Green Forum • 17 May, 2024 at 7:00 AM
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.