Commission endorses €17 million state aid to Solibro for solar modules plant in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany

The European Commission has authorised €17 million of regional investment aid for the German company Solibro GmbH for the production of solar modules in Bitterfeld-Wolfen (Sachsen-Anhalt), Germany. The project involves an investment of €142 million and is expected to create at least 260 new jobs in the region. Germany limited the aid amount to the maximum that would be allowable taking account of aid granted to a previous investment project by Solibro. The Commission found the measure to be compatible with the requirements of the Regional Aid Guidelines 2007-2013 (see IP/05/1653), and in particular with their rules on large investment projects. The Commission concluded that, on balance, the positive effects of the investment on regional development outweigh potential distortions of competition brought about by the aid.