Solar panels

16.4.2014

Question for written answer E-005026-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

In September 2013 the Danish Government amended the rules on subsidies for solar (photovoltaic) panels. The new rules have to be approved by the Commission, since these are state aid rules. This is of course as it should be, and it is important to ensure that no country cheats with state aid. However, the Commission’s investigation has taken a very long time, and still no decision has yet been reached.

The long delay in dealing with this case has meant that Danes are reluctant to invest in new solar panels. Figures from the relevant authority, Energinet, show that only 5 348 photovoltaic systems were set up in Denmark from April 2013 to 27 January 2014, as compared with 80 315 from April 2012 to April 2013.

It is surely unfair that the many Danish firms which make their living from installing photovoltaic systems do not know whether they will have to close down. This is affecting the livelihoods of many businesspeople and is costing Danish jobs.

When can businesses and the general public expect some news in the state aid rules case on solar panels, and does the Commission consider it fair that the delay in considering this case means that the sale of solar panels in Denmark has come to a complete standstill and is now costing jobs?

What does the Commission propose to do to reduce the delay in dealing with such cases, so that there will be no more of these situations where, in the absence of approval, jobs are lost in the Member States?

OJ C 405, 14/11/2014