ECJ decision pivotal in debate over Germany’s green subsidies

A complaint raised by a Finnish wind turbine operator in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) could add an unpredictable dynamic to the debate over the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), with experts forecasting rising energy costs and the end of exclusively national green energy subsidisation.

In a June 2014 opinion, ECJ Advocate-General Yves Bot called for an elimination of existing inequalities in renewables subsidisation among EU countries within two years. For the most part, the European judges follow the plea of the Advocate-General. The ruling of the ECJ's Grand Chamber was scheduled to be announced on 2 July 2014.

ESO: Background information: State aid: Commission adopts new rules on public support for environmental protection and energy http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-state-aid-commission-adopts-new-rules-on-public-support-for-environmental-protection-and-energy/

ESO: Background information: Germany backs exemptions to green energy rebates http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-backs-exemptions-to-green-energy-rebates/

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