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In short: what the new changes to ZEVI mean
The amendments to the Renewable Energy Act (ZEVI) aim to fully transpose the European Directives RED II (2018/2001) and RED III (2023/2413). These directives set the strategic framework for accelerating the deployment of renewable energy sources in the European Union.
The new bill introduces mechanisms for faster approval of RES projects, stimulates the development of decentralized energy systems, encourages green power purchase agreements (PPAs) and creates conditions for broader participation of citizens and businesses in electricity production.
The main European target is a minimum 42.5% share of renewable energy in the EU by 2030, with the possibility of this share reaching 45%.
Why the changes in ZEVI are important for the energy sector
The context of the European energy transition
Over the past decade, the European Union has been accelerating the transition to clean energy. This process is part of a broader climate neutrality strategy known as the European Green Deal.
The main idea is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while increasing the use of renewable sources such as:
- solar energy
- wind energy
- biomass
- geothermal energy
Solar energy is becoming one of the fastest growing energy sources in the world. According to analyses by the International Energy Agency (IEA), photovoltaic technologies will play a key role in the global energy transition.
The development of renewable energy in Europe is increasingly leading to a growing interest in building photovoltaic systems, which allow businesses and households to produce their own electricity and reduce their energy costs.
What is the RED II Directive?
The RED II Directive (Renewable Energy Directive 2018/2001) is the main European Union regulation for the development of renewable sources. It sets for the first time a clear European-wide target for the share of renewable energy in final energy consumption.
The key elements of RED II include:
- increasing the share of renewable energy in the electricity sector
- stimulating the use of renewable energy in transport
- promoting renewable energy for heating and cooling
The directive also introduces new concepts in the energy sector, including prosumers and energy communities. This means that citizens can now not only consume electricity, but also produce it – for example, through photovoltaic systems on the roofs of their homes.
What does the RED III directive change?
In 2023, the European Union adopted the new RED III directive (2023/2413), which significantly increased the ambitions for the deployment of renewable sources. The main change is the increase in the target for the share of renewable energy to 42.5% by 2030.
The directive also places a strong emphasis on speeding up permitting procedures for renewable energy projects. In many Member States, administrative procedures are the biggest obstacle to the development of solar and wind power plants.
RED III also introduces the concept of zones for accelerated development of renewable sources, in which permitting procedures should be significantly shorter.
More information can be found on the European Commission website:
Why Bulgaria needs to transpose the RED II and RED III directives
The decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union
Bulgaria is obliged to transpose European directives into its national legislation. The delay in this process led to a punitive procedure by the European Commission.
In January 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union condemned Bulgaria for incomplete transposition of the RED II directive.
The decision includes a financial penalty of 1.5 million euros, as well as the possibility of a periodic penalty payment of 9,000 euros per day if the non-compliance continues.
This situation shows how important it is to synchronize national legislation with European energy policies.
The main changes in the Renewable Energy Law
The new bill includes a number of measures that can accelerate the development of renewable energy in Bulgaria.
One of the main changes is the facilitation of contracts for the purchase of electricity from renewable sources, known as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
These contracts allow companies to directly purchase green electricity from renewable energy producers. This provides greater predictability of energy costs and helps companies achieve their ESG goals.
The bill also provides for the development of zones for accelerated implementation of renewable energy sources, which will allow for faster construction of solar and wind projects.
Another important element is the stimulation of decentralized electricity production, including through photovoltaic systems for self-consumption and electricity storage systems.
The main challenges facing the implementation of RES in Bulgaria
Despite legislative changes, the actual implementation of renewable energy sources often faces administrative obstacles. One of the main problems is the process of connecting photovoltaic systems to the electricity distribution grid. The procedures are often complex and lengthy, which creates uncertainty for investors.
An additional complication is the fact that different electricity distribution companies apply different requirements and procedures when reviewing projects.
The lack of coordination between institutions in the sector can also lead to project delays and difficulties for investors.
Energy decentralization and the role of photovoltaic systems
European energy policy increasingly encourages decentralized energy. This means producing more energy close to where it is consumed.
Photovoltaic systems for self-consumption are a key element of this model. They allow households and businesses to produce their own electricity and reduce their dependence on the electricity distribution grid.
In addition to the economic benefits, this approach also has systemic advantages. Decentralized energy reduces the load on the power grid and increases energy security.
Bulgaria’s national renewable energy targets
According to the Integrated Energy and Climate Plan, Bulgaria aims to reach a 34.9% share of renewable sources in final energy consumption by 2030.
The latest available data shows that in 2024 this share reaches 23.21%, which is slightly above the planned intermediate target.
In the long term, the country has even more ambitious goals. The share of renewable energy is expected to reach over 45% by 2035 and more than 60% by 2040.
Frequently asked questions about the changes in ZEVI
RED III is a European directive (2023/2413) that increases the target for the share of renewable sources in the EU to at least 42.5% by 2030 and introduces accelerated procedures for the construction of RES projects.
The legislative changes are expected to facilitate the construction of photovoltaic systems through shorter administrative procedures and incentives for decentralized electricity production.
According to the RED III directive, the European Union aims for a minimum 42.5% share of renewable sources in final energy consumption by 2030.
The changes to the Renewable Energy Law (ZEVI) are part of Bulgaria’s efforts to transpose the European RED II and RED III directives and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources.
These changes have the potential to accelerate the development of photovoltaic systems, stimulate decentralized electricity generation, and create a more predictable environment for investments in renewable energy.
The real success of these changes, however, will depend on their practical implementation. If administrative procedures are simplified and institutions work in a better coordinated manner, Bulgaria has a real chance to accelerate the energy transition and benefit from the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy.
