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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.
EV regulations by US and EU could hurt China’s recovery plans
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”.
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.
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
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
EU delays China de-risking plan in face of member state resistance
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.
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