The Net-Zero Industry Act Approved: A Crucial Turning Point for Clean Technologies in Europe.
Now, the implementation of the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) must proceed with the same speed with which it was adopted.
On May 27, the 27 EU governments gave the final green light to the Net-Zero Industry Act. This approval follows the vote by the European Parliament's plenary in April and represents the last step before the official publication and entry into force of the law.
Anett Ludwig, Head of Supply Chains at SolarPower Europe, commented on the approval: “SolarPower Europe welcomes the final adoption of the Net-Zero Industry Act. The importance of this law for the European clean technology industry cannot be underestimated, as demonstrated by the speed with which it was negotiated and concluded.”
The Implementation of the Net-Zero Industry Act Will Be Crucial for the Visibility and Resilience of the European Solar Industry
Now, the implementation of the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) must proceed with the same speed with which it was adopted. This act represents a crucial element in the European industrial strategy. In particular, the introduction of resilience criteria in public support schemes will significantly enhance the visibility of European solar energy manufacturers at this critical time.
The implementation phase of the NZIA must ensure that the new "non-price criteria" are applied consistently and reasonably across the EU. These criteria must be technology-specific, gradually introduced, and used as award criteria rather than prequalifications. It is essential to avoid delayed or unsubscribed public auctions having a negative impact on the EU's energy transition.
In this sense, SolarPower Europe is finalizing its position on clear and practical criteria for solar auctions to contribute to the goal of at least 30 GW of operational photovoltaic solar capacity by 2030 across the entire European photovoltaic value chain.
Urgent Actions Needed Following the Approval of the Net-Zero Industry Act
Even with the conclusion of the NZIA, the need for emergency support and an EU fund to scale up solar production remains pressing. Some manufacturers have only a few weeks of autonomy, and this emergency requires urgent action from national and EU authorities.
SolarPower Europe calls for the establishment of an additional EU financing instrument, such as a solar manufacturing facility under the Innovation Fund.
The Net-Zero Industry Act will create favorable conditions for investments in green technologies through several key measures:
Simplification of the permitting process for strategic projects, facilitating market access for zero-impact technology products, particularly in public procurements or renewable energy auctions;
Enhancement of the European workforce's skills in these sectors through the creation of net-zero industrial academies and high-density industrial areas known as "green valleys";
Creation of a platform to coordinate EU action in this sector, ensuring a unified and effective approach to achieving climate and industrial goals.
In conclusion, the Net-Zero Industry Act represents a fundamental breakthrough for the future of clean technologies in Europe, and its rapid implementation will be crucial to ensuring a sustainable and competitive future for the European industry.
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