On 14 April, the Cleantech Friendship Group, in partnership with Cleantech for Europe and the International Energy Agency (IEA), hosted the Brussels launch of the IEA’s flagship publication Energy Technology Perspectives 2026 (ETP-2026). Held at the European Parliament Library, the event brought together EU policymakers and industry leaders to discuss Europe’s industrial competitiveness in the face of a rapidly shifting global energy landscape.

A Multi-Trillion Dollar Market Opportunity Dr. Timur Gül, the IEA’s Chief Energy Technology Officer, presented the report’s findings, highlighting that the global market for mass-manufactured clean energy technologies is set to grow from USD 1 trillion in 2025 to nearly USD 3 trillion by 2035. While this growth presents a massive opportunity, the report warns that the race is becoming increasingly concentrated.

Key Findings: Competitiveness and Supply Chain Risks The IEA’s presentation provided a data-driven look at the challenges facing European industry:

• The Competitiveness Gap: There is no "single recipe" for bridging the cost gap with China. Depending on the technology, Europe faces higher costs driven by factors such as energy prices, labor, and smaller plant sizes. For instance, the levelized cost of production gap for solar PV modules and electrolyzers remains significant.
• China’s Dominance: Individual Chinese companies currently have the potential output to meet the demand of entire continents in sectors like solar PV and batteries.
• Economic Security: Supply chain concentration poses a major risk; the IEA noted that a mere one-month halt of Chinese battery supply chain exports could prevent the production of USD 17 billion worth of EVs.
• Innovation Funding Slowdown: While the energy sector is an innovation powerhouse—with battery patents now accounting for nearly 50% of all energy patents—global funding is slowing. In 2024, Venture Capital for energy start-ups saw a 12% decline, and public energy R&D fell by 6%.

Translating Data into Policy Following the presentation, Jules Besnainou (Cleantech for Europe) moderated a panel featuring MEP Lídia Pereira, MEP Thomas Pellerin Carlin, and Philipp Offenberg (Siemens Energy). The discussion focused on how Europe can maintain a "competitive edge" while navigating "defensive" trade positions and ensuring the energy transition remains affordable for the public.

The session concluded with a clear message: We can still lead. As net trade in clean technologies is projected to double over the next decade, Europe must align its industrial strategy with these financial and manufacturing realities to secure its place in the global cleantech economy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This event was co-hosted by the IEA, Cleantech for Europe, and the Cleantech Friendship Group.

Read the full report here : https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-technology-perspectives-2026