An €86.6 million (£69m) of funding granted by France for an energy network research project has been approved by the European Commission.

It said the state subsidy for the SuperGrid programme, aimed at developing a new generation of energy transmission networks, did not distort competition in France and therefore “complies with EU rules”.

The proposed networks will be used for large scale transmission of renewable energy and aims to help manage the intermittent nature of renewables while ensuring network stability and security.

Joaquín Almunia, Commission Vice President responsible for competition said: “Securing energy independence and reducing CO2 emissions in Europe are key priorities for the Commission. The SuperGrid project pursues these very objectives.

“The project will have an undeniable scientific impact while the distortions of competition will be limited.”