“Let’s challenge the elephant in the room”

"There is an elephant in the room, and that is China with its dominance in the global solar industry. But we still have everything in Europe to challenge that and also to build a strong, competitive solar manufacturing industry,” said Christoph Podewils, Secretary General of ESMC, during his speech at the #PVCelltech conference in Frankfurt on Tuesday, March 11. "This will benefit the European industrial ecosystem, but more importantly, it will contribute to the independence and geopolitical security of our continent."

"Strong solar manufacturing will benefit the European industrial ecosystem, but more importantly, it will contribute to the independence and geopolitical security of our continent."

Podewils highlighted that key policy instruments are now being put in place to support Europe’s clean tech ambitions, including the Net-Zero Industry Act (#NZIA), non-price criteria in auctions, the Clean Industrial Deal, and the Forced Labour Regulation. "Some of these achievements are the result of ESMC’s dedicated advocacy work," he emphasized.

However, he stressed that more action is needed: "We have ambitious plans to reshore solar manufacturing to Europe. "A clear ‘Made in Europe’ requirement for public auctions and public procurement is crucial – European tax money should support European solar products."  

"A clear ‘Made in Europe’ requirement for public auctions and public procurement is crucial – European tax money should support European solar products."

"We continue to receive new member applications, but we must expand further to strengthen our voice in Brussels and across EU member states", he added.

To this end, ESMC will launch a new Equipment Working Group and the members have appointed Laura Sartore (Ecoprogetti srl) as Vice-Chair to reinforce support for Europe’s solar equipment industry.