The Solar Flex Era has begun!

We kicked off Solar Week (24-28 March) with an energy-boosting flexibility workout. Check out the video here. Following this, we hosted the EU Solar CEO Forum bringing together Europe's leading solar CEOs and high-level EU policymakers to discuss how solar energy is supporting Europe's competitiveness, security, and climate goals.
 
We had an insightful discussion with EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, on the Clean Industrial Deal and how solar can help maximise Europe's competitiveness— while delivering affordable, clean energy to citizens and businesses.

We also addressed Europe's industrial resilience, reshoring and diversifying solar supply chains with Bertrand L’Huillier, Head of Cabinet to the European Commission Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy.

This led beautifully into the 2-day SolarPower Summit which saw over 500 attendees gather at Albert Hall in Brussels for inspiring speeches, engaging discussions, lots of networking and a golden party to celebrate 40 years of SolarPower Europe.

Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Teresa Ribera, opened day 1 announcing “Brussels is the capital of solar power”. In her speech, Vice President Ribera stated, “Solar energy has been driving this energy transition in recent years. You - solar - represent competitiveness, security, and values”.

Following this, we had an address from the Polish Minister for Climate and Environment, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, who echoed the same messaging, “Crucially solar energy reduces our dependency on imported fossil fuels, shielding economies from volatile markets. Solar power is not just a technology, it's a key to unlock Europe's competitive & secure future”. These were important words that comes at a time when Poland oversees the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

On day 2, EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, delivered a thought-provoking opening speech:

“We live in a defining moment for Europe. In the face of these challenges, we need to deliver the benefits of a full energy union, and we need more solar power, now more than ever. Europe is stronger together and we are stronger with solar. Let’s Flex our solar muscles!”

Catch up on all the highlights from day 1 and day 2 here.

This year, SolarPower Europe marks 40 years around the sun and with that comes some defining evolution for the organisation. During this year’s SolarPower Summit, we announced the establishment of a dedicated European battery storage platform and our new tagline to reflect these priorities: ‘SolarPower Europe: Solar, Storage, and Flexibility’.

We are now truly entering the Solar Flex Era. We’re hard at work ensuring that solar continues to deliver for Europe for another 40+ years. Solar, storage, and flexibility are the fast track to a more secure, competitive energy system. 

A huge thank you to all our members, partners, colleagues and friends who have supported us not just this month, but over the past 40 years to ensure solar shines bright in Europe and beyond.