Fondation EurActiv organised for Tuesday 13 July a lunchtime Stakeholder Workshop on solar power on the way to 2020. The workshop was organised with the support of First Solar.

Programme

Following the adoption of the 2008 Renewables Directive, EU Member States were required to present National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAPs) by the end of June 2010.

What will be the contribution of solar in the Member States’ energy mix to reach the EU’s objective to source 20% of its energy from renewables by 2020?

The uptake of solar will ultimately depend on the successful integration of renewable energies into the electricity grid.

What infrastructure upgrades will this require across Europe? Which technologies can best help balance the variable availability of renewable energy and solar in particular?

While solar power’s potential far exceeds demand in Southern Europe, importing solar electricity is becoming an interesting prospect for those countries where the resource is less abundant.

What will be the role for projects such as Desertec? How can solar power generation in Southern Mediterranean countries contribute to secure a stable and sustainable energy supply for Europe?

Contributors included:

• Hans VAN STEEN, Head of Unit Promotion of renewable energy
• Fiona HALL, MEP
• Adel EL GAMMAL, Secretary General, EPIA
• Christopher BURGHARDT, Vice-President Government Affairs EMEA, First Solar
• Dries ACKE, Public Affairs Associate, Energy Strategy Centre

Moderator: Frédéric SIMON, Editor, EurActiv.com

Chair: Ross MELZER, Public Affairs Director, EurActiv.com