Brussels, 13/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 12 June, the European Commission authorised support for renewable energy sources (biomass, ground source, biogas and solar energy) used in the production of heat and hot water in Northern Ireland. It considers that the system, which will cost around €227 million over a maximum period of 20 years, is in line with EU state aid rules, because it furthers environmental protection and the limits carbon emissions, in line with the EUROPE 2020 strategy for sustainable growth, without unduly distorting competition in the internal market. The measures will consist of a series of tariffs per unit of heat produced and divided into bands according to the technology used. The tariffs will be paid to the commercial users of those energy sources, as they are the most energy-intensive players. The aim is to produce 10% of energy from renewable sources by 2020. (FG/transl.fl)