Press Release: State aid: European Commission opens in-depth investigation into planned investment at Delimara Power Plant in Malta

The European Commission has opened under EU state aid rules an in-depth investigation into Maltese plans to grant € 15.5 million aid to the Delimara Power Station which is operated by State-owned Enemalta to support the modification of boilers at the power station. Such aid would reduce the investment costs of meeting the existing environmental standards applicable to large combustion plants across the EU. At this stage, the Commission has doubts whether the investment subsidy is necessary and well designed to perform a service of general economic interest, as is argued by the Maltese authorities. The opening of an in-depth investigation allows the Maltese authorities to present further arguments on this file and also gives interested third parties the possibility to submit comments on the proposed measures. It does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure.