LIFE REALS project kicked off with an External Policy Workshop in Budapest
On 27 April 2026, the LIFE REALS project consortium and stakeholders from five participating countries gathered in Budapest to set the EU policy context for renewable energy deployment on artificial and degraded land surfaces; exchange concrete country experience and technical case studies; present preliminary findings from REALS project countries; gather structured stakeholder input on permitting, market barriers, social aspects and policy design; and align partners on spatial analysis methodologies, milestones, communication narratives and next deliverables.
Key outcomes
Participants acknowledged that renewable energy projects on artificial and degraded land (ALS) typically face higher costs and risks than conventional projects. As a result, targeted subsidies or support schemes for ALS projects were discussed as a potential solution, with references to the need for such measures to be reflected in future EU funding frameworks, including recommendations linked to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Stakeholders also stressed the importance of clear communication on available funding opportunities, as developers and local actors currently lack visibility on which instruments could support ALS projects.
Beyond electricity generation, participants highlighted the multifunctional potential of PV installations, for example their use in stabilising unstable soils on slopes or degraded sites. Recognising these additional services could strengthen the case for public support and broader policy recognition.
Evidence-based support for ALS projects
From a project-level perspective, it was emphasised that LIFE REALS will play a key role in estimating the actual costs of renewable projects on artificial land surfaces, providing an evidence base to justify differentiated support. Participants noted that the planned analysis of auction design could be complemented by consideration of power purchase agreements (PPAs), particularly given their growing role in several markets.
Permitting and grid connection
Simplifying permitting and grid-connection procedures was repeatedly identified as a strong potential incentive for developers. At the same time, caution was expressed that simplification should not undermine environmental safeguards, especially as further simplification measures are already being prepared at EU level. This highlighted the need for carefully designed, context-specific simplification, rather than blanket approaches.
Improved information flows and coordination among authorities were presented as practical recommendations for developers, alongside the need to clarify ownership and restoration responsibilities on artificial and degraded sites — issues expected to be further addressed through the project’s legal analysis.
Looking ahead
Finally, discussions revisited the question of whether a formal definition of artificial land surfaces is needed. While risks associated with ALS projects are relatively well understood, participants agreed that solutions and actionable recommendations require further development. There was broad consensus that any approach to ALS definitions and permitting simplification should remain flexible and adaptable, as national contexts and administrative systems differ significantly across countries.
