Close Menu
Trending
Europe

EU rejects European solar industry’s appeal for emergency support to fight cheap Chinese imports

thedailyposting.comBy No Comments

[ad_1]

“Given that we currently rely on imports to a very significant degree to meet the EU’s solar PV deployment targets, any potential measures must be taken against the targets we have set for ourselves. Must be considered. energy It’s a transition period,” an Irish official said.
A sheep grazes next to solar panels at Germany’s largest solar park, Wesow Wilmersdorf, in the town of Werneugen last September. Almost all solar panels deployed in Europe are imported, mostly from China.Photo: Reuters

Like other Western countries, Europe is grappling with the challenge of moving away from dependence on China for solar panels while boosting green energy production.

Currently, more than 97% of solar panels deployed in Europe are imported, with most coming from China, McGuinness said.

China’s low-cost competition is prompting calls for support from Europe’s solar industry.

Last Thursday, a group representing “nearly the entire European photovoltaic manufacturing industry” called for “urgent measures” This is to protect the EU’s supply chain amid “significant oversupply” from China.

EV regulations by US and EU could hurt China’s recovery plans

These include buying back European panels sitting in warehouses, increasing funding for EU projects and urgently restricting Chinese imports’ access to the EU market.

Mr McGuinness said the “surge in imports” that had brought down the price of solar power by “more than 40%” was an “opportunity for the public and solar panel installers”, but “clearly a challenge for EU solar panel producers”. ”.

However, it appears that no immediate assistance is planned. Mr McGuinness said the use of trade measures should only be used “where it is in the collective interest of the union”.

It is understood to include several powerful member states. Germanyis reluctant to open new trade fronts with China.

Rather than emergency measures, McGuinness rhymed through a list of steps the committee had already taken and focused on future legislation that could help support the industry.

These include prohibitions on forced labor and may apply to panels made in China or containing Chinese-made components. Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where Beijing is accused of running a forced labor system. The ban could be completed by the end of this year.
block of Net zero industry law Mr McGuinness said a conclusion could be reached by parliament and member state negotiators on Tuesday.
This will require that approximately one-third of the solar panels used in the region be manufactured within the region, and will impose penalties on companies from monopoly countries regarding “specified net zero.” technologye.g. solar power in the EU procurement process.

But the Treasury Secretary warned that dependence on China could become even more severe.

EU stresses need to ‘play by the rules’ as China considers further trade investigation

“Meanwhile, global solar panel adoption is expected to further accelerate,” she said. “On the other hand, large-scale production expansion is also progressing, mainly in China. This situation may continue in the future.”

MEPs called on the European Commission to act faster to support the industry.

Engin Eroglu, a centrist German lawmaker, said: “I’m not very happy with your speech, because I’m sure you know about the serious situation we’re facing.” …It’s about unfair Chinese competition.”

Green Party MP Ciaran Cuffe cited the industry’s deep ties to Xinjiang, saying “Uyghurs are being systematically persecuted.”

“We need to become independent of China and we need to make a choice. Will the solar revolution be red or completely green? That’s the choice we have to make.” said the Member for Ireland.

EU delays China de-risking plan in face of member state resistance

The Chinese government strongly denies such facts. human rights Abuse is occurring in Xinjiang.

Meanwhile, the European industry itself is divided on what measures should be taken.

Solar Power Europe, one of the lobbying groups in which Chinese companies account for 12.6% of revenues and hold 14% of total voting rights, is calling for financial support but no trade barriers.

Nevertheless, this group was also overwhelmed by McGuinness’ statement. “Manufacturers are going out of business,” said Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of Solar Power Europe.

He praised the European Commission’s clear opposition to trade measures, but added: “Further support and better access to aid is very much needed.”

“History has shown that trade defenses have not reversed the return of solar manufacturing and have coincided with significant declines in solar deployment,” Hemetsberger said.

[ad_2]

Source link

Related Posts

Leave A Reply