European Commission (EC) approved the support scheme for large energy consumers in the industry, said Economy Minister Constantin Niță, in the Government meeting on Wednesday, writes Mediafax.

“Romania is the first EU member for which, on the basis of the Guidelines on State Aid for Environmental Protection and Energy for 2014-2020, published in April 2014, the European Commission adopted a decision authorizing the aid scheme without opening an investigation. Approval of support scheme initiated by the Ministry of Economy is an acknowledgment of the need to support European industry in order to maintain the competitiveness of large industrial consumers. Support scheme is valid for 10 years, to be applied from 1 December 2014 to 31 December 2024.”, said the Minister, quoted by Agerpres.

This summer, the government decided that large electricity consumers will pay between 15% and 60% of green certificates corresponding to mandatory quota set by law. The degree of exemption from green certificates is based on the level of a company’s energy intensity.

Estimated annual budget for the support scheme is about 75 million euros, and applies to approximately 300 companies. The state budget will not contribute, and compensation procedure falls in ANRE’s responsibility.