EU Closes Investigation into Chinese Bidders in Romanian Solar Park Tender

The European Commission has decided to conclude its investigation into Chinese bidders participating in a public tender for a solar park in Romania after the companies voluntarily withdrew from the process.

The companies involved in the tender were ENEVO, which includes LONGi Solar Technologie GmbH, as well as Shanghai Electric UK Co. Ltd. and Shanghai Electric Hong Kong International Engineering Co. Ltd. 

The withdrawal of these companies follows the European Commission's announcement on April 3, 2024, regarding the initiation of an in-depth investigation under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. With the withdrawal of the Chinese bidders, the Commission has opted to close its in-depth investigation.

Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market said, "Solar power is vital for Europe’s economic security. We are massively investing in the installation of solar panels to decrease our carbon emissions and energy bills – but this should not come at the expense of our energy security, our industrial competitiveness, and European jobs. The Foreign Subsidies Regulation is ensuring that foreign companies which participate in the European economy do so by abiding to our rules on fair competition and transparency."

The investigation pertained to a procurement procedure conducted by a Romanian contracting authority, Societatea PARC FOTOVOLTAIC ROVINARI EST S.A., for the design, construction, and operation of a photovoltaic park in Romania with a capacity of 454.97 MW. This project is partly financed by the European Union, with an estimated contract value of approximately EUR 375 million.