27/09/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 27 September, the European Commission authorised a Portuguese aid scheme worth €1 billion designed to help businesses make the transition to a net zero emissions economy, in line with the Green Deal Industrial Plan. The scheme was authorised under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023. The aid will take the form of direct grants. Companies producing the equipment needed for the transition (batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps, electrolysers, etc.) as well as components essential to the production of the equipment will be eligible. According to the Commission, this State scheme is necessary to speed up the energy transition and will help to implement the Green Deal Industrial Plan. (FS)