UK trade body calls for end of price undertaking for Chinese PV

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) is calling for the removal of the Minimum Import Pricing (MIP) for China-made solar modules coming to the EU, as it would soften the effects of subsidy cuts in the UK.

The not-for-profit trade association, representing British renewable energy producers, said on Monday that ending the MIP would offer some relief now that the UK government has proposed significant feed-in tariff (FiT) cuts. It would also "help bring us to cost parity per module with the rest of the world".

“MIP is actively slowing the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy mix by increasing costs. The UK government should advocate against a further investigation, on behalf of the renewable energy industry,” said REA.

The average price for PV modules globally is now roughly EUR 0.40 (USD 0.44) per watt, while the MIP in EU raises it to EUR 0.56/W, the association said, adding that there is evidence that even non-Chinese photovoltaic (PV) module makers are selling below the MIP in Europe. Among these is Germany’s SolarWorld AG (ETR:SWV) -- the company which has been fighting for years against Chinese dumping.

The Solar Trade Association (STA) and Solar Power Europe agree that the MIP should end, according to the statement.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!