The Green Deal Industrial Plan, published by the European Commission, aims at enhancing the competitiveness of Europe’s net-zero industry and supporting the transition to climate neutrality. Glass for Europe welcomes the objectives set by the Commission and is ready to keep on producing the key technologies and products the European Union needs for its transition to a climate neutral economy.
“After all, this is exactly what the flat glass industry and its value chain provide,” said Bertand Cazes, Secretary General of Glass for Europe, in an audio message. “Our glass and glazing products are essential to decarbonize buildings and provide more solar power. We are a perfect example of a strategic enabling sector for Europe’s net zero transition.”
The Green Deal Industrial Plan comes in reaction to the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other plans around the world which are increasing subsidy schemes for key industries. As announced, the European Plan is based on four pillars:
- A predictable and simplified regulatory environment
- Faster access to funding
- Enhancing skills
- Open trade for resilient supply chains.
To start making a difference for the flat glass industry, Glass for Europe believes that the Green Deal Industrial Plan needs to be complemented with extra actions:
- Firstly, to make sure that the sector remains competitive despite high energy cost, it is urgent to allow the flat glass industry to become eligible for indirect cost compensation.
- Secondly, to unlock investments and facilitate industrial transformation, flat glass manufacturing should be expressly covered in a framework on Carbon Contract for Difference.
- Finally, a more pro-active policies on buildings is needed to promote carbon-avoiding products, such as high-efficiency glazing and windows.