Complicated policies slow global clean energy progress

Policy changes are needed to help speed up clean energy progress worldwide. Many countries aim to triple their renewable energy capacity by 2030. However, complicated and lengthy permitting processes can slow down development. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has found that getting permits for large renewable projects can take as long as building them. In Germany, recent changes to the approval process for renewable energy have led to a significant increase in solar and wind installations. In the U.S., the situation is more complex. There are many overlapping federal, state, and local regulations. This can lead to long waits, with new energy providers facing delays of four years just to connect to the electricity grid. Another challenge is the use of Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs). These certificates track renewable energy use, but their complicated nature causes confusion. There are different types of EACs, and some do not support the development of new clean energy projects effectively. The lack of clear definitions can leave companies vulnerable to misleading claims about their impact on renewable energy growth. Experts say it's crucial to simplify policies and EACs to encourage the growth of clean energy sources. Making regulations clearer and more efficient can help meet global clean energy goals.