Press Release: State aid: Commission endorses €28 million aid to Masdar for production of thin-film solar modules in Thüringen, Germany

The European Commission authorised, under EC Treaty state aid rules, €28 million of regional investment aid, which the German authorities intend to grant to Masdar for the production of thin-film solar modules in Thüringen, Germany. The project involves investments of €143 million and is expected to create at least 184 new jobs. 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, because Masdar would not gain significant new market shares and the investment takes place in a fast growing market, the photovoltaic sector. Therefore the positive impact of the investment on regional development outweighs the potential distortions of competition.