1. By way of derogation from Article 10a(1) to (5), Member States which had in 2013 a GDP per capita at market prices (in euros) below 60 % of the Union average may give a transitional free allocation to installations for electricity generation for the modernisation, diversification and sustainable transformation of the energy sector. The investments supported shall be consistent with the transition to a safe and sustainable low-carbon economy, the objectives of the Union's 2030 climate and energy policy framework, and reaching the long-term objectives expressed in the Paris Agreement. The derogation provided for in this paragraph shall end on 31 December 2030.

2.

The Member State concerned shall organise a competitive bidding process, to take place in one or more rounds between 2021 and 2030, for projects involving a total amount of investment exceeding EUR 12,5 million, in order to select the investments to be financed with free allocation. That competitive bidding process shall:

(a) comply with the principles of transparency, non-discrimination, equal treatment and sound financial management;

(b) ensure that only projects which contribute to the diversification of their energy mix and sources of supply, the necessary restructuring, environmental upgrading and retrofitting of the infrastructure, clean technologies, such as renewable energy technologies, or modernisation of the energy production sector, such as efficient and sustainable district heating, and of the transmission and distribution sector, are eligible to bid;