The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) has submitted its official feedback to the European Commission regarding three critical aspects of the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA): the regulations on renewable energy auctions, the selection criteria for net-zero strategic projects, and the list of essential components for net-zero technologies. ESMC strongly supports the ambition of the NZIA to strengthen European clean energy manufacturing but urges improvements to ensure the effectiveness and resilience of the policy framework.
“Renewable energy auctions should be a powerful tool to strengthen Europe’s energy independence and sustainability. However, without stricter criteria, there is a risk that China will continue to dominate the market, undermining the goal of building a robust European solar PV industry,” said Christoph Podewils, Secretary General of ESMC.
“A Made in Europe clause should be put in the proposal. It would send a clear signal to all EU Member States to prioritize European solar technology in public auctions. European taxpayers’ payers money should support what benefits both Europe and the planet, and that is sustainably made solar modules, inverters, and other essential materials made in Europe,” Podewils added.
Strengthening Renewable Energy Auctions to Support European Manufacturing
ESMC welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to establish pre-qualification and award criteria for renewable energy auctions under NZIA Article 26. These criteria aim to promote European solar PV manufacturing capacity and align with the EU’s target of achieving 30 GW of solar PV production across the full value chain by 2030. However, ESMC highlights several risks and potential loopholes that could undermine these objectives:
- The proposed criteria must include a robust “Made in Europe” clause to ensure that European manufacturers benefit from the auctions.
- A comprehensive carbon footprint assessment methodology should be implemented to prevent greenwashing and ensure transparent sustainability standards.
- Stronger cybersecurity and data security measures are needed to prevent foreign control over critical solar PV infrastructure.
- Provisions against the use of forced labour should be explicitly incorporated, with clear references to EU legislation such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the Forced Labour Regulation
