Fast-tracked permitting

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

The electrification of heavy-duty trucks is crucial to ensuring the international community achieves the targets set out in several climate commitments since the 2015 Paris Agreement. Currently, in several economies there are barriers to permitting, especially those related to grid infrastructure, which is slowing down the deployment of electrified heavy-duty vehicles.

Examples and initiatives

The European Commission has launched the European Clean Transport Corridor initiative, aiming to accelerate the deployment of heavy-duty vehicle charging hubs along key logistics corridors. This initiative focuses on streamlining permitting, among other priorities, to facilitate the deployment of chargers.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Permitting and approvals play a crucial role in establishing nascent marine fuel supply chains. However, getting the necessary approvals from relevant authorities is often a significant barrier for developers in building fuel production, particularly biorefineries, within their proposed time frames. Renewable energy and transmission projects have also suffered from lengthy, complex process with uncertain timelines.

Examples and initiatives

The US Action Plan for Maritime Energy and Emissions Innovation aims to convene maritime stakeholders to identify issues related to siting and permitting.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Permitting and approvals play a crucial role in establishing nascent SAF supply chains. However, getting the necessary approvals from relevant authorities is often a significant barrier for developers in building SAF production facilities, particularly biorefineries, within the proposed time frames. Renewable energy and transmission projects have also suffered from lengthy, complex regulatory barriers with uncertain timelines.

Examples and initiatives

The EU has recently adopted a fast-tracked permit-granting process for renewable energy and infrastructure projects (European Council, 2024).

The fast-track approval process was developed to reduce the time, complexity and resources needed to approve new SAF production pathways per ASTM standards (European Union Aviation Safety Agency, 2020). The EU and UK SAF clearing house schemes are intended to provide support for the SAF testing and approvals process.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Permitting is often a significant barrier for developers to build their renewable and transmission projects within the proposed time frames, potentially leading to delays and rising costs. This, in turn, creates uncertainty for investors interested in providing capital for the development of projects that would supply renewable energy directly to iron and steel or hydrogen.

Examples and initiatives

The EU has adopted a fast-tracked permit-granting process for renewable energy projects (European Council, 2024).

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Permitting has become a significant barrier for developers to build their renewable and transmission projects within the proposed time frames, leading to delays and rising costs. This, in turn, creates uncertainty for investors interested in providing funds for the development of projects in the chemical and petrochemical industry and expecting returns.

Examples and initiatives

The EU has adopted a fast-tracked permit-granting process for renewable energy projects (European Council, 2024).

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Permitting is often a significant barrier for developers to build their renewable and transmission projects within the proposed time frames, potentially leading to delays and rising costs. For cement sector, such delays can hinder access to clean energy sources and infrastructure upgrades. This, in turn, creates uncertainty for investors interested in providing funds for the development of projects and expecting returns.

Examples and initiatives

In France, permitting timelines for renewable energy projects have historically been lengthy, prompting recent government reforms aimed at accelerating administrative procedures to reduce delays and provide greater investment certainty for developers and financiers (Government of France, 2022).