EC not to decide on review of Germany's renewable energy levy this week - report

Jul 15, 2013 - The European Commission (EC) is not expected to issue an opinion on the initial review of Germany's renewable energy levy this week.

This was reported by news agency DPA-AFX today, which cited EU's Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia.

The EC has launched an initial review, which is set to determine whether the relief of energy-intensive companies from the renewable energy levy represents a form of state support for those firms. Such kind of state aid requires the approval of the commission.

Almunia was also cited as saying that this initial review is not expected to give any result before the summer break.

German magazine Der Spiegel reported during the weekend that the EU will announce the start of a state aid investigation related to the renewable energy levy this Wednesday.

The levy, introduced in 2000 to fund the switch to renewable energy, is included in the electricity price.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!