The Spanish measure
Spain notified to the Commission, under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, a €837 million scheme to support the production of batteries for the industrial chain of electric and connected vehicles.
Under this scheme, which will be partially funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (‘RRF’), the aid will take the form of direct grants and loans.
The measure will be open to companies producing batteries, their essential components and related raw materials.
The maximum aid amount per beneficiary will (i) range between €100 million and €300 million for investment in the field of batteries, depending on whether it takes place in an assisted area or not; (ii) not exceed €100 million for investments in essential components; and (iii) not exceed €25 million for investment in raw materials.
The Commission found that the Spanish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will incentivise the production of relevant equipment for the transition towards a net-zero economy; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2025.
The Commission concluded that the Spanish scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the green transition and facilitate the development of certain economic activities, which are of importance for the implementation of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, in line with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework.
On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules.