By invitation of the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Robert Habeck, the fourth virtual roundtable on expanding production capacities for the energy transition took place. Representatives from wind, photovoltaic, and cable transformation industries, along with other components of the electrical grid, participated in the conversation.

The focus was on the current challenges faced by these different industries. During the meeting, the introduction of a voluntary segment "Made in Europe" was discussed by Großsolateure, the largest provider and installer of photovoltaic solutions. Major solar operators have presented a joint letter to promote the introduction of this segment. The objective is to define criteria that the signatories commit to uphold. These criteria include the use of components manufactured in Europe, the absence of forced labor, and other quality features such as low performance loss over time or low CO2 production.

"In line with the political efforts of the German government and the European Commission, we aim to contribute to the resilience of the photovoltaic value chain. At the same time, we seek to continue rapidly and extensively expanding solar energy," stated the signatories.

The signing companies collectively generated a figure well over one billion euros in the year 2022 alone, with over 8,000 employees. In their statement, they indicated that they will be "willing to include a portion of our future European-manufactured solar components, under the aforementioned criteria, in our sales. In this way, we achieve two objectives: firstly, strengthening European manufacturers of solar components. Secondly, maintaining our profitability as a photovoltaic system installation company and service provider, enabling us to practically implement the local energy transition."

Another topic of the meeting was the ongoing European vote on the so-called Net Zero Industry Act, the European legal act aimed at strengthening transformative technologies in Europe. This legal act also addresses demand-side instruments. Apart from pricing, other renewable energy tenders should consider more qualitative criteria to reinforce the regulatory demand for European products.

Regarding wind turbine and cable manufacturers, the central theme of the discussion revolved around risk mitigation instruments. Enhanced protection against risks is crucial for manufacturers and system providers. This involves, on one hand, the so-called warranties and guarantees, whose necessity increases as the number and size of projects grow, and, on the other hand, assurances.

Germany takes energy transition to COP28

Following the meeting with the industry, and through a joint press release on the eve of COP28, Habeck stated that "to limit global warming to 1.5°C and enable the complete elimination of fossil fuels, the global electricity sector must be carbon-free by the 2040s. That's why it is crucial right now to have a global expansion target for renewable energies within the broadest possible alliance, where we aim to triple the current expansion by 2030. Additionally, it is now important to establish worldwide hydrogen production and promote the decarbonization of significant economic sectors, such as steel and construction materials, in Germany, Europe, and globally. The development of new global green markets can only take place in close coordination with the Global South. Germany will make a significant contribution to a carbon-free energy supply and economy: at the World Climate Conference, within the newly founded climate club, and beyond."