Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 13:28 .

Reviving European Solar Manufacturing: Navigating Global Trade Challenges and Success in Turkey

Prof. Dr. Peter Fath, a founder of the RCT Group, examines Europe's potential in solar manufacturing amidst global competition. Historically significant in photovoltaic (PV) production, Europe lost its edge to Asia due to scaling challenges. Currently, China dominates with low-cost module production at 11-12 cents per watt peak compared to Europe's higher costs of 16-20 cents per watt peak. This cost disparity stems from labor and operational efficiency differences between regions. Despite these hurdles, Europe has advanced technology institutes and equipment manufacturers that could bridge this gap if strategically utilized alongside optimal factory locations. Trade dynamics add complexity; protectionist measures like those by former U.S President Trump create investor uncertainty amid geopolitical tensions. The Net Zero Industry Act initially seemed supportive but now appears focused on countering Chinese competition rather than fostering EU growth genuinely. Despite concerns about Asian and Indian productions' compatibility under NZIA expectations, a success story emerges from Turkey where a rapid establishment of a 2.2 gigawatt integrated factory supplied panels for a major power plant efficiently within one year—demonstrating effective industrial progress without typical delays. Reflecting on global conflicts such as India-Pakistan tensions, the speaker remains hopeful for humanity's ability to harness technological advancements positively across regions globally despite ongoing challenges or conflicts.

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Speaker

Prof. Dr. Peter Fath
CEO
RCT Solutions GmbH
Germany

Talk of session: Solar Manufacturing in Europe: Progress, Setbacks & Outlook

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Europe's dependence on imported solar products continues to grow. While the European solar market is growing, domestic manufacturers across the entire value chain are struggling, losing market share, shutting down facilities, or exiting the sector due to declining profitability. So far, support from Brussels and national governments has been insufficient and too slow to create the conditions needed for a revival of European solar manufacturing. Now, hopes are pinned on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), which aims to boost local production through domestic content requirements in auctions and public procurement. This session will provide: Update on the European solar manufacturing landscape across the value chain Cost-competitiveness analysis of European solar manufacturers Insights into policy support, investment opportunities, and start-up potential for European PV manufacturing High-level panel discussion on the future of solar manufacturing in Europe.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome & Introduction

Speaker

Dries Acke
Deputy CEO
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

Video is not available.

Policy Frameworks for PV Manufacturing in Europe

Speaker

Dries Acke
Deputy CEO
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

To Talk

Global Supply, Demand and Price Developments Impacting Solar Manufacturing in Europe

Speaker

Alan Tu
Solar Analyst
InfoLink Consulting Co,. Ltd.
China

To Talk

Panel Discussion

Speaker

To Talk