State aid: Commission approves support schemes for renewable energy in Luxembourg and Malta

The European Commission has found plans by Luxembourg and Malta to support power generation from renewable sources to be in line with EU state aid rules. The schemes will increase electricity produced from renewable sources, in line with EU energy objectives, without unduly distorting competition.  The Commission assessed the plans under the 2014 Guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and energy, which allow Member States to support the production of electricity from renewable sources under certain conditions. The Luxembourg scheme introduces premium payments to support operators of wind, solar, biogas, hydropower and biomass installations. The total budget of the measure will be approximately €150 million, allocated between 2016 and 2020. Under the Maltese scheme onshore wind developers can also tender for support if an eligible site receives development consent during the lifetime of the scheme. The total budget of the measure will be approximately €140 million, allocated between 2016 and 2020.