European Union: Energy Law

This third edition publication examines the latest tax developments shaping the energy, sustainability and climate sectors, including new coverage of nuclear energy and hydrogen fuels. It explores how evolving tax policies and carbon pricing mechanisms are influencing investment decisions, financing structures and long-term business strategies across European markets.

The final FER X Decree entered into force on August 7, 2026, introducing Italy’s long-term support framework for renewable energy technologies with generation costs close to market competitiveness. The regime covers solar photovoltaic (PV), onshore wind, hydropower, and sewage-gas projects until December 31, 2030, supporting up to 37.15 GW of capacity: 27.15 GW through indicative auction volumes and up to 10 GW through direct access for plants up to 1 MW.

On 29 July 2026, the German Federal Cabinet approved the draft Grid Package (Netzpaket) — formally the Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Änderung des Energiewirtschaftsrechts...

Hungary has joined the EU's Tripartite Agreement for Energy Storage, committing to develop 700 MW of new storage capacity by 2028. This strategic move strengthens the country's energy sovereignty, accelerates renewable integration, and supports grid stability while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Ireland's Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 proposes significant reforms to the country's direct lines framework, removing restrictive barriers that have prevented private wire infrastructure development. The Bill would eliminate the grid-refusal precondition and establish new permitting criteria under the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, potentially unlocking opportunities for renewable energy deployment and alternative electricity supply arrangements.

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy has published for public consultation a new draft Joint Ministerial Decision approving the revised Special Spatial Planning Framework for Renewable Energy Sources and its accompanying Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (the New RES Framework).

Carbon credits are tradable certificates that represent the reduction or offsetting of CO₂ emissions. They were introduced as part of international strategies aimed at combating climate change and promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The new Law 5299/2026 issued on 5 May 20261, in its Part A, aims to accelerate the energy transition by increasing the share of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in gross final energy consumption by 2030 and strengthening the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels.

The Court upheld the contested environmental permits in full, confirming the lawfulness of the permitting framework applicable to BESS projects.