BRUSSELS – European Union Commissioner Mairead McGuinness emphasized the importance of aligning any potential measures to curb imports of photovoltaic panels, wafers, and components with the EU’s ambitious targets for solar power deployment. Speaking before the European Parliament on Monday, McGuinness stated that the EU is actively developing a comprehensive set of instruments to support the solar industry, considering that 97% of panels used in Europe are currently imported, predominantly from China.
Highlighting the significance of imports in achieving the EU’s solar deployment goals, McGuinness urged a careful evaluation of any measures against the objectives set for the energy transition. The European Commission has set an ambitious target of 750 gigawatts of solar generation capacity by 2030, a substantial increase from the 260 GW recorded in 2023.
Facing pressure from Chinese imports and the risk of local firms shutting down, Europe’s solar panel manufacturing industry has called on the EU for urgent intervention. Proposed emergency measures include the potential purchase of excess inventories of EU solar modules. Failing swift implementation, the industry advocates for “safeguard” measures, such as import tariffs and quotas.
McGuinness acknowledged the substantial drop in solar panel prices by over 40% due to global oversupply. She highlighted upcoming EU rules designed to encourage public authorities to consider factors beyond price when tendering for clean-tech equipment, including a limitation ensuring that no more than 65% of supply originates from a single source.
Under more flexible state aid rules, McGuinness revealed that the Commission had approved nine initiatives with a budget exceeding 12 billion euros for clean-tech equipment, including solar panels. Additionally, the EU is collaborating with nations like the United States and India to reduce dependence on Chinese supply, aiming for a more diversified and resilient solar industry.