Commission opens in-depth investigation into Spain’s support for coal power plants

Further information:

The Commission showed concerns that support was used to meet EU environmental standards that were in any case mandatory. The relevant legal requirements were laid down in EU legislation on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (Directive 2001/80/EC).

Background information:

A scheme to support the installation of new sulphur oxide filters in existying coal power plants was introduced by the Spanish authorities in 2007. Plants were entitled to receive public support for a period of 10 years for reducing sulphur oxide emissions below certain limits.

Spain did not notify this measure to the Commission for assessment under EU State aid rules.

The European Commission announced on 27 November 2017 it had opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether Spain's environmental incentive for coal plants was in line with EU State aid rules.

EurActiv, 29.11.17: Commission launches probe into Spanish aid to coal-powered plants http://www.euractiv.com/section/air-pollution/news/commission-launches-probe-into-spanish-aid-to-coal-powered-plants/

Reuters, 27.11.17: EU regulators to investigate Spanish scheme for coal power plants https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1DR153

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