The fourth virtual round table on the expansion of production capacities for the energy transition was held today at the invitation of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck. Representatives from the transformation industries of wind energy, photovoltaics and cables and of other electricity grid components attended the meeting. The focus of the discussion was on the challenges which the different industries are currently facing. The introduction of an optional "Made in Europe" segment by the largest providers and installers of PV solutions was discussed at today’s round table. To this end, the parties concerned submitted a common understanding (PDF, 65 KB) to press ahead with the introduction of such a segment. The aim is to define criteria which the signatories undertake to meet. This includes the use of components produced in Europe, a ban on forced labour, and further quality features such as a low level of power loss in the course of time and low-carbon production.


The items on the agenda of today’s meeting included the ongoing consultations at European level on the Net Zero Industry Act, which aims to strengthen transformation technologies in Europe. The Act also addresses demand-side instruments. In the context of additional auctions for renewable energy, more account should thus be taken of quality criteria – in addition to the price – to strengthen demand for European products by means of regulatory measures. The German Energy Agency (dena) today published a study (PDF, 1 MB)on the use of quality criteria for auctions, which was commissioned by the Economic Affairs Ministry.

As regards the manufacturers of wind installations and cables, the focus of the discussion was on the question of hedging instruments. Better cushioning of risks is essential for the producers and providers of installations. The respective instruments are aval guarantees, for which demand has been growing in view of a rise in projects and their size, and other guarantees.


Today’s meeting follows up on the previous dialogue with the relevant industries. The third manufacturing summit took place on 21 February 2023.