Brandenburg’s Call for Federal Action: Preserving Solar Glass Manufacturing in Chernihiv
The future of solar glass production in Chernihiv, Spree-Neiße district, is in jeopardy, prompting Brandenburg’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Daniel Keller, to urge the federal government to intervene.
Minister Keller’s Letter to Federal Minister Habeck
In a letter to Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck (Greens), Keller highlighted the dire situation: "Bridging the current critical market situation for solar glass can only be achieved through the support of the federal government." Keller’s demands include protection for the German solar industry against price dumping from China.
According to Keller, the Glass Manufactory Brandenburg (GMB) in Chernihiv is facing an imminent threat to its solar glass production. "GMB will enter short-time work from March 2025, which I cannot accept," Keller stated. He attributed the company’s predicament to exorbitant energy costs and unfair competition.
Approximately 300 jobs are at risk at GMB, which has been part of an Indian manufacturer since 2022. Additionally, the solar manufacturer Meyer Burger, with locations in Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony, is also facing challenges.
Call for Resilience Measures and EU Support
Keller emphasized the urgent need for resilience measures to support the domestic solar glass industry. He lamented that a "resilience bonus" to promote the domestic solar industry, scheduled for discussion in 2024, had not yet been approved in Germany.
In a separate letter to EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, Keller stressed the importance of safeguarding the European solar industry’s competitiveness. He warned that "Chinese imports backed by government subsidies will further increase the pressure on the domestic solar glass industry in Brandenburg if anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures are not extended."
Current Market Situation and Challenges
Solar glass manufacturers in Germany, including GMB and Meyer Burger, are grappling with soaring energy costs. Residential energy costs in Germany increased by an average of 35% in 2022, significantly impacting energy-intensive industries like glass production.
Furthermore, Chinese manufacturers have gained a significant cost advantage due to government subsidies and a lower cost of labor. This price dumping has made it difficult for European manufacturers to compete, leading to a decline in market share.
Implications for the German and European Solar Industry
The loss of solar glass production in Germany would have severe consequences for the entire German and European solar industry. Solar glass is a critical component in photovoltaic modules, and its production accounts for a significant portion of the value chain.
The decline of the solar glass industry in Germany would weaken the country’s position as a leader in renewable energy and could lead to an increased reliance on imported solar panels and components. This would undermine Germany’s energy security and its ability to meet its ambitious climate targets.
Call for Urgent Action
Keller’s request for federal and EU intervention highlights the urgent need for measures to safeguard the future of the solar glass industry in Germany. The implementation of resilience measures, the extension of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures, and the promotion of energy efficiency are crucial to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry.
By addressing the challenges faced by solar glass manufacturers, Germany and the EU can foster a thriving and sustainable solar industry that contributes to the transition to a clean energy future.
