1. For the purposes of Article 4(14) and (15) and Article 5(11) and (12), the planning, construction and operation of plants for the production of energy from renewable sources, their connection to the grid and the related grid itself, and storage assets shall be presumed to be in the overriding public interest. Member States may exempt them from the requirement that no less damaging alternative solutions are available under Article 4(14) and (15) and Article 5(11) and (12), provided that:
|
(a)
|
a strategic environmental assessment has been carried out in accordance with the conditions set out in Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (44); or
|
|
(b)
|
they have been subject to an environmental impact assessment in accordance with the conditions set out in Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (45).
|