On the 20th of November 2023, the amended EU directive on the promotion of renewable energies – Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (Renewable Energy Directive III, or RED III for short) – came into force. The RED III aims to increase the share of renewable energies in total energy consumption to at least 42.5 per cent by 2030 – a decisive lever for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and harmonising environmental and climate protection standards within the EU. The EU Member States have until the 21st of May 2025 to transpose the directive into national law. Germany had originally planned to implement the directive on time. However, the legislative process has been delayed due to the early elections. Nevertheless, the new federal government has expressed its intention to implement the directive promptly, as stated in its coalition agreement.
WHAT IS CHANGING WITH THE RED III?
1. Lowering of thresholds
In future, sustainability and greenhouse gas criteria will apply to total thermal outputs of 7.5 megawatts or more. In addition to mandatory compliance with greenhouse gas reduction targets of 70 to 80 per cent, depending on the age and size of the plant, operators must provide reliable evidence and certifications. An independent audit will further verify the integrity of the system. Simplified testing procedures are possible for smaller plants up to 20 megawatts.
2. New rules on eligibility
Member States may not grant or extend new subsidies for the pure production of electricity from forestry biomass in conventional plants. Exceptions apply only to regions undergoing structural transformation, installations with carbon capture and storage, and remote areas with limited energy infrastructure. Subsidies granted before November 2023 will remain valid until the end of 2030, provided they meet the sustainability requirements.
3. Restrictions on raw material extraction
Biomass fuels may no longer be sourced from High Conservation Value (HCV) areas – ecologically important protected areas such as primary forests, peatlands, and species-rich grasslands. New requirements and exemptions also apply to biomass from forestry, which will be specified in national implementations.
4. Cascade utilisation of biomass from forestry
Cascade utilisation is to be regulated at national level and enforced through targeted incentive mechanisms. Exceptions may be made in cases of quantitative or technical limitations, where no higher economic or environmental value can be achieved than through energy use. In general, forestry biomass should only be used for energy purposes when higher-value applications – such as durable wood products, reuse, or recycling – are not feasible.
5. Reducing bureaucracy
Member States are required to simplify and accelerate approval and certification procedures for renewable energies. By February 2026, national plans must be in place to designate so-called acceleration areas – although biomass plants may be exempted from this.
ORIENTATION IN TIMES OF COMPLEX REQUIREMENTS
As an experienced full supply partner, the Brüning Group supports its customers in the procedural implementation of RED III requirements – with certified biomass, verified documentation and comprehensive expertise along the entire value chain.
Find out more about the challenges, risks, solutions, and chances of the RED III in our upcoming white paper!