Renewable energy project implementation: Will the Baltic States catch up with the Nordic countries?

Abstract

The research identifies and describes administrative procedures for implementing RES electricity generation infrastructure projects in Baltic and Nordic countries. The administrative processes of installing small to large solar parks and onshore wind farms for electricity generation were assessed, looking at several criteria such as the timeline, complexity, information availability, impact of public opinion, and local authorities (municipalities). The methodology developed allows evaluating administrative procedures using a multi-criteria analysis method, resulting in a single-score quantification that can be further utilized in complex energy simulation models. The obtained results allow identifying the potential recommendations for process optimization in the analysed countries. For instance, the introduction of a single point of contact as in Norway, the consolidation of the environmental impact assessment and spatial planning phases as in Finland, and the simplification of the microgeneration and small-scale installation permitting process as in Lithuania.