European Photovoltaic Association: announces launch of international solar manufacturing initiative

SolarPower Europe (SPE) has announced the launch of the International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI), aimed at driving demand for European photovoltaic products in the global market and enhancing industry competitiveness. This initiative has received support from 8 European manufacturers, covering multiple fields such as equipment, components, bracket systems, inverters, and system connection solutions.

At present, companies that have participated in ISMI include Ecoprogtti, HoloSolis, K2Systems, Mondragon Assembly, SMA Solar, St ä ubli, Unex, and Weidm ü ller, from six countries including Italy, Spain, Estonia, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Four core areas boost the European photovoltaic industry

SPE Global Affairs Director M á t é Heisz said, "The EU's Net Zero Industry Act and the European competitiveness agenda are driving demand for high resilience photovoltaic products in the local market. ISMI aims to drive demand for European products and technologies in overseas markets while helping European partners achieve their economic and sustainable development goals

ISMI will focus on the following four core areas:

Supporting European photovoltaic manufacturing companies to seize the demand opportunities in the global clean technology market;

Promote the export of "Made in Europe" photovoltaic products and incorporate them into the EU's development cooperation policy framework;

Coordinate the EU Global Gateway Strategy and facilitate public financing support from European Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) and Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), with SPE serving as the coordinating party;

Build a stronger global photovoltaic supply chain.

300 billion euros in support aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of European enterprises

The EU Global Gateway Strategy plans to mobilize up to 300 billion euros in investment between 2021 and 2027 to support sustainable, high-quality projects and help European private enterprises maintain global competitiveness.

In recent years, the European photovoltaic industry has faced fierce competition from low-priced Chinese products, with multiple manufacturers closing factories or adjusting their strategies, such as Meyer Burger and NorSun turning to the more profitable US market. Earlier this year, German photovoltaic glass manufacturer GMB Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg also reduced salaries and shortened employee working hours due to declining demand to cope with the decreasing demand for local products.

The launch of ISMI follows closely the release of the EU's Competitiveness Compass, which aims to provide guidance for clean technology in the EU.