European PV Association: Announces the Launch of the International Solar Manufacturing Initiative

The European Photovoltaic Association (SolarPower Europe, SPE) announced the launch of the International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI), aimed at driving global demand for European PV products and enhancing industry competitiveness. The initiative is supported by eight European manufacturers, covering various fields such as equipment, components, mounting systems, inverters, and system connection solutions.

Companies currently participating in ISMI include Ecoprogetti, HoloSolis, K2 Systems, Mondragon Assembly, SMA Solar, Stäubli, Unex, and Weidmüller, originating from six countries: Italy, Spain, Estonia, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Four Core Areas Driving the European PV Industry

SPE's Global Affairs Director, Máté Heisz, stated: "The EU's Net-Zero Industry Act and the European Competitiveness Agenda are driving domestic market demand for resilient PV products. ISMI aims to boost demand for European products and technologies in overseas markets while helping European partners achieve their economic and sustainability goals."

ISMI will focus on the following four core areas:

Supporting European PV manufacturers in seizing opportunities in the global clean technology market;

Promoting the export of "Made in Europe" PV products and integrating 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;

Building a more resilient global PV supply chain.

300 Billion Euros in Support to Enhance European Companies' Global Competitiveness

The EU's Global Gateway Strategy plans to mobilize up to 300 billion euros in investments between 2021 and 2027 to support sustainable, high-quality projects and help European private enterprises maintain global competitiveness.

In recent years, the European PV industry has faced fierce competition from low-cost Chinese products, leading several manufacturers to close factories or adjust strategies. For instance, Meyer Burger and NorSun have shifted to the more profitable US market. Earlier this year, German PV glass manufacturer GMB Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg also reduced wages and shortened employee working hours in response to declining demand for local products.

The launch of ISMI follows the EU's release of the Competitiveness Compass, which aims to provide guidance for EU clean technology.