Article 16b 1.

Member States shall ensure that the permit-granting procedure referred to in Article 16(1) shall not exceed two years for renewable energy projects located outside renewables acceleration areas. However, in the case of offshore renewable energy projects, the permit-granting procedure shall not exceed three years. Where duly justified on the grounds of extraordinary circumstances, including where they require extended periods needed for assessments under applicable Union environmental law, Member States may extend either of those periods by up to six months. Member States shall inform the project developer clearly of the extraordinary circumstances that justify such an extension.