Other policy topics
ESMC is active in several areas, advocating for improved conditions for our members in the European PV Manufacturing Industry. In the following section, results and output on areas that do not fall under any of the other categories are listed.
Unsustainaby low PV module prices
The future of the European solar industry and a resilient European energy supply are in utmost danger – without immediate actions, the European PV manufacturing industry will disappear forever
Leaders of the European solar manufacturing industry have come together to address an alarming crisis caused by the unsustainably low-priced PV modules from China. Despite efforts like the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF) and the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), intentional actions by Chinese PV manufacturers threaten the European solar PV industry’s renaissance. In an Industry-wide outreach to the EU and its Member States, the European PV industry urges the European Union and its Member States to take immediate action to avert a looming catastrophe.
The European solar industry and the plan to strengthen European resilience are under threat from Chinese PV manufacturers intentionally driving down prices. Over recent months, massive stockpiles of Chinese PV modules in European ports, equivalent to Europe’s entire annual installation demand, have built up. Imports are projected to reach 120 GW in 2023, overshadowing expected installations of just over 60 GW.
As a result, European PV module production has plummeted from 9 GW in 2022 to approximately 1 GW in 2023, with European manufacturers facing insolvency. The manufacturers now face a choice: continue production shutdowns and face bankruptcy or seek refuge in regions like the US that support their PV industry.
To address this crisis, the signatories, with ESMC in the lead, have urged the European Commission and Member States to take swift action.
Cross-Industry Call to define binding qualitative criteria in the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA)
To supplement the Industry letter, an open letter by cross-industry alliance, comprising the solar and wind sector, in German was prepared. The objective was to define binding qualitative criteria as part of the negotiations on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) in the European Council. This letter was disseminated to German political representatives and various media outlets in the country.
Industry Call to Endorse of the Balanced Text Approved by the ITRE Committee
As the plenary vote of the Net-Zero Industry Act approaches, ESMC gathered the PV Manufacturing Industry in a letter strongly urging the European Parliament to cast their votes in favor of the Net Zero Industry Act, especially the version approved by the ITRE Committee of the European Parliament. The letter is signed by 40 manufacturers in the European PV Industry.
Public Consultation on Critical Raw Materials Act
To achieve the green and digital transitions, the EU must significantly increase and diversify its critical raw materials supply, strengthen circularity and support research and innovation. ESMC have taken part in the initiative to reinforce EU monitoring capacities and strengthen both the EU value chain and EU external policies on critical raw materials through the Public Consultation on Critical Raw Materials Act.
SET Plan – Call for Evidence
The European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) aims to boost the transition towards a climate-neutral energy system by developing low-carbon technologies. This initiative aims to align the SET Plan with the objectives of the European Green Deal. In November 2022, ESMC submitted feedback to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence.
5% of new capacity from “Innovative” Renewable Energy
In the context of our collaboration with and support of EUREC – The Association of European Renewable Energy Research Centres, we highlight a newly released report: 5% of new capacity from “Innovative” Renewable Energy: A necessary and do-able enhancement to the Renewable Energy Directive.