SolarPower Europe and UEFA Collaborate on Sustainable Energy in Football

BRUSSELS, Belgium (Thursday 27th March): SolarPower Europe and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have united in a strategic partnership to advance sustainability within the European football community. 

The collaboration focuses on leveraging renewable energy, specifically solar power, to help UEFA, national football associations, and football clubs reduce their carbon footprints and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for the sport. 

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe (she/her), said; “Solar and football already energise communities and nations across Europe – they’re a perfect match. We’re proud to take a natural step in working with UEFA to support their 2030 sustainability goals.”

Michele Uva, UEFA's Director of Social & Environmental Sustainability (he/him), stated; "We aim to enhance sustainable football infrastructure by advancing renewable energy implementation and best practices. This partnership brings valuable expertise to a constantly evolving area of our work."

As part of a Cooperation Agreement, the partnership will focus on expanding solar power use, facilitating Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for long-term renewable energy supply, and hosting a webinar in 2025 to inform national football associations about solar energy and storage options.

Notes:

• UEFA is the governing body of European football and a not-for-profit organisation which supports and ensures the world’s most popular sport continues to thrive at all levels across its 55 member associations. As part of its commitment, UEFA invests 97.5% of its revenue in football-related activities, projects and initiatives that ensure the continued development of the men's and women's professional game as well as youth, grassroots and futsal.

• SolarPower Europe is the award-winning link between policymakers and the solar PV value chain. Our mission is to ensure solar becomes Europe’s leading energy source by 2030. As the member-led association for the European solar PV sector, SolarPower Europe represents over 320 organisations across the entire solar sector. With solar sitting on the horizon of unprecedented expansion, we work together with our members to create the necessary regulatory and business environment to take solar to the next level.

SolarPower Europe CEO, Walburga Hemetsberger; UEFA Director - Social & Environmental Sustainability, Michele Uva and SolarPower Europe Director of Business Development, Daniel Dang © SolarPower Europe