SolarPower Europe (SPE) has announced the launch of the International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI), aiming to promote the demand for European photovoltaic (PV) products in the global market and enhance industrial competitiveness. The initiative has secured support from eight European manufacturers across various sectors, including equipment, modules, mounting systems, inverters, and system connection solutions.
Participating companies in ISMI include Ecoprogetti, HoloSolis, K2Systems, Mondragon Assembly, SMA Solar, Stäubli, Unex, and Weidmüller, originating from six countries: Italy, Spain, Estonia, France, Germany, and Switzerland.
Máté Heisz, Director of Global Affairs at SPE, stated, “The EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act and the European competitiveness agenda are driving demand for resilient PV products in the local market. ISMI aims to boost the demand for European products and technologies overseas while helping European partners achieve their economic and sustainable development goals.”
ISMI will focus on four core areas: supporting European PV manufacturing enterprises to seize opportunities in the global clean technology market; promoting exports of “Made in Europe” PV products and incorporating them into the EU’s development cooperation policy framework; coordinating the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and facilitating public financing support from European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), with SPE serving as the coordinator; and building a more resilient global PV supply chain.
With up to €300 billion in support, the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy plans to mobilize investments between 2021 and 2027 to support sustainable and high-quality projects, helping European private enterprises maintain global competitiveness. In recent years, the European PV industry has faced intense competition from low-priced Chinese products, leading to multiple manufacturers closing factories or adjusting strategies, such as Meyer Burger and NorSun redirecting towards the more lucrative US market. Earlier this year, German PV glass manufacturer GMB Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg reduced salaries and working hours in response to declining demand for local products.
The launch of ISMI follows the release of the EU’s Competitiveness Compass, which aims to provide guidance for the EU’s clean technology sector.
