in Germany and Austria are subject to a complex regulatory system at all political levels (EU, federal and regional level). The regulatory guidelines in place conflict with one another as a result: On the one hand, there are the energy regulations which aim to develop renewable energy and energy efficiency. On the other hand, there are the regulations in the domains of water, environment and nature conservation, which are often difficult to harmonise with energy regulations.

The regulations on protecting water and nature are sometimes such a huge administrative and regulatory burden that hydropower companies cannot meet energy efficiency requirements. The mass of regulations is characterised by incoherence and legal uncertainty, and thus massively restricts the use of hydropower.

An impact assessment as part of the ‘Better Regulation’ initiative would be beneficial to hydroelectric power plant operators in order to investigate the mass of regulations and potentially unnecessary administrative and regulatory burden.

1. Will the Commission carry out an impact assessment to investigate the regulations for hydroelectric power plant operators and simplify them in-line with the ‘Better Regulation’ initiative?

2. Does the Commission agree that the development of renewable energy, in particular hydroelectric power, is made more difficult by the water protection regulations?

3. Will the upcoming revision of the Water Framework Directive make life easier for hydroelectric power plant operators, not only at an administrative level, but also at a regulatory level?