• The amendment introduces an auction-based support scheme for biomethane production facilities with a capacity of over 1 MW.
• The new regulations will also set out the rules governing the operation of a direct gas pipeline used to supply biogas, agricultural biogas or biomethane.
• The proposed measures will make it easier for prosumers to use energy storage systems and will clarify the rules governing energy billing.

The most significant element of the amendment is the introduction of an auction-based support scheme for biomethane production facilities with an installed electrical capacity exceeding 1 MW. The auctions will be conducted by the President of the Energy Regulatory Office. The proposed regulations will also make it possible to combine operating support with investment support in accordance with the rules on state aid.

The amendment also provides the rules governing the operation of direct gas pipelines used to transport biogas, agricultural biogas and biomethane. This solution will also increase the potential for using these fuels away far their place of production. 

The Act provides for changes designed to facilitate prosumers’ use of energy storage facilities. The capacity of the energy storage system (provided that certain conditions are met) will not be included in the installed capacity of the micro-installation. This will enable the use of larger energy storage systems and increase self-consumption of energy generated for domestic use. The amendment clarifies the rules governing the presentation of information on prosumer invoices and the settlement of the prosumer deposit following a change of an energy supplier.

The new regulations streamline the operation of energy cooperatives, particularly with regard to the sharing of metering data and cooperation with energy suppliers.

The amendment provides for a number of changes designed to improve the effectiveness of support schemes for renewable energy sources. These include more favourable arrangements for modernised renewable energy installations and the possibility of taking into account energy generated during periods of negative prices at settlements in the auction system. The amendment also introduces changes that clarify and refine the existing regulations, including those relating to the definitions of renewable energy installations, heat and cold storage, and the rules governing the certification of installers.