Interview with Sofia Barbosa, Greenvolt – Chair of the Buildings & Prosumers Workstream
Why is the Buildings & Prosumers Workstream important?
Buildings are a cornerstone of any decarbonisation strategy, accounting for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of emissions. Decarbonising the building stock requires a multi-faceted approach, with electrification of heating and cooling, powered by onsite solar energy, being major avenues to reach this goal.
Buildings will also take centre stage for the future energy citizen. Coupled with digitalisation, consumers have the opportunity to play a leading role in the energy transition. They can generate energy by installing solar panels on their rooftops and provide flexibility to the system through heat pumps or storage devices, such as electric vehicles or batteries.
This Workstream has made key contributions to the outcome of the Fit for 55 package, including the solar mandate in the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the new article on energy sharing in the updated Electricity Market Design. We take pride in these accomplishments.
However, a lot of work remains. Member States face a considerable challenge in incorporating this extensive regulatory package into national law. It is crucial to closely track the implementation process, offer timely recommendations, and share best practices to ensure a smooth and harmonised adoption across the EU.
Why should companies join this Workstream?
This Workstream brings together a diverse group of participants from the solar industry, research institutions, and associations across multiple countries.
Joining the Workstream provides a valuable opportunity to stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape and gain insights into the key concerns of various stakeholders. This is essential for anticipating policy changes that could impact the business environment and ensuring new opportunities are not overlooked.
Furthermore, the workstream’s collaborative approach fosters active participation among companies, enabling them to contribute to shaping major policy files. This helps build a stronger and more constructive representation of the solar industry at the EU level.
Lastly, a key benefit of joining the Workstream is the opportunity to learn from best practices, stay informed about emerging trends, and participate in collaborative projects. Membership also provides access to a diverse network of companies across the solar industry value chain, offering valuable expertise across different regions and topics.
What will the future of the Buildings & Prosumers Workstream look like?
Studies estimate that by 2050, 83% of families will become true “energy citizens”, generating renewable energy through rooftop solar panels and enhancing system flexibility. Even today, an increasing number of businesses and households are eager to take control of their own energy supply, either individually or collectively.
I also anticipate that the Workstream will continue to attract companies from an even broader range of sectors. An integrated vision is essential, encompassing areas such as electric mobility, energy efficiency, smart technology, and sustainable construction materials.
Creating this decentralised future will demand significant effort, innovation, and collaboration. As a result, the Buildings & Prosumers Workstream will continue to grow in importance.
Buildings & Prosumers Workstream
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