The European Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular the 2014 Guidelines on State Aid for Environmental Protection and Energy.
The Commission considered that the aid was necessary and had an incentive effect as offshore wind energy projects would not have been implemented without the public support. Furthermore, the aid measure is proportionate and limited to the minimum necessary. Finally, the Commission concluded that the positive effects of the aid measure, in particular its environmental effects, outweigh the possible negative effects linked to the distortions of competition.
Poland also undertook to carry out an ex post evaluation, which will evaluate individual elements of the program.
On this basis, the Commission concluded that the Polish scheme complies with EU state aid rules as it supports offshore wind farm projects which will facilitate the development of renewable energy production in Poland and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the European Green Deal and without unduly distorting competition.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, responsible for competition policy, said: “This Polish program is a very good example of how competition policy can enable Member States to support renewable energy projects such as offshore wind farms. It encourages companies to invest in such green projects in which they would not have invested without support. We hope to see many such initiatives in the future that contribute to the EU’s Green Deal without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market.