Study on the designation of renewables acceleration areas (RAAs) for onshore and offshore wind and solar photovoltaic energy : final report

Article 15c of the revised RED, obliges EU Member States to "adopt one or more plans designating [...] renewables acceleration areas for one or more types of renewable energy sources". The identification of areas suitable to be designated as renewables acceleration areas has to follow the requirements laid down in Article 15c(1)(a). Article 15c(1)(a) indicates that Member States should give priority to certain types of areas with lower environmental sensitivity, such as artificial or already built areas, which reduces the likelihood of potential impacts. It also excludes certain locations as potential RAAs given the higher likelihood of significant environmental impacts in those areas (e.g., Natura 2000 sites, protected areas, other sensitive biodiversity areas). This report aims to complement the practical guidance published by the European Commission on 13/5/2024, by providing further details and considerations relevant for the RAA designation. The findings of this report are based on best practices identified in Member States, on a wide array of scientific literature sources, and on direct inputs provided by officials and stakeholders involved in the renewables planning process in several Member States. This report also analyses impacts and mitigation measures, focussing on areas that would be suitable for RAA designation, based on the criteria laid out in Article 15c.