The European Commission has approved a Polish aid programme worth approximately €1.2 billion (PLN 5 billion) to support investment in strategic sectors to assist in the transition to a net-zero-emission economy. The scheme was approved under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (State Aid Temporary Framework) adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 and amended on 20 November 2023 and 2 May 2024.
On the basis of the State Aid Temporary Framework, Poland has notified the Commission of an aid scheme worth approximately €1.2 billion (PLN 5 billion) through which it intends to support investment in strategic sectors to assist in the transition to a net-zero-emission economy.
The aid provided under the programme will take the form of direct grants. The measure will be available to companies producing relevant equipment, namely batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps, electrolysers, equipment for the capture, use and storage of carbon dioxide, as well as key components designed and used principally as direct inputs into the manufacture of such equipment or associated critical raw materials necessary for their production.
The Commission found the scheme submitted by the Polish authorities to be in line with the conditions set out in the State Aid Temporary Framework. In particular, the scheme (i) will incentivise the production of equipment essential for the transition to a net-zero-emission economy; (ii) provides for aid that does not exceed the maximum ceilings; and (iii) limits the granting of aid to 31 December 2025.
‘Today we have approved a Polish measure worth €1.2 billion to support investment in strategic equipment, namely batteries, solar panels, heat pumps, wind turbines, electrolysers and equipment for carbon capture, use and storage. This will help accelerate the transition to a net-zero-emission economy, in line with the objectives of the Green Deal industrial plan and the EU’s climate neutrality target. At the same time, distortions of competition remain limited”- Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy.
The Commission concluded that the Polish scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to the objective of accelerating the ecological transition and facilitating the development of certain economic activities important for the implementation of the Green Deal industrial plan, in accordance with Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Unionand the conditions set out in the State Aid Temporary Framework.
Source: EC
