EU ponders 2017 deadline for green energy funding rules

According to new EU aid rules being prepared, as of 2017 member states would only be able to fund new renewable energy projects after organising a "genuinely competitive bidding process".

Existing 2020 EU energy policy has encouraged a major shift towards renewable power in Europe. Subsidies have been generously handed out, irrespective of market conditions, leading to a storm of criticism from industry and politicians, who say they have inflated energy costs.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: EU states try to bury energy state aid guidelines http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-states-try-to-bury-energy-state-aid-guidelines/

ESO: Background information: Germany to cut energy rebates for industry, renewable subsidies http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-to-cut-energy-rebates-for-industry-renewable-subsidies/

EurActiv, 02.04.14: Report: New state aid rules offer utilities €2 billion windfall http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/report-new-state-aid-rules-offer-utilities-eu2-billion-windfall-301296

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