State Aid

COMMISSION POLICY ON STATE AID FOR WIND

The Commission has reiterated its policy on State aid for clean energy investments in a Communication published on 24 October 2023. The Commission noted the “wide range” of tools available for Member State governments to support investments such as batteries, solar panels and wind turbines. It also noted its ongoing approvals for such measures. The Communication is available here.

MEASURE TO SUPPORT BIOMETHANE PRODUCTION

In line with the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU Plan, the Commission has approved a €2.4 billion Czech State aid scheme for constructing and operating sustainable biomethane production plants. Green bonuses will be available to Czech-licenced biomethane producers for each MWh they produce for 20 years. The Commission considered the measure was necessary “to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition”. Further information is available here.

MEASURES TO SUPPORT IRISH FISHERIES POST-BREXIT

The Commission has approved two separate state aid measures to support Irish fisheries following Brexit. The first is a €25.6 million scheme to compensate for reduced mackerel quotas; the second is a €7 million scheme for direct grants to fish processors to cover reduced quotes and increased operational costs. Both schemes are financed under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, which was established to counteract regional economic effects arising from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Further information is available here.