The EU’s ambitions for a green transition have given impetus to cheap imports of photovoltaic panels from China. Basically, the EU is engrossed in Chinese imports, so European manufacturers have asked for emergency support in Brussels to avoid closing their factories. In this context, the Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, said that the EU should help European manufacturers of solar panels, but cannot close its doors to these imports.

Wind turbines and photovoltaic panelsPhoto: Airubon | Dreamstime.com
  • On Monday, the energy ministers of the EU countries are discussing the proposals of manufacturers of photovoltaic panels. This is despite more than 90% of PV panels installed in the EU coming from China.
  • EU countries installed record solar capacity last year, 40% more than in 2022. Most of these panels and parts came from China. According to the International Energy Agency, in some cases 95 percent of the panels are installed from China.
  • The binding target of the European Union for the use of renewable energy is at least 42.5% in 2030, and with joint efforts to increase it even to 45%.

“We can’t close the borders because we need solar panels”

“There are various proposals to support the industry, but obviously we cannot close the borders because we need solar panels,” Simson said at a meeting of EU energy ministers, as quoted by Reuters.

European producers are asking for support, including anti-dumping measures, due to trade restrictions linked to cheap imports from China.

However, Simson argues that such restrictions could jeopardize the EU’s ability to install enough solar capacity to meet its climate goals.

This is despite the fact that most of the solar panels and necessary parts are imported from China.

“We need to meet our very ambitious climate targets”

The European Energy Commissioner says more solar panels are needed to meet climate targets. “We need to support our industry, but we need all the products to meet our very ambitious goals,” she added.

Industry proposals include using more national government aid to support European solar producers, tendering and the introduction of standards. Applying these proposals could give EU producers an advantage, Reuters reports.

Another proposal is that companies installing PV panels should be encouraged to include EU-made products in their bids.