Press Release: State aid: Commission endorses €56 million aid to Sunfilm for production of thin-film solar modules in Saxony, Germany

The European Commission authorised, under EC Treaty state aid rules, €56 million of regional investment aid, which the German authorities grant to Sunfilm for the production of thin-film solar modules in Saxony, Germany. The project involves a total investment of €393 million and is expected to create at least 380 new jobs in the region. 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, as Sunfilm 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 can be considered to outweigh the potential distortions of competition.