EC Statement: State aid - Commission authorises France to grant €46.5 million aid for "Solar Nano Crystal" R&D programme

( February 25, 2009, 10:48 GMT | Official Statement) -- Extract: The European Commission has decided not to raise objections under EC Treaty state aid rules to the financial support of € 46.5 million that France plans to grant to the Solar Nano Crystal research and development (R&D) programme. The objective of the programme, which is being implemented by a consortium led by PV Alliance LabFab, is to develop the whole value chain of solar energy, from the production of silicon to the module for obtaining solar energy.The European Commission has decided not to raise objections under EC Treaty state aid rules to the financial support of € 46.5 million that France plans to grant to the Solar Nano Crystal research and development (R&D) programme. The objective of the programme, which is being implemented by a consortium led by PV Alliance LabFab, is to develop the whole value chain of solar energy, from the production of silicon to the module for obtaining solar energy. The Commission found the aid to be compatible with its R&D&I framework (see IP/06/1600) because, in line with EU objectives, it encourages R&D to improve sustainable and diversified sources of energy, that would not have taken place without aid. These benefits outweigh any potential distortions of competition....