European Commission Taps EIT InnoEnergy to Lead EU Solar PV Industry Alliance, Aiming for 30 GW by 2025
The European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), through its innovation powerhouse EIT InnoEnergy, has been designated by the European Commission (EC) as the Secretariat for the EU Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Industry Alliance.
In collaboration with the EC, the Alliance has developed strategies to enhance EU PV production, targeting an output of 30 GW annually by 2025 across all aspects of the value chain. This initiative is anticipated to add 60 billion euros to Europe’s GDP and generate over 400,000 new jobs.
“Countries outside the EU are heavily investing in their clean tech sectors while attempting to lure our industries. The EU must elevate its investment strategies and regulatory settings to enable our clean tech sector to flourish, generate employment, and compete on a global scale,” commented Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for the Internal Market.
Founded in 2010, EIT InnoEnergy boasts a strong track record with initiatives like the European Solar Initiative (ESI), the European Battery Alliance (EBA), and the European Green Hydrogen Acceleration Center (EGHAC). As the Secretariat of the EU Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Industry Alliance, EIT InnoEnergy will spearhead efforts to revitalize, mitigate risks, and expedite advancements in the European PV industry, enhancing its position amid soaring demand for solar technology both in the EU and worldwide. Specifically, EIT InnoEnergy will foster collaboration across the solar PV value chain, implement strategic industrial directives, manage Alliance memberships, disseminate market insights, handle communications, and operate the Business and Investment Platform of the Alliance.
To fulfill its goals, the Alliance has crafted a seven-point strategic action plan addressing vital investment conditions for PV manufacturing in Europe:
– Identify and address obstacles to expanding manufacturing capacity and provide strategic guidance.
– Ease financial access, including establishing commercialization pathways for solar PV production.
– Create frameworks for collaborative development and industry adaptation.
– Fortify international partnerships and global supply chain resilience.
– Support PV research and innovation foundations.
– Advocate for sustainability and circularity practices.
– Develop skills through partnerships and training initiatives.
Initially, the Alliance will focus on the following objectives:
– Rally public and private investment for expanding European solar PV manufacturing capacity, optimally utilizing both established and new European financial mechanisms.
– Ensure fair competition and stimulate demand for cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable PV products and systems.
– Facilitate the rapid adoption of eco-friendly design requirements for PV systems and components, and advance public procurement initiatives.
– Forecast skill needs for the industry through the establishment of the European Solar PV Industry Alliance Academy.
EIT InnoEnergy will work alongside organizations such as SolarPower Europe and the European Solar Manufacturing Council on the Alliance’s steering committee, acknowledging their crucial roles as key stakeholders in the industry.
The steering committee is tasked with overseeing the execution of the Alliance’s objectives and the operations of the European Solar PV Forum.