Nature Conservancy Recommendations on Renewable Energy Auctions

This document is a response from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) regarding the implementation of non-price criteria (NPC) in renewable energy auctions as outlined in the Implementing Act (IA). TNC welcomes the IA as a significant advancement towards integrating NPCs across the EU, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity criteria. The paper details several recommendations, including the necessity for mitigation measures to be additional to existing environmental obligations and the establishment of a monitoring system to assess the overall impact of projects throughout their lifecycle. TNC advocates for the inclusion of community engagement criteria to enhance public support for renewable energy initiatives. The document also highlights the need for a toolbox from the European Commission to provide guidance on implementing net-positive contributions to biodiversity, ensuring clarity and consistency across Member States. TNC expresses concern over the absence of NPC related to community benefits, which are crucial for fostering local engagement and acceptance of renewable energy projects.