- EU lawmakers address the solar production crisis by boosting local clean tech production to counter Chinese competition.
- The Net-Zero Industry Act sets the 2030 target: 40% of net-zero technologies in the EU will be domestically produced.
European Union lawmakers agreed to tackle the solar production crisis by promoting local clean tech production to counter Chinese competition. The Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) sets a 2030 target: at least 40% of net-zero technologies in the EU must be domestically produced.
This aims to speed up the establishment of manufacturing facilities. The agreement lists strategic technologies like solar PV, wind, fuel cells, batteries, and grid technologies.
Permits for EU net-zero projects over 1 GW will be issued within 18 months and those under 1 GW within 12 months. Sustainability criteria will apply to at least 30% of yearly auctioned volume by Member States.
Kadri Simson, Commissioner for Energy, sees the agreement as crucial for resilient and competitive net-zero supply chains. SolarPower Europe welcomes the agreement but stresses the urgent need for support for EU solar manufacturers.
European photovoltaic (PV) product makers seek intervention due to the dominance of Chinese equipment flooding the market. The draft deal awaits approval by the European Council and Parliament, following the European Commission’s earlier proposals.