BRUSSELS - Green light from the European Commission to Italy's state aid scheme, financed through the NRP, to support the construction and management of new or converted biomethane production plants.
The measure, said the
vice president of the EU Commission, Margrethe Vestager
, "will promote the EU production of sustainable biomethane for use in the transport and heating sectors, in line with the RePowerEu plan", and "will help Italy achieve its emission reduction targets, to reduce its dependence on Russian fossil fuels and to improve the security of gas supply ".
The scheme notified by Italy, in force until 30 June 2026, provides that, in order to benefit from public support, the production of biomethane complies with the requirements set out in the EU directive on renewables.
The aid will be granted cumulatively in the form of: investment grants, with a total budget of € 1.7 billion, covering up to 40% of eligible investment costs;
and incentive rates, with an estimated budget of 2.8 billion euros.
The incentive rates, which will be expressed in euros per megawatt hour, will be determined in a competitive tender according to the paid offer principle.
The support will cover the difference between the incentive tariffs and the evolution of gas prices and will be disbursed on a monthly basis.
In the event of large increases in the price of gas, there is a recovery mechanism that allows for the reimbursement of any amount higher than the tariffs.
In giving its approval, the European Commission noted that the scheme favors the development of sustainable biomethane production, has an incentive effect and has a limited impact on competition and trade within the EU.
Brussels also highlights that the measure "is necessary and appropriate to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition".
the european commission found that the scheme favors the development of sustainable biomethane production, has an incentive effect and has a limited impact on competition and trade within the eu.
Brussels also highlights that the measure "is necessary and appropriate to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition".
the european commission found that the scheme favors the development of sustainable biomethane production, has an incentive effect and has a limited impact on competition and trade within the eu.
Brussels also highlights that the measure "is necessary and appropriate to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition".
