EU initiates investigation into Chinese wind turbine firms

Green Forum
The European Union, in its efforts to safeguard its domestic industry from inexpensive competition, has initiated an investigation into Chinese wind turbine companies for subsidies.

Margrethe Vestager, the EU's chief competition enforcer, announced the probe to determine whether Chinese firms involved in wind projects across Europe have received state aid from Beijing. This inquiry will utilize the European Commission's enhanced authority to address subsidies that distort markets, as Brussels aims to shield itself from unfair competition, particularly from Beijing.

The investigation will scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the establishment of wind parks in Spain, Greece, France, Romania, and Bulgaria, according to Vestager.

This action follows the recent launch of inquiries by the Commission into two consortia competing for a solar park project in Romania, both of which include Chinese solar panel manufacturers. In a similar move in February, the Commission commenced an investigation into a bid by the Chinese state-owned company CRRC to supply trains in Bulgaria at half the price of a European competitor, prompting CRRC to withdraw from the bidding process later on.

Chinese officials expressed deep concern after the European Union's subsidy investigation into wind turbine manufacturers subsidized by Beijing, condemning what they perceive as "protectionist" and "discriminatory measures".

RECOMMENDED
EU emissions drop 2.6% in Q2 2024
Environment

EU emissions drop 2.6% in Q2 2024

In the second quarter of 2024, the EU economy greenhouse gas emissions were estimated at 790 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents (CO2-eq).

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Energy

Orlen secures €1.8 billion for grid upgrade

Polish energy group Orlen announced that its subsidiary, Energa Operator, has secured a €1.8bn loan to modernize the power grid, preparing it for the integration of renewable energy sources.

Business

OMV Petrom builds sustainable fuels unit

OMV Petrom announced the commencement of construction for a production unit dedicated to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO) at the Petrobrazi refinery.

Energy

TotalEnergies and Liquide decarbonize refineries

In line with its 2030 ambition to decarbonize the hydrogen used in its European refineries, TotalEnergies has signed agreements with Air Liquide to develop two projects in the Netherlands.

READ MORE
Green Forum  |  20 February, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Green Forum  |  20 February, 2025 at 7:06 AM