Dries Acke

Job Title: Deputy CEO
Company: SolarPower Europe
Country: Belgium

Dries is SolarPower Europe's Deputy CEO and is responsible for the policy work of the association. He joined SolarPower Europe from the European Climate Foundation, where he was director of the energy programme for over a decade. Previously, he worked at Apple Inc., in the EMEA public affairs department. Dries holds a master's degree in contemporary history from the Catholic University of Brussels and Leuven, Belgium, and a post-graduate degree in international relations from the Karl-Rüprecht University in Heidelberg, Germany.

May 07, 2025Welcome & Introduction

May 07, 2025Policy Frameworks for PV Manufacturing in Europe

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Sessions

Session

Solar Manufacturing in Europe: Progress, Setbacks & Outlook

Wednesday, May 07, 2025, 02:30 pm - 04:00 pm

ICM München Room 14 A

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Europe's dependence on imported solar products continues to grow. While the European solar market is growing, domestic manufacturers across the entire value chain are struggling, losing market share, shutting down facilities, or exiting the sector due to declining profitability. So far, support from Brussels and national governments has been insufficient and too slow to create the conditions needed for a revival of European solar manufacturing. Now, hopes are pinned on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), which aims to boost local production through domestic content requirements in auctions and public procurement. This session will provide: Update on the European solar manufacturing landscape across the value chain Cost-competitiveness analysis of European solar manufacturers Insights into policy support, investment opportunities, and start-up potential for European PV manufacturing High-level panel discussion on the future of solar manufacturing in Europe