Recently, Germany has frequently heard voices about reducing the so-called "dependence on China" in the field of solar energy. On December 17, local time, German Economy Minister Habeck (Green Party) said in an interview with the German media "German Editorial Network" (RND) that he plans to strengthen the strength of domestic solar manufacturers and compete with Chinese manufacturers by providing state subsidies.
Solar products in Germany meet certain standards that products from other countries do not meet, for example, German manufacturers often operate efficiently without the use of hazardous chemicals ......As a result, German manufacturers "should be rewarded for their resilient contributions," Habeck said.
Habeck said he plans to subsidize local solar manufacturers at the national level through Germany's Renewable Energy Act, and that "the current parliamentary proposal for a 'solar package' makes it possible to implement state subsidies". RND reported that the "solar package" was originally scheduled to be implemented early this year, but discussions in the German Bundestag were postponed until around January next year.
"In any case, we have a firm goal of achieving the planned project," Habeck said. We have strong innovative companies and other companies that want to invest here are also interested. We should make full use of it. He also called on German manufacturers to actively promote their products, for example, by "launching a campaign to offer special offers on German products."
Habeck stresses the importance of the solar industry for job creation and that "it is important for Germany that domestic products have at least a basic share of the domestic market". It is also an economic security issue, he said, and "we can't rely entirely on imports."
Habeck visited his country's solar manufacturers earlier this year, as shown by German media RND
According to RND, the German solar market has boomed in recent years, but the vast majority of solar panels come from China. Some representatives of the German PV industry have long called for subsidies for domestic panels in order to compete with Chinese manufacturers.
Initially, Germany's Federal Ministry of Economics planned to use 1.3 billion euros (about 10 billion yuan) to subsidize German manufacturers and ask states to provide financing plans for the local PV industry. But in its ruling last month, Germany's Constitutional Court cut most of the budget proposed by Germany for "climate and transition". Now, the Ministry of Economy wants parliament to approve a "solar package" to continue to support domestic manufacturers.
Not only Germany, but also the European Union is planning a similar subsidy program in the near future. Reuters reported in October that Chinese solar panels had put "tremendous pressure" on European manufacturers in recent years. EU countries, led by Germany, are trying to reduce their dependence on China in the solar sector, planning to use subsidies or "tariff sticks" and other tools to protect EU PV companies.
According to the European Commission, more than 90% of the ingots and wafers used to make solar panels in the EU come from China. At present, there is an oversupply of solar panels in Europe and the phenomenon of low prices. The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) said ** has been around 0 per watt from its peak at the beginning of the year24 euros to 0Around 15 euros, while the European manufacturer has a pricing of 030 euros.
However, some industry insiders revealed that there are disagreements within German companies about this, and some installers questioned that this move is the best protection. At the same time, some European solar companies have also formed a group to express their opposition. Swiss PV executives say tariffs are not the best solution to the current challengesThe European Photovoltaic Industry Association has warned that a potential tariff war would lead to a "lose-lose" situation and severely damage Europe's ability to deploy clean energy.
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