EU Council 9 February

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO at SolarPower Europe, said: 

“Leaders agree with us. EU subsidy rules should be simplified and allow for targeted support for a limited group of clean tech sectors. EU leaders should also recognise the value in having the timeline of this support aligned with that of the Inflation Reduction Act – until at least 2030. 

It is critical that when European leaders meet again in March, they clearly set out the strategic sectors that can expect support. 

Solar is driving the energy transition. Already, by 2025 we’re looking at adding up to 100 GW of solar panels to EU energy generation, every year. That’s far more than any other energy generation technology.

It’s clear that to achieve net-zero and energy security goals, solar PV needs to be on the state aid short list, which only focuses on the true technologies that are driving the bulk of the green transition. That means solar PV, wind turbines, heat pumps, batteries, and EVs.

We need to rapidly future proof the European solar manufacturing base, within the global solar supply chain. A resilient solar supply chain means stronger EU energy security. Ultimately, stronger energy security means a stronger Single Market. 

In a value chain, demand is as important as supply. 

We are pleased to see that European leaders have promised to update public procurement rules, and promote European standards, to stimulate demand of green tech. These moves should encourage the uptake of ‘best in class’ solar products, leveraging European competitive advantage."

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