Industrial strategy for solar can increase European manufacturing competitiveness

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Brussels, 28 February 2020 – On 27-28 February, EU ministers will discuss the impact of the European Green Deal on industry at the Competitiveness Council, with the expectation of adopting new conclusions on better regulation. In light of debates on industrial strategy and internal markets, the French research centre, Institut Photovoltaïque d’Île-de-France (IPVF) joined SolarPower Europe in signing a pan-European letter, calling for the Commission to put in place a comprehensive industrial strategy for solar, by recognising the solar industry as a key Strategic Value Chain.

IPVF add their name to the letter that already includes VDMA, Fraunhofer ISE, the European Association of Research Institutes (EUREC), 17 national solar associations, and 10 other major European research institutes.

Roch Drozdowski-Strehl, CEO of IPVF, said: “It is clear that solar PV is a key technology for the energy transition, which, alongside other sources of carbon-free electricity, can help deliver the European Green Deal. Europe is home to world-class research institutes that specialise in solar PV, which have developed innovative technologies and solar applications that lead the global market. A European industrial strategy is key to maintaining European solar leadership, and ensuring European institutes and companies remain at the forefront of solar PV design and manufacturing.”

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, said: “The upcoming European Commission policy on industrial strategy will clarify the EU’s long-term vision on innovation, competitiveness, and growth, aligning the continent’s industry with the climate and energy goals set out in the European Green Deal. An industrial strategy for the European solar sector will boost already existing market-leading innovation and development, securing the supply of cost-competitive technologies for the European economy. This is a major opportunity to future-proof our energy supply and ensure that the 2050 climate neutrality target will be achieved. As the lowest-cost and most-scalable renewable technology, solar can help to involve all Europeans in the energy transition; and by targeting former coal regions for deployment, solar makes sure that nobody is left behind.”