Chinese-owned companies pull out of Romanian solar tender amidst EU scrutiny

Green Forum
The European Commission announced that two Chinese-owned renewable energy developers have pulled out from a public tender to build a solar photovoltaic (PV) park with a planned capacity of 455 MW in Romania.  

LONGi Solar Technologie GmbH, a German subsidiary of Chinese solar PV solutions provider LONGi Green Energy Technology, and electrical equipment manufacturer Shanghai Electric withdrew from the auction. This decision followed an in-depth investigation initiated by the Commission under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR).

The FSR, implemented in mid-2023, empowers the Commission to address distortions caused by foreign subsidies to ensure a level playing field for all companies operating within the EU. These regulations are part of the European Union's endeavors to lessen reliance on cheaper Chinese wind and solar technologies. The Commission has already initiated several investigations into Chinese firms regarding state subsidies.

With the withdrawal of the companies from the tender, the Commission will cease its investigation, as stated. The tender for the solar plant project, partially funded by the EU Modernisation Fund, was initiated by Romanian company Parc Fotovoltaic Rovinari Est. This company is jointly owned by Romania's leading oil and gas group OMV Petrom and state-owned electricity producer Complexul Energetic Oltenia.

RECOMMENDED
EU allocates €4.8 billion to net-zero innovation
Environment

EU allocates €4.8 billion to net-zero innovation

The European Commission has selected 85 innovative net-zero projects to receive €4.8 billion in grants from the Innovation Fund, helping to put cutting-edge clean technologies into action across Europe.

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Mobility

EV market surges in early 2025

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 15.2% of the EU market share as of February 2025, marking a significant rise from 11.5% in the same period of 2024.

Industry

LG Energy secures Polish ESS deal

LG Energy Solution has been chosen as a key partner for a large-scale energy storage system (ESS) project led by Poland's state-owned utility, PGE.

Energy

Hunedoara county's largest public solar park

The project for new renewable energy production capacities, submitted by the Hunedoara County Council and the Petrila City Hall, has been approved for funding by the Ministry of Energy.

READ MORE
Green Forum  |  28 March, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Green Forum  |  28 March, 2025 at 9:03 PM