The European Photovoltaic Association (SPE) has announced the launch of the International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI), which aims to drive demand for European photovoltaic products in the global market. And enhance industrial competitiveness. The initiative is supported by eight European manufacturers in the fields of equipment, components, mounting systems, inverters and system connectivity solutions.

Companies currently participating in ISMI include Ecoprogetti, HoloSolis, K2Systems, Mondragon Assembly, SMA Solar, Staubli, Unex and Weidmuller, They come from six countries: Italy, Spain, Estonia, France, Germany and Switzerland.

Four core areas drive the European PV industry

MateHeisz, SPE's Director of Global Affairs, said: "The EU's Net-Zero Industry Act and the European Competitiveness Agenda are driving demand for highly resilient PV products in the local market. ISMI aims to help European partners achieve their economic and sustainability goals by driving demand for European products and technologies in overseas markets."

ISMI will focus on four core areas:

Supporting European PV manufacturers to seize the demand opportunities in the global clean technology market;

Promote the export of "Made in Europe" photovoltaic products and include them in the EU development cooperation policy framework;

Coordinate the EU's Global Gateway Strategy and facilitate public financing support from European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and export credit Agencies (ECAs), with SPE acting as the coordinator;

Building a more resilient global PV supply chain.

€300 billion to boost the global competitiveness of European companies

The EU's Global Gateway Strategy aims to mobilize up to €300 billion of investment between 2021-2027 to support sustainable, high-quality projects that will help European private companies remain globally competitive.

In recent years, the European photovoltaic industry has faced fierce competition from low-priced Chinese products, and several manufacturers have closed factories or adjusted their strategies, such as Meyer Burger and NorSun, to move to the more profitable US market. Earlier this year, German photovoltaic glass maker GMB Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg also cut wages and reduced staff hours in response to falling demand for local products.

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