Energy licensing

Energy licensing refers to permits, concessions and approvals for activities such as power plants, pipelines, grids, storage facilities, district heating or energy supply services. Licensing may address technical safety, environmental impacts, land use, water use, market conduct, security of supply and decommissioning. In Switzerland, competencies are divided among federal, cantonal and communal authorities depending on the asset and resource involved. Hydropower concessions, nuclear approvals and network-related authorisations illustrate the public-law character of the field. Internationally, licensing also functions as a tool for market entry and regulatory supervision.