Paper short abstract:

This article discusses how the new EU PV Ecodesign regulation under preparation could meet both EU and China's aims of decarbonisation, while supporting strategic priorities linked to de-coupling in a mutually-beneficial way.

Paper long abstract:

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) is an important pillar of the clean energy transition worldwide, and both EU and China rely on PV to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050 and 2060 respectively. Europe is heavily dependent on PV imports from China (87% of all imported PV components) and due to the concentration of PV production in (still) carbon-intensive Chinese economy, PV panels’ pre-use stage entails significant carbon footprint, which further affects decarbonisation goals of both the EU and China. In order to ensure that newly installed PV modules are both affordable and environmentally friendly, the Commission is currently working on regulatory measures under the Eco-design framework for the PV products that enter the EU Single Market. These measures include: quality and durability improvements; reparability and recyclability; and carbon footprint.

Crucially, the EU-China interdependency in green transition, as exemplified by the PV sector, is overshadowed by the growing tensions between the trends of de-carbonisation and de-coupling (embedded in ideas such as EU’s Open Strategic Autonomy and China’s Dual Circulation). The EU Ecodesign regulation under preparation could have the potential to help build synergies between both regions and between both trends. This article argues that if well-timed and responsive to the needs of the businesses, the EU member-states, and the wider strategic priorities of both the EU and China, the legislation could meet both actors’ aim of decarbonisation, while supporting strategic priorities linked to de-coupling in a mutually-beneficial way.