The European Commission (EC) said that it has approved the changes in the Romanian scheme supporting high efficiency cogeneration by extending the funding period and the possible allocated budget for such projects.
The statement from the EC said that Romania asked for the approval of an increase in the support period for combined heat and power (CHP) plants from up to 11 years to up to 21 years. Also, the country requested an increase in the scheme budget from approximately 2.2 billion euros to approximately 4.4 billion euros in order to cover the additional period during which a plant can receive support.
The original support scheme was approved by the Commission in 2009 and subsequently amended in 2016.
According to the EC, the Romanian authorities provided evidence that the duration of support was insufficient to ensure the long-term viability of these plants. Moreover, the EC found that the modification of the scheme is necessary and appropriate for stimulating the production of high efficiency cogeneration, reduce emissions and make energy savings.
