The government has adopted its own previously prepared proposal to promote investment in the green transition*. The objective is to reduce Finland's dependence on fossil energy, increase energy self-sufficiency, and move towards a more ecologically sustainable economy. The proposal stipulates that applications related to investment projects important for the green transition will be prioritised in permitting procedures under the Environmental Protection Act and the Water Act by the Regional State Administrative Agencies between 2023 and 2026**.
“The green transition to renewable and decentralised forms of energy is the only sustainable way out of the energy crisis caused by Russia's war of aggression and the sharp fluctuations in fossil fuel prices. The accelerated path we have created will ensure that environmentally friendly investments are made without delay. This is important for both climate action and energy self-sufficiency,” explains Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Maria Ohisalo.
Regional State Administrative Agencies will prioritise specific projects in their permitting procedures related to renewable energy, low-carbon hydrogen production, industrial electrification, carbon capture and utilisation, and the battery industry, which comply with the “do no significant harm” principle. The Finnish government considered these fields and sectors to be the most important for promoting the green transition and increasing the share of clean energy. “The goal is to rapidly initiate investment in the green transition. However, faster permitting procedures will not mean that we would in any way compromise the environmental impact assessments of the projects,” says M. Ohisalo.
During last year's spring budget session, the government committed to allocating greater personnel resources to accelerate and support the processing of permits in institutions and appeal processes in administrative courts.
In addition, the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment*** will receive 4.1 million euros in additional funding over the next three and a half years, while the Regional State Administrative Agencies will receive 2.5 million euros.
Prioritisation under this legislative proposal would mean faster processing of permit applications at Regional State Administrative Agencies at all stages of the procedure. Meanwhile, the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment would facilitate the implementation of green transition projects during environmental impact assessments, decision-making and consultation stages.
To accelerate the processing of permit applications for projects supporting the green transition, the time that may be required for processing appeals will also be taken into account. Therefore, the government proposes that between 2023 and 2028, administrative courts shall treat appeals related to green transition investments as urgent. The same would apply to appeals related to local detailed plans concerning energy production, or master plans designating areas for wind power construction. An additional 3 million euros in funding will be allocated to courts to carry out this task.
The law will enter into force at the beginning of 2023. This autumn, the appropriation (funding) granted for preparation and implementation guidelines will be used to ensure that the permitting authorities can begin implementing the priority procedure as soon as possible.
* Investments in the green transition are essential in the shift towards a carbon-neutral society. The green transition means moving towards an ecologically sustainable economy and growth that is not based on excessive consumption of natural resources, but is based on low-carbon solutions that promote the circular economy and biodiversity. The overall goal is change that will result in a stronger economy through eco-friendly technologies, sustainable industry and transport, and the reduction of emissions.
** Regional State Administrative Agencies examine and make decisions on permitting matters in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act and the Water Act.
*** Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment are responsible for supervision related to permits under the Environmental Protection Act and the Water Act.