Balancing Renewable Energy and Environmental Protection

SPARKLES PhD researcher Tamar van de Gronden recently presented her research at the European Environmental Law Forum (EELF) Conference 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Environmental legal researchers from around the world came together to discuss climate change mitigation, European law, and pathways towards a just and competitive sustainable transition.

Tamar presented during a session on the renewable energy transition, where she discussed the legal coherence between EU renewable energy obligations and EU environmental law obligations.

During a session on the renewable energy transition, Tamar presented her research on the legal coherence between EU renewable energy obligations and environmental law obligations. To become climate neutral and independent of fossil fuels from other countries, the EU's amended Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) introduces faster and simplified permit-granting procedures for renewable energy projects in certain areas. The directive derogates from some environmental obligations, which might lead to conflicts between energy law and environmental law.

The aim of Tamar's research is to explore whether and how these two legal dimensions can go together. Within SPARKLES, she investigates this question with a particular focus on floating photovoltaics on inland waters.

The EELF Conference provided plenty of food for thought and valuable connections with other researchers. To be continued!