Sectoral Programme for Renewable Energy Acceleration Areas (PSZAER)

Council of Ministers Resolution No. 172-A/2026 has been published, approving the Sectoral Programme for Renewable Energy Acceleration Areas PSZAER, applicable to solar photovoltaic and onshore wind energy projects.

In addition to approving the PSZAER, the Resolution, among other aspects:

• designates as Renewable Energy Acceleration Areas (ZAER) the areas identified in the Programme’s territorial model. However, the application of the relevant regime to projects is subject to the integration of such areas into municipal territorial plans and the identification of the applicable technology or technologies; 
   
• also designates as ZAER, for solar photovoltaic technology, certain surfaces of buildings and artificial structures that meet the criteria established in the PSZAER, particularly with regard to environmental impact assessment and prior urban planning control; 
   
• requires municipalities covered by the ZAER to assess such areas at municipal level and integrate them into municipal territorial plans, particularly municipal master plans. As a rule, an area corresponding to at least 1% of the municipality’s territory must be integrated or, where the total area of the identified ZAER falls below this threshold, the entirety of such area; 
   
• establishes a maximum period of 24 months for the completion and publication of the update of municipal territorial plans. Where amendment or revision procedures are required, they must be initiated within 90 days from the date on which the Resolution takes effect; 
   
• allows municipalities to exclude, in whole or in part, certain areas from integration as ZAER where territorial, environmental, agricultural, landscape, heritage or infrastructure constraints, or other circumstances expressly provided for in the Resolution, are identified, subject to appropriate technical justification; 
   
• deems the obligation to integrate new ZAER to be fulfilled in municipalities where operational solar photovoltaic and/or onshore wind power plants already occupy 10% or more of the municipality’s territory. 
   

The Resolution takes effect on 28 August 2026.

For further information, please consult the Resolution here.