State Aid
For information on other courses and opportunities at the FSR, please contact fsr.secretariat@eui.eu.
State aid has long played an important role in shaping the EU’s energy transition. However, policy developments seeking to link decarbonisation more closely with energy security and industrial competitiveness, as well as the acclimatisation by investors and lenders to state-backed contracts, have led to significant growth in energy-related aid. Navigating the State aid notification procedure and its exemptions in an effective manner requires a strong command of the fundamentals of EU State aid control and an appreciation of how current legislative and policy changes impact the application of State aid rules in the energy sector.
This course, offered by the Energy Regulation Academy (EnRA), is designed to equip participants with the necessary applied knowledge of State aid rules and procedures in the energy sector. Participants will learn from leading experts and practitioners how the State aid process works and how it applies to key regulatory and policy tools being deployed to ensure secure, sustainable and affordable energy supplies in the European Union. The programme places strong emphasis on practical application and peer exchange. Participants will engage with real-world case studies, discuss implementation challenges with experts, and collaborate with peers and national practitioners during interactive workshops.
In collaboration with:
This course provides an in-depth overview of the application of EU State aid rules in the energy sector, with a particular focus on the instruments and support schemes driving the clean energy transition. The course will examine the State aid process in practice, including the notification procedure, the role of the European Commission, and recent policy developments affecting the energy sector. Sessions on Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Contracts for Difference (CfDs) will explore the State aid considerations associated with these instruments, as well as their role in supporting renewable energy deployment, nuclear energy, low-carbon technologies and industrial competitiveness.
The course will also address regulatory exemptions and Capacity Remuneration Mechanisms (CRMs), focusing on their design, implementation and assessment under EU State aid rules.
The course will conclude with collaborative workshops aimed at strengthening peer-to-peer learning and encouraging exchanges between participants, instructors and invited national
The course follows a blended learning approach, combining online preparatory sessions with intensive residential training and a final online module to consolidate learning outcomes and reflect on key insights.
For this course, there will be two cohorts of participants. While both cohorts will complete the identical curriculum across the three days, the sequence of modules will be staggered by group.
- 11 January 2027, 10:00 – 11:00 | Online
Welcome and introduction - 15 January 2027, 10:30 – 15:30 | Online
Live sessions - 20 – 22 January 2027| In-person
Residential module in Florence - 1 February 2027, 10:00 – 12:00 | Online
Closing module
After completing this course, you’ll be able to:
- Explain the principles, procedures and institutional framework governing the application of EU State aid rules in the energy sector
- Distinguish between the State aid considerations associated with different energy policy instruments, including Power Purchase Agreements, Contracts for Differences, regulatory exemptions and Capacity Remuneration Mechanisms
- Assess the compatibility of energy support measures with EU State aid requirements
- Apply key State aid concepts and assessment criteria to real-world cases involving renewable energy, nuclear power, energy-intensive industries and security of supply
This course is designed for professionals involved in the implementation of EU electricity legislation and reforms. It is tailored to participants who contribute to policy design, regulatory decision-making, or the practical implementation of energy sector reforms at national level. Participation is reserved for members of the Energy Regulation Academy (EnRA) only.
The training is intended for:
- Professionals working directly on electricity regulation and energy policy within their organisations
- Representatives from national regulatory authorities, ministries, and public institutions
- Experts and practitioners involved in advancing regulatory reforms across Member States
The course is open to participants with relevant professional experience in the field.
The training is delivered in English. Please note that only a limited number of participants will be admitted to ensure a high-quality learning experience.
The course activities combine a range of interactive and self-paced learning components:
- Live online sessions, including an intake module, live classes, and a final closing session
- Residential training in Florence, focusing on applied learning, peer exchange, and case-based discussions
- Learning Management System (LMS): Participants will also be able to engage with peers and experts through the Academy’s learning management system, which will support discussion, knowledge exchange, and continued collaboration after the residential training.
- Self-paced activities: Readings, video lectures, forum discussions to reinforce key learning outcomes
- Self-assessment quizzes: designed to help participants assess their understanding of key concepts and support the Academy’s learning and evaluation framework.
- A final knowledge consolidation activity bringing together key insights and participant contributions developed throughout the course
Participants attending the training course will be awarded a Certificate of Participation.
We have created a dedicated webpage where you can find all the practical and logistical information you need to prepare for your participation.
Please note that any updates will be published on this webpage, which should be considered your official reference for course logistics.
On this page, you will find guidance on:
- Getting to Florence and the training venue
- Hotel suggestions
- Reimbursement guidelines
- Cancellation policy
- Contact details
Moving around Florence
We encourage you to review this information carefully to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
