The European Commission has launched a public consultation about non-price criteria in renewable energy auctions as part of its implementation of the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA).
It is one of a series of calls for public feedback on draft secondary legislation to implement the NZIA, which aims to boost the competitiveness of the clean tech sector across Europe.
The NZIA establishes rules for EU country auctions to deploy renewable energy sources, including certain non-price criteria that must be applied to 30% of auction volumes (or 6GW per EU country) from January 2026 onwards.
The criteria listed are: responsible business conduct, cybersecurity and data security, ability to deliver the project fully and on time, and criteria to assess the auction’s sustainability and resilience contribution.
People are invited to have their say on the Implementing Act on non-price criteria in renewable energy auctions, which clarifies what this entails.
The aim is to outline a general definition and more detailed parameters to harmonise application of these criteria, while still leaving some flexibility to EU countries.
The Commission says that these criteria will support the EU’s efforts to diversify its sources of supply for technologies enabling decarbonisation, foster production in the domestic clean energy sector, and further attract clean investments to Europe.
The Implementing Act on non-price criteria in renewable energy auctions is one of four acts that are open to public consultation.
The Commission says these acts will support businesses and public authorities in identifying the types of projects that can qualify for faster permitting processes and “net-zero strategic project” status.