Press Release: State aid: Commission endorses €47 million aid to Wacker Schott and opens in-depth investigation into €48 million aid to Deutsche Solar, two German firms in the solar sector

The European Commission authorised, under EC Treaty state aid rules, €47 million of aid, which the German authorities intend to grant to Wacker Schott for the production of solar wafers in Thüringen, Germany. The project involves investments of €322 million and is expected to significantly increase direct and indirect employment. The Commission found the measure to be compatible with the requirements of the Regional Aid Guidelines 2007-2013 and in particular with the rules on large investment projects. At the same time, the Commission opened a formal investigation under EC Treaty state aid rules into €48 million aid for a similar project of solar wafer production by Deutsche Solar in Saxony, Germany. In this case, the Commission had concerns that the aid was in fact part of a single investment project. According to the Regional Aid Guidelines 2007-2013, if this proves to be the case, the current proposed aid would need to be reduced. The opening of an in-depth investigation gives interested parties the possibility to comment on the proposed measure. It does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure.