An important barrier to renewable source development in Slovakia is speculative capacity bookings and non-transparent grid connection processes from the distribution companies, EURACTIV Slovakia reported.
Renewables are no longer just a solution to the climate crisis; because of the war in Ukraine, they are also a means to strengthen energy security for the EU and reduce energy prices. With this in mind, the European Commission presented the REPowerEU plan, which counts on the massive development of renewables.
According to a study ordered by the Commission, the main barriers to fast renewable energy sources development are administrative processes, which are usually very complex, take a long time and are not transparent. Analysts point out that in Slovakia, it is also problematic for new sources to access the power grid.
Problems related to grid connection and operational procedures may hold back the development of renewables in several member states, analysts say.
The study cites Slovakia as an example. The main grid connection problems are very often the result of inadequate grid capacity and lengthy discussions on how to connect to the grid and at what price, which leads to delays in green projects.
The Commission has long blamed Slovakia for its low ambitions in the field of renewable energy sources. According to the Integrated National Climate and Energy Plan (NECP), Slovakia’s goal is to produce 19.2% of total energy from renewables by 2030. The Commission, however, advised Slovakia to produce at least 24%.
However, these proposals do not yet take into account the Union’s higher goals for 2030 or accelerate their development because of the war in Ukraine. In Slovakia, this means that a huge number of new sources will have to be connected to the grid. Distribution companies, however, argue that capacity is already filled.
Juraj Kubica, a researcher at the Institute of Electrical Power Engineering, argues that a significant capacity to engage new resources can be obtained by technical measures and by changing the tariff structure.
In addition to the grid not connecting enough renewables, its capacity is sometimes used by speculative applications. This means that applications are submitted, but not built for a long time for various reasons.
