Brussels, 20/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission announced on Tuesday 20 September that it had authorised a repayable advance of €36.6 million that Spain intends to grant to the Spanish aeronautics company ITP for the development of a low pressure turbine (LPT) for the Trent XWB engine, which is being developed by Rolls-Royce. The project will raise technological capacities in Europe, and contribute to increasing the efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of air transport, said Competition Commissioner Joaquín Almunia. The repayable advance shares the risk of the project and covers 47.5% of the costs of industrial research and experimental development activities undertaken by ITP. The Commission concluded, therefore, that the repayable advance was in line with the EU framework on state aid for Research & Development and Innovation. (LC/transl.rt)