Finance Law 2009: Sustainable energy provisions
The 2009 Finance Law contains various provisions to increase support of renewable energy. Some of the primary measures are described below. Eco-loan: 0% loan for energy-efficient renovation (Art. 99) The Law also creates a zero-interest loan programme for major renovation activities. The aim is for energy savings to allow repayment of the loans capital. Activities that can be covered under the loan include: -Thermal insulation for roofs, exterior walls, and exterior glass surfaces; -Installation, regulation or replacement of heating or hot water systems; -Installation of heating or hot water systems using renewable energy. The loan amount is limited to EUR 30 000. Biofuels (Articles 16 and 17) The Law also includes some provisions targeting biofuels. Ethanol E85 is to benefit from progressively reduced consumption taxes; these are EUR 23.85 per hectolitre as of 1 January 2009, going down to EUR 20.69 as of 1 January 2010, and EUR 17.29 as of 1 January 2011. In addition, a new category of biofuel blend known as E10 is recognised, a low-lead fuel containing 10% ethanol and 22% ethers. It also provides for a consumption tax reduction on a variety of biofuels, ranging from EUR 15 to 21 in 2009, EUR 11 to 18 in 2011, and EUR 8 to 14 in 2012.
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