Press Releases Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union: a ‘Solar Charter’ for European photovoltaics

Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union: a ‘Solar Charter’ for European photovoltaics

Under the aegis of the Belgian presidency, 23 Member States, the European Commission and the solar industry have signed a Charter designed to protect and support the European solar industry.

In Europe, renewable energy is playing an increasingly important role in the electricity mix. In 2023, the share of renewable energy exceeded the 40% mark for the first time, and another record was also set, with 27% of electricity in the EU coming from solar and wind power.

However, while 56 GW of photovoltaic panels were installed in Europe in 2023, 97% of installed capacity was made up of Chinese panels. In the face of this dependence and price competition, the Charter signed on Monday in the margins of the informal Energy Council aims to protect and support European industry by promoting the development of a competitive and sustainable European solar industry.

To achieve the European target of at least 42.5% renewable energy by 2030, with the aspiration to reach 45%, we need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, including solar power. This will also contribute to the REPOWEREU objectives, as the additional boost to photovoltaic capacity is set to replace 9 billion cubic metres of gas imports per year from Russia by 2027.

The Minister for Energy: “Renewable energy is the best sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Good for the climate and good for our wallets. Under the aegis of the Belgian presidency, European Energy Ministers met with the sector last March and shared their concerns. The Solar Charter is the next logical step and aims to anchor and maintain the competitiveness of the European solar industry.”

David Jordens, Spokesperson – porte-parole – woordvoerder

TEL: +32 478 92 09 37

EMAIL: mediaEU2024BE@diplobel.fed.be

Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Rue des Petits Carmes / Karmelietenstraat 15
Brussels 1000 – Belgium
belgium24.eu

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