RE-Source 2024 saw record participation, with over 1,400 attendees including more than 350 corporate buyers gathering to explore emerging trends and best practices in renewable energy sourcing. Bringing together top industry players, policymakers, and thought leaders, the event featured over 100 expert speakers, sharing insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of corporate renewable energy procurement.
Annie Scanlan, RE-Source Platform's Policy and Impact Director, opened the event by highlighting the potential impact of deals made at RE-Source 2024:
"The deals you make here in Amsterdam could take us to another record-breaking year for corporate renewable PPAs!"
The opening presentation revealed that Europe has already seen 10.7 GW of corporate renewable PPAs signed this year, nearing last year’s record of 10.8 GW.
Attendees discussed topics such as purpose-driven procurement, navigating regulatory complexities, and new trends like granular energy accounting, delving into advanced procurement strategies, negotiation tactics, and market innovations. Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, stressed the urgency, stating:
"Climate change is at red alert but renewables producers and buyers can make a key contribution to ensure a livable planet. Cheap, clean and reliable renewable energy can supercharge Europe’s competitiveness."
On day 1, we heard from both policymakers and industry on what opportunities the revised Electricity Market Design will bring to accelerate the PPA market.
Ruud Kempener from the European Commission, shared insights on how EU legislation aims to support corporate sourcing of renewables:
"It's amazing to see this event grow so much every year, as do the expectations in Brussels on what PPAs can do. In recent years, PPAs have been primarily seen as an important tool for corporate sourcing responsibility. Under the upcoming EU Clean Industrial Deal, the idea of PPAs as a tool to tackle energy costs is coming much more to the forefront. Of course, the Clean Industrial Deal isn't our only plan - the Electrification Action Plan should stimulate much more electricity demand and then really grow the opportunity for PPAs."
After a fun celebration at the after party on Thursday evening, Friday morning got off to another great start. Sessions throughout the day covered topics such as renewable hydrogen, and national market trends.
Our Policy Advisor, Jan Osenberg, presented an overview of the European rooftop solar market, along with the barriers and opportunities for businesses:
"Energy prices have come down from the energy crisis, but they’re still a major cost for companies. We expect a 10-20% increase in solar installations on commercial buildings in the next year."
Day 2 concluded with a panel led by our Head of Regulatory Affairs, Naomi Chevillard, on the evolving landscape of renewable claims and how companies can demonstrate green claims. The discussion covered voluntary standards, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the Science-Based Targets Initiative, and RE100, outlining their challenges and opportunities. Chevillard also explored how the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will change green claims and reporting requirements moving forward.
As RE-Source 2024 concluded, Annie Scanlan praised the enthusiasm around PPAs and procurement, saying:
“It’s amazing to see so much interest in PPAs and procurement in general - showing the incredible growth of the market.”
With the date now set for RE-Source 2025 on 4-5 November, the event looks ready to continue playing an instrumental role in connecting renewable energy suppliers with buyers from all parts of the economy, allowing contracts to be signed that will add more renewables to our energy systems.
Header image and all images:
©Gregory De Leeuw, David Plas Photography
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