Dr Christian Westermeier, President of SolarPower Europe congratulated the Commission's decision to withdraw the trade measures: "This is a watershed moment for the European solar industry. By removing the trade duties, the European Commission has today lifted the single biggest barrier to solar growth in Europe. The Commission's move to end the trade measures is unquestionably the right one for Europe, we expect to see a significant increase in solar jobs and deployment - which will only propel the energy transition in Europe."
The MIP Undertaking came into force five years ago. It included minimum import prices and import volumes for Chinese imports of crystalline solar cells and modules.
Push for further solar investments and jobs in Europe
James Watson, CEO of SolarPower Europe said: "Today the European Commission has unleashed a new solar age in Europe. The trade measures have made solar much more expensive than necessary in Europe , by removing them, solar will now be cheapest form of electricity in many EU countries - this means that many more consumers and national governments will be able to invest in solar. The removal of the measures will also help EU manufacturers along the solar value chain through increased demand for their products. This decision coupled with a strong industrial strategy as proposed through the European Commission's Clean Energy Industrial Forum will also undoubtedly increase the amount of solar products made in Europe."
Kristina Thoring, Senior Political Communications Adviser at SolarPower Europe said: "The trade measures have been deeply unpopular in Europe. There has been a strong backing from companies, NGOs and Member States to remove the duties that simply do not align with the EUs climate and energy goals. Removing these measures is a big step towards the EU taking leadership on solar and renewables."
Declining solar module prices expected
The trade measures will officially expire on 3rd September 2018. Analysts like Trend Force expect declining module prices in Europe as a result of the removal. It is expected that Chinese exporters will concentrate again on the European market. (HCN)
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More useful information
https://www.pveurope.eu/News/Markets-Money/620-GW-new-PV-installations-by-2022
https://www.pveurope.eu/News/Markets-Money/Oversupply-and-PV-prices-declines-expected
https://www.pveurope.eu/solar-modules/solar-module-prices-are-dropping-again
