EU adds further solar PV manufacturing support to NZIA

The European Commission has approved laws to bolster the clean energy manufacturing sector in the EU. These new regulations, an extension of the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), define the clean energy technologies eligible for benefits under the Act. Specifically, they outline the types of manufacturing projects that can take advantage of provisions related to permitting, strategic project status, and non-price criteria. Additionally, the Commission has set rules for “non-price criteria” in public procurement auctions, requiring member states to consider factors such as responsible business conduct, cybersecurity, sustainability, and resilience alongside price in renewable energy auctions. The measures aim to diversify and reshore solar manufacturing to Europe, with a focus on creating a dedicated market for EU solar products. The Commission also emphasizes the need for EU countries to avoid overreliance on a single country for renewable energy component supply.