Approval practice for the energy transition

Making authorisation procedures more efficient

Procedures for the authorisation of renewable energy installations are very complex and extensive. More areas are currently being designated for renewables, while at the same time legal requirements are changing. This poses major challenges for both authorities and project developers.

This is precisely where the new "Expert in authorisation practice" further education programme comes in. It aims to speed up approval procedures in the field of renewable energies by qualifying specialists. The special idea is to provide employees at authorities and project planners with the necessary expertise together and thus bring both sides into a profitable exchange.

In the current project phase 2025/26, further education is being funded by the Metropolitan Region Northwest and other supporters.

Scientific management

Prof Dr Bernd Siebenhüner

Professor of Ecological Economics

"With fast approval processes, we can drive forward the energy transition and industrial settlements."

“Legislation is constantly changing, and new court rulings are handed down every day. Further education explains how to apply for and obtain permits quickly
and in a legally compliant manner.”

Christoph Brand LL.M., solicitor and expert in renewable energy law
Lecturer on the further education course ‘Permit Procedures for the Energy Transition’

Further education at a glance

Certificate

University certificate "Expert in authorisation practice"

Scope and duration

Duration: approx. 5 months

Teaching format

Compact on-site workshops and online self-study phases

Dates

Next start date: 13 August 2026 (fully booked)
See the information pack for a schedule of dates

Costs

€3,650.00*
€1,590.00* for employees of Lower Saxony public authorities (subsidised by the State of Lower Saxony; proof required)

* plus €60 guest student fee

Your profile - your prospects

New energy for your career

This further education programme is aimed at:

  • Specialists and managers in public authorities and project developers in the renewable energy sector
  • Staff at public institutions and in local, regional and national government
  • Staff at energy suppliers, municipal utilities and service providers

Your gain in expertise

As an expert for authorisation practice ...

you can apply current regulations (BImSchG, UVPG etc.) with legal certainty.

you will be able to judge where legal difficulties could arise.

you will be able to assess the effects of a specific plant design on emission protection, environmental protection and nature conservation in a technically sound manner.

know how to involve citizens and increase acceptance and are familiar with the acceptance and participation options, some of which are regulated by state law.

understand the interdependencies of technical planning and nature conservation impact management as central components of an authorisation procedure.

you can use professional negotiation techniques for your own goals and value-adding results.

Advancing the energy transition together

What experts and participants say about the further education programme:

Dr Jan Christoph Weise,
Nds. Ministry for the Environment, Energy, Climate Protection,
Head of SEE

Giulia Hohenhausen,
Lower Nature Conservation Authority, participant

Manfred Eertmoed,
Project planner,
Participant

Kathrin Michalk,
Immission control authority,
Participant

Questions about further education

What is the ‘Permit Practice for the Energy Transition’ further education course about?

This further education course provides practical knowledge of approval procedures for projects in the renewable energy sector. It focuses on the legal, planning and organisational requirements that must be taken into account by both public authorities and planners. Participants learn how approval processes are structured and how they operate effectively.

Who is this further education course suitable for?

This programme is aimed at specialists and managers involved in the planning, project development or approval of renewable energy installations. It is particularly relevant for staff working in project development companies, engineering firms, energy suppliers, public authorities, consultancy firms or technical planning departments.

What topics are covered?

This further education course covers key topics relating to the approval of energy transition projects, including the fundamentals of planning law, requirements under immission control legislation, environmental and nature conservation aspects, public participation procedures, and typical communication challenges. In addition, the course covers practical procedures, decision-making processes and requirements for application documentation, enabling participants to better understand and navigate approval procedures.

Why is the licensing process relevant to the energy transition?

Streamlined approval procedures are a key factor in the success of the energy transition. Delays or incomplete documentation can have a significant impact on projects. Those who are familiar with the legal framework, procedural steps and the requirements of the stakeholders involved can identify risks at an early stage, manage processes more efficiently and contribute to the successful implementation of projects.

What skills do participants acquire through further education?

The course provides a sound understanding of planning permission processes. Participants will be better able to contextualise legal and planning requirements, identify typical issues that arise during the process, and communicate effectively with stakeholders such as public authorities, consultants and project developers. The further education course thus enhances both technical and practical skills.

Can I take part whilst working?

With its flexible and compact teaching formats, this further education programme is tailored to the needs of working professionals and can be easily reconciled with work commitments. Through practical content and interaction with experts, participants can apply the knowledge they have gained directly to their day-to-day work. It is suitable both as part of a comprehensive further education programme and for targeted specialisation.

Request information now

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Contact & advice

Dr Claudia Bardachzi
Manager for Advanced Scientific Training

+49(0)441 798-4898

https://uol.de/c3l

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+49(0)441 798-4898

(Changed: 22 Jul 2026)  Kurz-URL:Shortlink: https://uol.de/p105899en
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