Strategic projects count as being in the public interest, and may be treated as of overriding public interest, in the derogations of the Water, Birds and Habitats Directives and of nature-restoration law.
Promoters of net-zero strategic projects are given a right, and this is law in force.
Why it matters
This is law in force, not a proposal.
- It is Art. 15(3), in the Net-Zero Industry Act. as of 2026-08-18
- The act gives its timing as: Applies from 29 June 2024 (Art. 49(2)). as of 2026-08-18
- It names 4 industries by name: Batteries and solar, Clean tech, Carbon capture and storage and Power. as of 2026-08-18
- Compliance is checked by competent authority, per project. as of 2026-08-18
The rule
recognition as a net-zero strategic project
Strategic projects count as being in the public interest, and may be treated as of overriding public interest, in the derogations of the Water, Birds and Habitats Directives and of nature-restoration law.
Who is affected
Burden drivers
Source text
Net-zero strategic projects shall be considered to contribute to the security of supply of net-zero technologies in the Union and, therefore, to be in the public interest. With regard to the environmental impacts or obligations referred to in Article 4(7) of Directive 2000/60/EC, Article 9(1), point (a), of Directive 2009/147/EC, Articles 6(4) and 16(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC and in Union legislative acts on nature restoration, net-zero strategic projects in the Union shall be considered to be of public interest and may be considered to have an overriding public interest and to serve the interests of public health and safety provided that all the conditions set out in those acts are fulfilled.
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