What is the role of European companies in the solar industry?

In the solar sector, European companies originally played a key role in developing the production equipment needed for the mass production of solar wafers, cells, and modules. While the rise of China’s solar manufacturing sector initially provided a significant export market, a highly competitive local industry has since emerged.

How many solar PV modules are made in Europe?

Today, at least 38 European solar PV module production equipment manufacturers operate on the continent, in nine countries (DE, FR, IT, NL, CH, ES, HU, FI, NO). Most - 75% - are active in the cells and modules equipment manufacturing segment.

What are Europe's next-generation storage technologies?

Research institutions across Europe are developing next-generation storage technologies, including advanced flow batteries, compressed air energy storage, and hydrogen-based systems.

How much solar power does the EU produce?

The production volume of electricity from solar photovoltaic power in the European Union has been steadily increasing in the last years. In 2024, the EU's solar PV power production stood at over 296 terawatt-hours.

How much energy storage capacity does the EU need?

These studies point to more than 200 GW and 600 GW of energy storage capacity by 2030 and 2050 respectively (from roughly 60 GW in 2022, mainly in the form of pumped hydro storage). The EU needs a strong, sustainable, and resilient industrial value chain for energy-storage technologies.

How many GW of energy storage will Europe have in 2050?

Different studies have analysed the likely future paths for the deployment of energy storage in the EU. These studies point to more than 200 GW and 600 GW of energy storage capacity by 2030 and 2050 respectively (from roughly 60 GW in 2022, mainly in the form of pumped hydro storage).