Guidelines for Obtaining an Energy Permit

The project's guidelines for obtaining an energy permit outline the necessary steps and requirements for investors seeking to construct and operate electric power facilities in the country. An energy permit is an administrative act issued by the FBiH Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry (FMERI) that confirms a project's compliance with legislative and regulatory acts governing the safe operation of electrical networks, environmental protection, energy efficiency, and other aspects. The issuance of an energy permit is regulated by several acts, including the Law on Electricity in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Law on FBiH Administrative Fees, and the Regulation on the Procedure, Criteria, Form, and Content of the Application for the Issuance of Energy Permits. The FBiH Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry is the competent authority responsible for issuing energy permits. These permits are obtained for all generation facilities, regardless of their type or installed power. The energy permit is typically obtained before the construction permit is issued, and investors must submit a valid energy permit with their application for a construction permit. The one-time administrative fee for issuing an energy permit varies depending on the installed power of the facility. The fee ranges from 200 KM for micro power plants with installed power up to 23 kW to 5,000 KM for large power plants with installed power exceeding 10 MW. The fee is paid via a payment order, and the FBiH general administrative fee, which amounts to 10.00 KM, is also paid via a payment order or a special stamp. To obtain an energy permit, investors must submit a written application on the prescribed form, accompanied by various supporting documents, including a certificate of entry in a court register, registration and tax number, articles of association, and financial statements for the past three years. Other required documents include a feasibility study, concession contract, environmental impact assessment, environmental permit, water acts, initial electric power permit, proof of property and legal issues resolution, and proof of technical and financial capacity. The guidelines also outline the necessary information and indicators about the applicant's financial situation, which are prepared in Annex 2: Financial Indicators. Additionally, investors must submit a statement from the applicant on all open transaction accounts in commercial banks, certificates from banks verifying their status, and certificates confirming the absence of criminal convictions against the applicant and its management. The energy permit application process involves a thorough review of the submitted documents and information. The FBiH Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry assesses the applicant's technical and financial capacity, human resources, and experience in building, owning, and managing generation facility projects of similar size and complexity. The ministry also verifies the applicant's compliance with tax and social obligations, as well as its management and organizational structure. Upon successful completion of the review process, the FBiH Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry issues the energy permit, which confirms the project's compliance with all relevant legislative and regulatory acts. The energy permit is a critical step in the energy development process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the guidelines outlined in this document provide investors with a clear understanding of the necessary requirements and procedures for obtaining this permit.