COVID-19: Extension to deadlines for renewable energy projects in Greece

On March 30, 2020 (effective date), following a motion of the Ministerial Council, the President of the Hellenic Republic adopted a Legislative Act allowing for further urgent measures to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Article 55 (para 3) provides for the extension of regulatory deadlines relating to the licensing and development of renewables in Greece, including:

A. A six-month extension for:

1. Any installation licences and final grid connection offers that expire on or before June 30, 2020.
2. Completion of construction and commencement of commissioning test deadlines for renewable energy projects selected to receive operating aid through an auction under the new support scheme for renewables (Law 4414/2016) that expire on or before June 30, 2020.

B. A four-month extension for:

1. Any installation licences and final grid connection offers that expire between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
2. Completion of construction and commencement of commissioning test deadlines for renewable energy projects selected to receive operating aid through an auction under the new support scheme for renewables (Law 4414/2016) that expire between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
3. The application deadline for the reduced regulated Reference Values (tariffs) set by the ministerial decision of March 20, 2019 under the new support scheme for renewables (Law 4414/2016 (Article 4, par. 5)), which has been extended from January 1, 2021 to May 1, 2021.
4. Completion of construction and commencement of commissioning tests due by September 30, 2020 for renewable energy projects that have switched from the previous administrative feed-in tariff support scheme for renewables (Law 3468/2006), to the new feed-in premium-based support scheme for renewables (Law 4414/2016) but being exempt from participating in auctions).

C. A two-month extension of deadlines for accepting final grid connection offers from the competent grid operator and the requirement to submit bank letters of guarantee to the grid operator between the effective date of the Legislative Act (i.e. March 30, 2020) and June 30, 2020.

Undoubtedly, the Greek Government has so far responded in a proactive, timely and effective manner to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already had a huge impact on the global economy, business and life in general. It is evident that the Government is committed to dealing with the situation in an appropriate manner and therefore further intervention in the energy sector, and for renewables in particular, cannot be excluded.