Project representatives at the event

CINEA clustering event as a platform to discuss challenges to the European PV sector

On 23rd January, the PEPPERONI project actively participated in a significant clustering event in Brussels, hosted by the Horizon Europe Energy Unit at CINEA. This high-level meeting convened approximately 50 participants, including representatives from 17 EU-funded projects and Project Officers, to exchange insights, showcase innovations, and discuss strategies to strengthen Europe’s photovoltaic (PV) industry in the face of growing global competition.

The event highlighted the transformative contributions of EU-funded projects to the PV sector, with PEPPERONI emerging as one of the most recognised and high-performing initiatives. Central to the discussions was the urgent need to bolster Europe’s position in the global PV market. Participants emphasised that tackling the challenges faced by the industry will require greater investment and industrial initiatives to fully harness the potential of PV and perovskite technologies in Europe.

A resounding call to action echoed throughout the event: “Financial support and industry-focused initiatives are crucial; without them, there will be no future for PV and perovskites in Europe.” – as summarised by Bernd Stannowski, the project coordinator. This reflects broader concerns about the challenges facing the European PV industry. Despite Europe’s world-class research and groundbreaking innovations, it struggles to compete with the cost-effective manufacturing capabilities of countries like China. Without robust policy frameworks and sustained funding, Europe risks falling further behind in global competitiveness and losing its edge in PV technology development.

PEPPERONI project partners next to the poster
PEPPERONI partners showcase the project
EVENT and people attending
EU-funded project representatives discussing at CINEA event

The event also posed critical questions about the European Union’s commitment to strengthening its PV industry. While the collaboration and knowledge-sharing witnessed in Brussels represent an important step forward, concrete actions and sustained investments are essential to turn Europe’s PV sector into a global leader.

The PEPPERONI project’s active participation in this event reaffirms its dedication to advancing solar technologies and advocating for a stronger European PV industry. As the project continues its work, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether the EU takes decisive action to secure the future of PV innovation and manufacturing in Europe.

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