Brussels, 23/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 23 July, the European Commission gave the go-ahead to the new German Renewable Energy Act (EEG 2014), considering it to be in line with EU state aid rules.
EEG 2014 provides support for the production of electricity from renewable energy sources and from mining gas. It also reduces the financial burden on energy-intensive users and certain auto-generators by reducing their level of payment of the EEG-surcharge. EEG 2014 provides that the aid will be progressively allocated through tenders which will gradually be opened to operators located in other member states. As of 2017, tenders should be generalised but a new law is required to introduce them. The support to renewable electricity is therefore approved until 31 December 2016. Small installations (below 100 kW) will continue to benefit from feed-in tariffs and are not obliged to sell on the market. This part of the scheme was approved for ten years.
The Commission concluded that the EEG 2014 will further EU environmental and energy objectives without unduly distorting competition in the single market. (EL)