In the face of the bloc’s ambitious renewable energy adoption targets, Europe’s solar industry is facing an existential crisis, characterised by steep competition from China, dwindling manufacturing capabilities and regulatory challenges.
Numerous EU-based original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have warned they could file for bankruptcy, pause production, close factories or restructure debts in recent months. In March (2024), Swiss-based Meyer Burger shut the doors of its German solar module factory in Freiburg.
Manufacturers have called on the EU for support, warning that “recent trends underscore significant challenges that continue to threaten the industry’s viability.” The position paper from SIRE – a network of seven EU regions – said low-priced Chinese modules “distorted competition and exacerbated market pressures.”
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