Press Release: State aid: Commission approves aid for on-shore wind power in France; opens in-depth inquiry into tax reductions for large energy consumers

On 27 March 2014, the European Commission concluded that a French scheme providing support to the production of electricity from on-shore wind installations is compatible with EU state aid rules. Under the scheme, producers of renewable energy are compensated for additional production costs in line with EU guidelines, and do not receive overcompensation. In parallel, the Commission opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether three types of reductions of renewable energy surcharges granted to large energy consumers in France (so-called CSPE) are in line with EU state aid rules. The opening of an in-depth investigation gives interested third parties an opportunity to submit comments on the measures under examination. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: State aid: Commission consults on draft rules for state support in energy and environmental field http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-state-aid-commission-consults-on-draft-rules-for-state-support-in-energy-and-environmental-field/

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/08/31: State aid: guidelines on state aid for the environment – frequently asked questions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-08-31_en.pdf

ESO: Background information: State aid: Commission opens in-depth inquiry into support for energy-intensive companies benefitting from a reduced renewables surcharge http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-state-aid-commission-opens-in-depth-inquiry-into-support-for-energy-intensive-companies-benefitting-from-a-reduced-renewables-surcharge/

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