L R AS Published on Saturday 24 February 2024 - n° 477 - Categories:industrial strategy, Germany
Meyer Burger moves its panel factory from Germany to the United States
Faced with the economic difficulties of the European photovoltaic industry and the lack of reaction from the political authorities, Meyer Burger began closing its panel production unit in Freiberg (Germany) in order to stop the losses incurred in Europe. This created
significant savings for the Group from April onwards. Customers will normally receive the panels they have ordered. The management is pleased with this decision, as American companies can develop profitably. It also makes Meyer Burger independent of European political decisions.
To complete construction of the cell and panel plants, Meyer Burger will have to finance a deficit of CHF 450 million, of which CHF 250 million will be required from shareholders.
European solar energy manufacturers have urged the European Union to intervene with emergency measures to protect them from insolvency. The EU has only just finalised the Zero Industry Act, under which at least 40% of solar equipment deployed on the continent should be produced locally.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/02/23/meyer-burger-prepares-to-shut-down-plant-in-germany/
PV Magazine, 23 February 2023
Editor's note We do not know how the European authorities will react to this departure. It is a violent slap in the face. Will it trigger a reaction? It's unlikely, as the Commission is four months away from the European elections, which will turn the page on the current team. We will have to wait for the future Commission to (possibly) take important decisions, which will not happen until the end of 2024.
