SPE has secured support from 8 European manufacturers to launch its new initiative – ISMI
It will work to boost demand for European solar products and expertise globally
SPE will act as a facilitator to secure public financing from the EU Global Gateway, DFIs and ECAs
European solar PV lobby association SolarPower Europe (SPE) has announced the launch of the International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI) to help create global demand for European solar PV products. The initiative has received support from 8 European manufacturers spanning the areas of equipment, solar modules, mounting systems, inverters, and system connection solutions.
SPE identifies these companies as Ecoprogetti, HoloSolis, K2Systems, Mondragon Assembly, SMA Solar, Stäubli, Unex, and Weidmüller, based in 6 European nations, namely Italy, Spain, Estonia, France, Germany, and Switzerland.
“EU legislation, like the Net-Zero Industry Act, and the new European competitiveness agenda is driving demand for resilient solar products at home. ISMI is set to complete the picture by driving demand for European products and expertise abroad, while simultaneously helping Europe’s partners to deliver their economic and sustainability goals,” explained Máté Heisz, SPE’s Director of Global Affairs.
ISMI will majorly focus on the following 4 key areas:
supporting European solar manufacturing companies in tapping into the global demand for cleantech
advocating for export of Made in Europe solar products to EU partner countries under development cooperation policies
securing public financing from the EU Global Gateway strategy, European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) with SPE acting as a facilitator, and
building a stronger and more resilient global solar PV supply chain.
The EU Global Gateway Strategy aims to mobilize up to €300 billion in investments between 2021 and 2027 to support sustainable and high-quality projects, enabling the private sector in member states to invest and remain competitive.
The EU solar PV industry has been demanding swift regulatory and financial support for companies to stay competitive in the face of growing competition from cheaper Chinese products. This past year, several companies shut down businesses, halting production or moving to the more lucrative US market, including Meyer Burger and NorSun, among others (see European Solar Wafer Maker NorSun Filing For Bankruptcy).
This impact is felt across the chain, right from PV component producers to installers. Earlier this year, GMB Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg announced a pay cut and reduced working hours for staff in the face of reduced demand for local products (see Europe’s Only Solar Glass Manufacturer Cuts Down Staff Work Time).
ISMI’s launch follows EU’s Competitiveness Compass, which aims to support the cleantech industry in the bloc (see EU’s Competitiveness Compass Aims To Secure Clean, Affordable Energy).
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