The ECJ / Ålands Case – Implications For National Renewables Support Systems

NATIONAL SUPPORTS

Ålands Case – Open season for renewables supports?

On 28 January 2014, Advocate-General Yves Bot of the European Court of Justice ("ECJ") published an opinion (the "Opinion") that strongly advocates the creation of an integrated European market in renewable energy through far wider eligibility for participation in national renewables support schemes. The Opinion, although not binding on the ECJ (ruling awaited as at the date of this note), has re-focussed attention on several complex areas of European energy policy; moreover it has triggered debate on the longer term value and use of a common system of renewables supports such as Guarantees of Origin.

Renewable Energy Support Schemes