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Carbon Ends European Solar Gigafactory Project After 4-Year Push

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Carbon will end its renewable energy semiconductor project after more than four years focused on France's energy transition and industrial expansion, the solar panel manufacturer said in a Tuesday statement.

The project was launched to build a competitive European photovoltaic industry through large-scale manufacturing facilities, including a solar gigafactory.

Carbon said the project required long-term government-backed market support to help European manufacturers scale production and reduce early-stage industrial costs.

The company said European Union efforts to rebuild the solar supply chain have advanced slowly despite political commitments made in 2023 to support reindustrialization.

Carbon said the Net Zero Industry Act, adopted in June 2024, focused on diversifying supply chains without creating specific preferences for European solar manufacturing.

The company added the Industry Acceleration Act expanded "Made in Europe" eligibility in March 2026 to countries with European Union trade agreements, including Turkey, Vietnam and India, while delaying any European preference framework until 2030.

Carbon said uncertainty around future European market rules and weak visibility on policy alignment between France and the European Union prevented the project from securing financing.

The company thanked employees, investors, public authorities and regional partners for supporting the project, while adding the work completed still creates a foundation for future "Made in Europe" industrial initiatives.

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