What's Happening?
The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) and SolarPower Europe (SPE) have jointly urged EU leaders to implement additional measures to bolster solar manufacturing in Europe. This call comes ahead of the Solar-PV Ministerial meeting scheduled for September 30, 2025. The associations have sent a letter to European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Director-General Kerstin Jorna, emphasizing the need for political and financial intervention to prevent the decline of Europe's solar industry. The letter highlights the urgency of concrete actions to rebuild and expand the solar photovoltaic (PV) sector in Europe. Despite commitments under the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) and the EU Solar Charter, solar deployment has slowed, and plant closures and bankruptcies are affecting the value chain. The NZIA's goal of producing at least 30 GW of EU-manufactured solar PV by 2030 is at risk without urgent support.
Why It's Important?
The appeal from ESMC and SPE underscores the critical state of Europe's solar industry, which is pivotal for achieving the EU's climate and strategic goals. The decline in solar manufacturing capacity threatens Europe's energy independence and its ability to meet renewable energy targets. The proposed measures, including a European PV Industry 2030 Action Plan and a new Cleantech Manufacturing Fund, aim to revitalize the sector and ensure the EU's competitive edge in the global solar market. Failure to act could result in Europe losing its remaining solar manufacturing base, impacting jobs, technological innovation, and the broader transition to clean energy.
What's Next?
The upcoming Solar-PV Ministerial meeting on September 30, 2025, will be a critical juncture for EU leaders to address the concerns raised by ESMC and SPE. The associations have outlined five priority measures for EU leaders to consider, including revising public procurement rules and expanding operational support across the solar value chain. The response from EU leaders and the implementation of these measures will determine the future trajectory of Europe's solar industry and its ability to meet the NZIA's 30 GW ambition.
