Lobbying by EPIA SolarPower Europe

EPIA SolarPower Europe

SPE

SolarPower Europe is a member-led association representing organizations across the solar value chain, aiming to shape regulations and enhance business opportunities for solar power in Europe.

Focus Areas

2024-2025

2022-2023

2015-2021

Links

Website Transparency Register Profile

ID: 2680046412-48

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Benedetta Scuderi (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

27 Jan 2026 · European Competitiveness Fund

Meeting with Anne-Maud Orlinski (Cabinet of Commissioner Dan Jørgensen), Martin Engell-Rossen (Cabinet of Commissioner Dan Jørgensen)

21 Jan 2026 · Electrification Action Plan, Tripartite on storage, Cybresecurity framework

Meeting with Kurt Vandenberghe (Director-General Climate Action)

20 Jan 2026 · Solar sector

Meeting with Monika Zsigri (Head of Unit Energy)

18 Dec 2025 · Exchange on energy security and flexibility

Meeting with Bruno Tobback (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Nov 2025 · Grids Package and Industrial Accelerator Act

Meeting with Kris Van Dijck (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Nov 2025 · Grids Package + Electrification Action Plan

Meeting with Pietro Fiocchi (Member of the European Parliament) and ENEL SpA and

26 Nov 2025 · Tematiche ambientali

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament) and Schneider Electric

26 Nov 2025 · Politique énergétique européenne

Meeting with Nicolás González Casares (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Nov 2025 · Grids and electrification

Meeting with Mechthild Woersdoerfer (Deputy Director-General Energy)

20 Nov 2025 · Flexibility

SolarPower Europe urges clarity in foreign subsidies rules to avoid deterring clean energy investment

18 Nov 2025

Topic — Review of EU rules on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market.

Message — The organization calls for clearer criteria defining foreign subsidies, transparent thresholds for low-risk cases, guidance on ex officio investigations, sector-specific balancing test guidance for solar, and simpler public procurement reporting requirements.1 2 3 4

Why — This would reduce administrative burden and provide predictability for their members participating in EU tenders and projects.5 6 7

Impact — The current rules risk deterring investment in EU clean energy projects needed to meet 2030 solar deployment targets.8 9

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Meeting with Bruno Tobback (Member of the European Parliament)

13 Nov 2025 · EU Flexibility Strategy: Shaping Europe’s Grid with BESS & Demand Response

Solar industry calls for harmonized EU waste rules and recycling hubs

6 Nov 2025

Topic — EU Circular Economy Act aims to boost recycled materials and circular business models.

Message — The organization requests material-specific recycling targets based on value not weight, harmonized waste classification across Member States, and alignment with other EU legislation. They advocate shifting from a Directive to a Regulation for consistent implementation.1 2 3

Why — This would reduce administrative burdens from diverging national systems and unlock economies of scale for PV recycling.4 5

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Meeting with Astrid Van Mierlo (Head of Unit Taxation and Customs Union)

3 Nov 2025 · Meeting with SolarPower Europe's

Meeting with Radan Kanev (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Oct 2025 · Reshoring solar PV production to Europe report

Solar Industry Urges Harmonised Carbon Standards for EU Procurement

14 Oct 2025

Topic — EU regulation setting environmental sustainability requirements for public procurement of solar technologies.

Message — The organization requests one harmonised carbon footprint criterion based on PV Ecodesign standards that recognises supplier-specific electricity data, with stricter thresholds than general market standards. They seek harmonised technology-specific criteria across the EU, clear guidance on scope including all PV components, inclusion of tracker requirements, and correction of a technical standard reference error.1 2 3

Why — This would prevent fragmentation across 27 different Member State rules and reduce compliance complexity.4 5

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Response to Revision of the EU’s energy security framework

13 Oct 2025

Energy security is primarily defined as the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. The European energy system has proven robust in delivering power, even under extreme stress thanks to a well-integrated market. However, a comprehensive view of energy security must also include accessibility, sustainability, resilience, cybersecurity and efficiency. This wider approach must include measures to mitigate geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, cybersecurity threats and climate change impacts, all of which may disrupt critical societal functions. Solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) already contribute substantially to Europes energy security in the conventional definition, while adding further strengths in affordability and sustainability. They are the fastest, most affordable assets in displacing imports of fossil fuels. During the 2022 energy crisis, solar allowed the Union to save EUR 29 billion in fossil gas imports. Flexible assets such as BESS provide much needed flexibility to keep the power system in balance, and grid-forming inverters can provide vital services for grid stability. These contributions will only increase in time. Therefore, maximising the potential of both solar and BESS and mitigating risks around them should be a priority. Solar, BESS and electrification can play an even stronger role in our security framework. Therefore they should. The energy security framework revision is the opportunity to embrace those contributions and push them to the next level. It needs to encompass all dimensions of security and secure the future energy system: one that is centred around renewables, electrification and flexibility. See our paper for more information.

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Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e. V. and

26 Sept 2025 · Energy policy

Solar industry urges CBAM to recognise diverse power purchase agreements

25 Sept 2025

Topic — EU methodology for calculating embedded emissions under carbon border adjustment mechanism.

Message — The association requests that power purchase agreements remain recognised under CBAM, with eligibility broadened to include intermediated, sleeved, and portfolio PPAs. They also call for explicit recognition of virtual PPAs with attribute retirement, removal of direct technical link requirements, and aligned verification mechanisms with quarterly reporting obligations.1 2 3 4

Why — This would enable manufacturers and importers to use actual emission factors for compliance while maintaining predictable costs.5 6

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Meeting with Per Clausen (Member of the European Parliament)

10 Sept 2025 · The state of the solar PV sector and EU policy proposals to boost it

Meeting with Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (Member of the European Parliament)

10 Sept 2025 · Solar PV sector

Meeting with Philippe Lamberts (Principal Adviser Inspire, Debate, Engage and Accelerate Action)

4 Sept 2025 · Keynote address at SPE annual reception

Meeting with Anna Stürgkh (Member of the European Parliament)

2 Sept 2025 · General Exchange

Meeting with Bart Groothuis (Member of the European Parliament)

2 Sept 2025 · PV inverters security

SolarPower Europe urges targeted CBAM, excluding complex solar panels

26 Aug 2025

Topic — The EU is considering extending carbon border taxes to complex downstream products.

Message — The association opposes extending CBAM to complex goods like solar modules and batteries due to technical hurdles. They recommend using existing ecodesign rules for carbon transparency. However, they support coverage for simpler mounting structures.1 2 3

Why — This avoids massive administrative costs and protects the speed of European solar energy deployment.4

Impact — Domestic mounting structure producers lose out to cheap imports if CBAM is not extended.5

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Solar industry urges grid reforms to unlock renewable PPAs

5 Aug 2025

Topic — EU consultation on upgrading and expanding European electricity grid infrastructure.

Message — The organization requests transparency in grid planning, accelerated permitting processes, and supportive frameworks for energy storage. They argue current grid delays eliminate projects from procurement pipelines and create significant PPA risks.1 2 3

Why — This would reduce project elimination rates and enable more corporate PPA deals.4 5

Impact — Climate goals suffer as 12 TWh of renewable energy was curtailed in 2023.6 7

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SolarPower Europe urges separate category for solar recycling

25 Jul 2025

Topic — Commission listing products and waste streams with potential for critical raw material recovery.

Message — The group requests a separate category for solar PV and expanded lists for battery components. They also advocate for regional recycling hubs and streamlined rules for transporting waste across borders.1 2

Why — This approach would allow the sector to achieve economies of scale and avoid unnecessary infrastructure costs.3 4

Impact — National-level waste handlers may lose business as waste is consolidated in large regional hubs.5

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Meeting with Maroš Šefčovič (Commissioner) and

11 Jul 2025 · Implementation dialogue on customs legislation - Rules of origin

Meeting with Michael Mcnamara (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Jul 2025 · Energy Policy

Meeting with Yannis Maniatis (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Jul 2025 · Grid Rules, EU Budget & Electricity Market Design

Meeting with Eszter Lakos (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Jul 2025 · Solar energy

Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Jul 2025 · Exchange on EU Strategy on Energy Flexibility and Action Plan on Cleantech

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Jul 2025 · Discussion on Energy Transition

Meeting with Bruno Tobback (Member of the European Parliament) and WindEurope and

1 Jul 2025 · Live PPA negotiation: understanding the benefits and potential of accelerating PPAs in Europe

Meeting with Agnese Dagile (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto)

1 Jul 2025 · SolarPower Europe proposals for the sector development and the EU involvement.

Meeting with Christophe Clergeau (Member of the European Parliament)

23 Jun 2025 · ITRE

Meeting with Cristina Lobillo Borrero (Director Energy)

21 May 2025 · Solutions to PV cyber risks

Meeting with Radan Kanev (Member of the European Parliament)

15 May 2025 · PPAs state of play

Meeting with Radan Kanev (Member of the European Parliament)

14 May 2025 · Battery storage

Meeting with Paula Rey Garcia (Head of Unit Energy)

25 Apr 2025 · RE-Source platform presentation

Meeting with Wouter Beke (Member of the European Parliament)

25 Apr 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal and Action Plan for Affordable Energ

Meeting with Gijs Schilthuis (Director Agriculture and Rural Development)

10 Apr 2025 · Role of solar energy in agriculture

Meeting with Bruno Tobback (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

9 Apr 2025 · Grids INI

Meeting with Aleksandra Kordecka (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné), Laia Pinos Mataro (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné) and

7 Apr 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal, Electrification Action Plan, Affordable Energy Plan, CISAF

Meeting with Radan Kanev (Member of the European Parliament)

1 Apr 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal and Omnibus Package

Meeting with Yvan Verougstraete (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

26 Mar 2025 · Let’s flex inverters for a resilient and cyber-secure European energy system

Meeting with Arthur Corbin (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné), Bertrand L'Huillier (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné), Laia Pinos Mataro (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné)

25 Mar 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal

Meeting with Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Mar 2025 · Solar’s contribution to EU competitiveness

Meeting with Dan Jørgensen (Commissioner) and

14 Mar 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal, Affordable Energy Action Plan and new State aid Framework (CISAF), Electrification Action Plan

Meeting with Dario Tamburrano (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Eurelectric aisbl

11 Mar 2025 · Reti elettriche

Meeting with Jutta Paulus (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Equinor ASA and

7 Mar 2025 · Security of Energy Supply

Meeting with Bruno Tobback (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

6 Mar 2025 · Grids INI

Meeting with Kira Marie Peter-Hansen (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

20 Feb 2025 · Electricity Grids

Meeting with Herbert Dorfmann (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Feb 2025 · Discussion of Agrisolar

Response to List of net-zero technology final products and their main specific components

19 Feb 2025

SolarPower Europe welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the EU Commission's public consultation regarding the list of net-zero technology final products and their main specific components for the purposes of assessing the contribution to resilience, and its Annex.1 SolarPower Europe is the industry-led solar association on the European level. We represent the whole solar value chain with more than 300 members and National Associations. 88% of our members are European headquartered companies. In the Annex of the Implementing Acts open consultation, the Commission provides a list of net-zero technology final products and specific components primarily used for the production of net-zero technologies. Such list categorises different solar technologies: Photovoltaic (PV) technologies, solar thermal electric technologies, solar thermal technologies, and other solar technologies. Regarding solar PV technologies, SolarPower Europe suggests the following adjustments to the list of net-zero technology final products and their main specific components, whose main components are: PV Metallurgical Grade Silicon or Equivalent PV grade polysilicon or equivalent PV grade silicon ingots or equivalent PV wafers or equivalent PV cells or equivalent Solar glass or equivalent PV modules PV inverters PV trackers and mounting structures for large-scale plants. Please see for more clarity the feedback document attached and also our position paper https://www.solarpowereurope.org/advocacy/position-papers/recommendations-on-nzia-s-implementing-act-on-renewable-auctions with SolarPower Europe's recommended supply chain. 1) SolarPower Europe suggests amending the Annex to the Implementing Act to add the mounting structures in the same entry of the trackers as follows: PV trackers and mounting structures for large-scale plants. 2) SolarPower Europe suggests that solar glass or equivalent are included in the list of net-zero technology final products and their main specific components (implementing act). 3) SolarPower Europe suggest to add Metallurgical Grade Silicon or Equivalent and PV grade polysilicon or equivalent according to SolarPower Europes supply chain definition. Justification: Mounting structures must be included because they are essential for solar technologies, providing necessary support to ensure optimal panel angles, withstand extreme weather, and enhance energy yield. These structures are not generic but specifically designed for solar applications, ensuring maximum sunlight capture. They represent a significant share of the final products value, accounting for approximately 10-20% of the total cost in large-scale PV projects. Their inclusion is also critical for the resilience of the solar supply chain, as threats to their manufacturing and investment could hinder the scale-up of solar PV technologies. Market reports, including those from WoodMackenzie (July 2023), Taiyang (2024), and the International Energy Agency PVPS Trends Report (2024), recognize mounting structures as integral to the solar supply chain. Additionally, the US Department of Energys 2022 Solar Supply Chain Deep Dive Assessment explicitly includes mounting structures. Regarding solar glass and equivalents, the current list includes solar glass but does not reflect composite polymer or PP front sheets, despite their importance in long-lasting solar applications. To ensure accuracy, solar glass and equivalent should be added. Thank you for your review and consideration. We remain available in case of any questions, clarification or additional data needed. Best regards, Anett Ludwig (Head of Supply Chains) on behalf of SolarPower Europe

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Response to Delegated act on primarily used components under the Net-Zero Industry Act

19 Feb 2025

SolarPower Europe welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the EU Commission's public consultation regarding the Delegated act on primarily used components under the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). We appreciate the effort the European Commission has put into defining the primarily used components under the NZIA. SolarPower Europe is the industry-led solar association on the European level. We represent the whole solar value chain with around 320 members and National Associations. 88% of our members are European headquartered companies. SolarPower Europe suggests: 1) to amend the Annex to the Delegated Act to add the mounting structures in the same entry of the trackers as follows: PV trackers and mounting structures for large-scale plants 2) to amend the Annex to the Delegated Act to add solar glass and equivalent to the Annex of the Delegated Act. 3) to amend the Annex to the Delegated Act to add Metallurgical Grade Silicon or Equivalent and PV grade polysilicon or equivalent' according to SolarPower Europes supply chain definition (see: position paper https://www.solarpowereurope.org/advocacy/position-papers/recommendations-on-nzia-s-implementing-act-on-renewable-auctions). Regarding solar PV technologies, SolarPower Europe suggests the following adjustments to the list of final products and specific components considered to be primarily used for the production of net-zero technologies (in red - please full feedback attached to this consultation): - PV Metallurgical Grade Silicon or Equivalent - PV grade polysilicon or equivalent - PV grade silicon ingots or equivalent - PV wafers or equivalent - PV cells or equivalent - Solar glass or equivalent - PV encapsulants - PV ribbons - PV connectors - PV junction boxes - PV modules - PV inverters - PV trackers and mounting structures for large-scale plants. Justification: Mounting structures must be included because they are essential for solar technologies, providing necessary support to ensure optimal panel angles, withstand extreme weather, and enhance energy yield. These structures are not generic but specifically designed for solar applications, ensuring maximum sunlight capture. They represent a significant share of the final products value, accounting for approximately 10-20% of the total cost in large-scale PV projects. Their inclusion is also critical for the resilience of the solar supply chain, as threats to their manufacturing and investment could hinder the scale-up of solar PV technologies. Market reports, including those from WoodMackenzie (July 2023), Taiyang (2024), and the International Energy Agency PVPS Trends Report (2024), recognize mounting structures as integral to the solar supply chain. Additionally, the US Department of Energys 2022 Solar Supply Chain Deep Dive Assessment explicitly includes mounting structures. Regarding solar glass and equivalents, the current list includes solar glass but does not reflect composite polymer or PP front sheets, despite their importance in long-lasting solar applications. To ensure accuracy, solar glass and equivalent should be added. We remain available for any questions, further data or clarifications. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Anett Ludwig (Head of Supply Chains) on behalf of SolarPower Europe

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Meeting with Arthur Corbin (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné) and Akuo Energy

12 Feb 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal

Meeting with Aleksandra Kordecka (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné), Arthur Corbin (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné) and Umicore

10 Feb 2025 · Exchange of views on Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and the Batteries Regulation, specifically the Delegated Act (DA) on the methodology for the calculation and verification of the carbon footprint for electric vehicle batteries.

Meeting with Ewelina Hartstein (Head of Unit Energy)

6 Feb 2025 · Disinformation related to solar energy

Meeting with Anne-Maud Orlinski (Cabinet of Commissioner Dan Jørgensen), Kamil Talbi (Cabinet of Commissioner Dan Jørgensen)

6 Feb 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal Affordable Energy Action Plan

Meeting with Taru Haapaniemi (Cabinet of Commissioner Christophe Hansen)

4 Feb 2025 · Solar panels on farmland

Meeting with Anne-Maud Orlinski (Cabinet of Commissioner Dan Jørgensen), Kamil Talbi (Cabinet of Commissioner Dan Jørgensen)

4 Feb 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal Affordable Energy Action Plan

Meeting with Eszter Lakos (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Feb 2025 · Solar energy policy & markets

SolarPower Europe Urges Harmonized Rules to Accelerate Solar Deployment

31 Jan 2025

Topic — The consultation concerns the further development of a single market for services and goods.

Message — Harmonise national implementation of spatial planning and permitting rules to speed up solar deployment. Standardise grid connection procedures and technical requirements for solar and battery devices. Facilitate movement of workers by harmonising training and certifications across the continent.1 2 3

Why — Harmonisation would significantly reduce software development costs and ease entry into new markets.4 5

Impact — Fossil fuel companies lose the competitive advantage they currently enjoy from existing monetary policies.6

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Meeting with Tiemo Wölken (Member of the European Parliament)

31 Jan 2025 · Renewable policy (staff level)

Meeting with Dan Jørgensen (Commissioner) and

30 Jan 2025 · Affordable Energy action Plan

Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Jan 2025 · Exchange on Expectations on the Clean industrial Deal

Meeting with Sigrid Friis (Member of the European Parliament)

27 Jan 2025 · Energy policy

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e. V. and

24 Jan 2025 · Energiepolitik

Meeting with Jutta Paulus (Member of the European Parliament)

22 Jan 2025 · Security of Energy Supply

Meeting with Nicolás González Casares (Member of the European Parliament)

22 Jan 2025 · renewable energy

Meeting with Jens Gieseke (Member of the European Parliament) and Norsk Hydro

22 Jan 2025 · Austausch zu EU Politik

Meeting with Paula Abreu Marques (Head of Unit Energy)

22 Jan 2025 · Exchange of views on SP Europe’s latest analysis of solar sector developments; and listen to their views on Clean Industrial Deal (CID) and Affordable Energy Action Plan (AEAP)

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament)

22 Jan 2025 · Politique énergétique européenne

Meeting with Marina Mesure (Member of the European Parliament)

22 Jan 2025 · Enjeux à venir pour le secteur du solaire en Europe

Meeting with Veronika Vrecionová (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair)

22 Jan 2025 · Solar energy in agriculture

Meeting with Joachim Balke (Head of Unit Energy)

20 Jan 2025 · Latest developments and challenges in the solar industry, with link to electricity grids

Meeting with Monika Zsigri (Head of Unit Energy)

14 Jan 2025 · Energy security & EU competitiveness

Meeting with Andrea Wechsler (Member of the European Parliament) and ExxonMobil Petroleum Chemical and Wirtschaftsverband Fuels und Energie e. V.

17 Dec 2024 · EU Energy and industry policy

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and ENGIE and

13 Dec 2024 · Energy policy

Meeting with Kerstin Jorna (Director-General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

9 Dec 2024 · Discussion with Electrification Alliance

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament) and THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IN EUROPE gemeinnützige GmbH

5 Dec 2024 · Nature friendly solar power

Meeting with Kerstin Jorna (Director-General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

2 Dec 2024 · Discussion on inverters and solar energy

Meeting with Giorgio Gori (Member of the European Parliament)

29 Nov 2024 · Exchange of vies on draft EV battery delegated act

Meeting with Kurt Vandenberghe (Director-General Climate Action) and Transport and Environment (European Federation for Transport and Environment) and

29 Nov 2024 · Recommendations for an Electrification Action plan in Europe

Meeting with Kurt Vandenberghe (Director-General Climate Action)

29 Nov 2024 · Electrification Alliance

Meeting with Herbert Dorfmann (Member of the European Parliament)

27 Nov 2024 · Discussion on the relevance of agrisolar to EU energy and agriculture policies

Meeting with Dario Tamburrano (Member of the European Parliament) and Finnish Energy - Energiateollisuus ry

27 Nov 2024 · Priorità per la legislatura

Meeting with Borys Budka (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair)

27 Nov 2024 · Solar power

Meeting with Andrea Wechsler (Member of the European Parliament) and Mercedes-Benz Group AG

14 Oct 2024 · EU Energy and Industry Policy

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and Transport and Environment (European Federation for Transport and Environment) and

4 Oct 2024 · Clean Industrial Deal

Meeting with Yannis Maniatis (Member of the European Parliament)

1 Oct 2024 · The future of Solar Power

Meeting with Tsvetelina Penkova (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Sept 2024 · Future priorities

Meeting with Michael Bloss (Member of the European Parliament) and Climate Action Network Europe and

26 Sept 2024 · CAN Energy policy conference

Meeting with Bas Eickhout (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Sept 2024 · Accelerating renewables

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Sept 2024 · Politique énergétique européenne - Energies renouvelables

Meeting with Andrea Wechsler (Member of the European Parliament) and BUSINESSEUROPE and

23 Sept 2024 · EU Energy and Industry Policy

Meeting with András Gyürk (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Sept 2024 · Overview of the policy priorities of the solar sector

Meeting with Elena Sancho Murillo (Member of the European Parliament) and ChargeUp Europe

18 Sept 2024 · Relevant issues to the ITRE Committee

Meeting with Yannis Maniatis (Member of the European Parliament)

18 Sept 2024 · Introductory Meeting

Meeting with Benedetta Scuderi (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Sept 2024 · Energy

Meeting with Lukas Sieper (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Sept 2024 · Networking exchange

Meeting with Ana Vasconcelos (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Sept 2024 · Introductory meeting

Meeting with Christine Singer (Member of the European Parliament) and Verband der Chemischen Industrie e.V.

5 Sept 2024 · Austausch neue Legislaturperiode

Meeting with Daniel Attard (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Jul 2024 · Solar Energy

Meeting with Wouter Beke (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Jul 2024 · Solar PV

RE-Source Platform urges flexible PPA rules for battery carbon

28 May 2024

Topic — Methodology for calculating and verifying the life-cycle carbon footprint of electric vehicle batteries.

Message — The platform requests acceptance of all PPA models, including cross-border and financial. Existing contracts must be recognized for calculating carbon footprint reduction within the regulation. They also demand that Guarantees of Origin remain valid for renewable energy claims.1 2 3

Why — This would allow companies to lower reported emissions using their existing renewable contracts.4 5

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Meeting with Thomas Waitz (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Apr 2024 · Solar und Agrarflächen

Response to Recommendation to promote the development of innovative forms of solar energy deployment

2 Apr 2024

See attached document.

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Meeting with Francisco Guerreiro (Member of the European Parliament)

21 Mar 2024 · Solar power landscape in Europe

Meeting with Maroš Šefčovič (Executive Vice-President) and

26 Feb 2024 · Clean Transition Dialogue on EGD Infrastructures

Meeting with Ditte Juul-Joergensen (Director-General Energy) and Eurelectric aisbl and

26 Feb 2024 · Clean Transition Dialogue on EGD Infrastructures

Meeting with Ditte Juul-Joergensen (Director-General Energy) and BUSINESSEUROPE and

22 Feb 2024 · Energy market

Meeting with Maroš Šefčovič (Executive Vice-President) and

22 Feb 2024 · Clean Transition Dialogue on Clean Technologies

Meeting with Seán Kelly (Member of the European Parliament)

21 Feb 2024 · Interview for Solar Power Europe's Vote Solar Podcast

Response to Guidance to facilitate the designation of renewables acceleration areas

19 Feb 2024

The mapping of favourable areas (under article 15b) and acceleration areas (under article 15c) are two distinct processes that can be performed simultaneously or individually. Before entering into the details of how to perform mapping, it is paramount to consider the following principles: 1. The mapping should be technology-specific and should be focused on ground-mounted solar PV. Acceleration areas for rooftop PV does not make sense in our view, since projects are typically already exempted from environmental impact assessment and take less than one year to be authorised. 2. Spatial planning should not freeze renewable energy deployment until the finalisation of the planning exercise. The exercise of mapping the renewable potential and defining acceleration areas should only be an addition to business-as-usual project development. 3. Spatial planning is here to support renewable energy project development by creating extra facilitated zones for deployment, engaging local authorities early on, and providing developers with information. However, the expertise of project developers should be recognised when defining sites for renewable energy projects. The role of planning is to ensure early public involvement through local authorities and to provide the right level of information on the development potential and the constraints on some sites for developers. The role of national authorities should be separate to that of project developers, who have an important know-how already in siting projects, and already work with local authorities on the issue of public acceptance. The renewables mapping should not lock in limited, rigid zones for renewable development. Instead, the mapping should identify favourable zones with potential for PV development (preferably ground-mounted), that equate to higher than the national solar targets, and allow developers to use their expertise to identify the right siting for their projects. 4. Contrary to other technologies such as wind, the purpose of the mapping should not be to concentrate projects in strictly delimited areas. Since solar PV projects are adaptable and versatile by nature, they should therefore benefit from a different approach. 5. Acceleration areas, which are a subset of the renewables mapping, are designed to respond to an energy emergency, and should not lead to the creation of no-go zones. It is important to understand that the exercise for Member States to map favourable areas for renewables is distinct from the identification of acceleration areas. Acceleration areas can be seen as a subset of the favourable areas, prioritising areas with low environmental sensitivities and protecting sensitive areas. It is important to clearly communicate the distinction between favourable areas and acceleration areas, considering that in some Member States such as Portugal, environmental defence groups are already arguing that projects outside acceleration areas should not be granted permits, which is not the intention of the regulation. 6. All relevant information must be freely and publicly available in a usable format (e.g. GIS-based). The renewables mapping should be used to provide information to public authorities and project developers on the availability of renewable resources, the status of land, biodiversity sensitivities, as well as of the presence of grid infrastructure. 7. The whole exercise, and in particular the methodology and key criteria for the designation of favourable areas and renewable acceleration areas, needs to be coordinated at national level or higher. We cannot rely only on local authorities, which risks resulting in different methodologies being used and arbitrary decision at local level.

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Meeting with Barbara Glowacka (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson), Stefano Grassi (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson)

9 Feb 2024 · EU solar manufacturing

Meeting with Peter Liese (Member of the European Parliament)

7 Feb 2024 · Austausch

Meeting with Peter Van Kemseke (Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen)

30 Jan 2024 · solar sector

Meeting with Caroline Boeshertz (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis), Michael Hager (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

25 Jan 2024 · International trade; EU solar industry.

Meeting with Caroline Boeshertz (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis), Michael Hager (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

16 Jan 2024 · International trade; EU solar industry.

Meeting with Adam Romanowski (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič)

30 Oct 2023 · solar sector state-of-play

Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

23 Oct 2023 · Roundtable meeting with 10 Secretary Generals and CEOs of the Electrification Alliance on the revised Renewable Energy Directive (revised REDII), electricity market design, grids and storage.

Meeting with Kurt Vandenberghe (Director-General Climate Action)

28 Sept 2023 · solar prices plummeting

Meeting with Santina Bertulessi (Cabinet of Commissioner Nicolas Schmit)

25 Sept 2023 · Green Skills

Meeting with Tom Vandenkendelaere (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur for opinion)

12 Sept 2023 · net zero industries act, wind energy

Meeting with Barbara Glowacka (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson), Stefano Grassi (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson)

5 Sept 2023 · State of play of solar power manufacturing and deployment in the EU

Response to Review report on the Governance Regulation of the Energy Union and Climate Action

26 Jul 2023

Renewables mean renewables The road to a fully decarbonized energy system requires systemic change, and long-term investment certainty. In June 2023, the attempt from several Member States (MS) to delay the agreement on the RED for the benefit of a recognition of low-carbon energy sources has shown how the debate on the future governance can be jeopardized by deflecting attention from renewables. The governance must remain focused on promoting 100% renewable energy sources (RES). Article 5 must reiterate that national contributions to the EU RES target can be achieved only by means of deploying new sources of renewable energy. A strong governance to support 2030 targets Article 4 must be updated to ensure that MS reach the binding EU target of 42,5% and are on track to reaching 45%. To this extend, it should include a chapter with additional policies and measures to be on track with a 45% target, that should go on top of existing measures planned to reach a 42,5% target. The gap-filling mechanism should be clearly developed, with the possibility e.g. to call for EU auctions or joint projects between Member States. The indicative target for Member States to establish at least two joint projects with other Member States could be used. A governance fit for 2040 As highlighted by the IPCC, solar PV is the most efficient and the most affordable technology to decarbonise our energy system. Solar PV, within a highly electrified energy system, is expected to reach the Terawatt-level by 2030 and become one of the major contributors to a sustainable, secure and affordable energy. With such perspectives, the solar industry firmly believes that a fossil-free energy system for Europe is achievable by 2040, with an economy-wide reduction of EU emissions by more than 90%. This is the only pathway to reach our commitments under the Paris agreement, and would also entail new economic opportunities for the EU. For this, the governance must include, i.a. via a revision of the NECPs template, a roadmap to a fossil-free energy system by 2040 and a national electrification indicator An inclusive planning and reporting Local authorities are the forefront of the implementation of RES policies. Existing structures such as the Covenant of Mayors or the Committee of Regions should become the vehicles for implementing the solar transition, and the governance of the Energy Union should be made more connected to the local and national levels via direct monitoring and reporting from the local level to the Commission. On the top of local authorities, DSOs and TSOs should provide transparency on their investment plans and include 100% renewables grid development scenarios. Another enabling measure would be to create a hotline on solar planning and permitting between these structures and the local level. A planning and reporting based on clear indicators EU energy policy should focus on monitoring results and performance. To this end, the European Union should define, in an iterative approach with Member States, key performance indicators (KPIs) such as capacity in cross-border projects, max. time of permitting process, installers/electricians per MW, level of electrification, etc. Such KPIs could be reported on through the NECPs as well as through the European Semester. This way, the EU would provide transparency on national situation in terms of renewable deployment and policy. A governance connected with EU funding To support this reinforced governance framework, the EU needs to reinforce the connection between its financial instruments and the fulfilment of climate and energy targets by Member States, using the tools mentioned above as proxies to monitor national progress. Among the support and the financial instruments one could mention the funds from the Cohesion Policy, the European Social Fund (ESF+), the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Just Transition Fund and the Social Climate Fund.

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SolarPower Europe Urges Dedicated Funding for Net-Zero Manufacturing

26 Jun 2023

Topic — A regulatory proposal to strengthen the European manufacturing ecosystem for net-zero technologies.

Message — Establish a dedicated European financial instrument for solar technologies and revise State Aid rules. They also seek clarified non-price auction criteria via a Delegated Act.1 2 3

Why — Dedicated funding and revised rules would help bridge the massive sixty billion euro financing gap.4 5

Impact — Non-European suppliers face exclusion if they dominate more than sixty-five percent of the regional market.6 7

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Meeting with Kurt Vandenberghe (Director-General Climate Action)

21 Jun 2023 · Solar industrial strategy

Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

20 Jun 2023 · Presentation of new report on smart electrification.

Meeting with Wolfgang Burtscher (Director-General Agriculture and Rural Development)

19 Jun 2023 · At this meeting the opportunities and challenges regarding deployment of AGRI-PV systems were discussed.

Meeting with Maria-Manuel Leitão-Marques (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

9 Jun 2023 · Forced Labour

Meeting with Gerassimos Thomas (Director-General Taxation and Customs Union)

9 Jun 2023 · Physical meeting - Exchange on the solar industrial strategy

Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament)

7 Jun 2023 · Exchange on the Net Zero Industry Act

Meeting with Tiemo Wölken (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur for opinion) and Transport and Environment (European Federation for Transport and Environment) and

22 May 2023 · Net-Zero Industry Act Stakeholder Hearing

Meeting with Pierre-Arnaud Proux (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager), Thomas Woolfson (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager)

11 May 2023 · EU policies and initiatives such as the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework and the Net Zero Industry Act

Meeting with Marek Paweł Balt (Member of the European Parliament)

9 May 2023 · The Net-Zero Industry Act & electricity market design framework

Meeting with Emma Wiesner (Member of the European Parliament) and WindEurope

4 May 2023 · Panel om framtidens energilagring

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

26 Apr 2023 · NZIA, EMD

Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

3 Apr 2023 · Discussion on how to strengthen the EU-US cooperation to increase the deployment of renewables.

Meeting with Matthias Ecke (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur for opinion)

23 Mar 2023 · Industriepolitik / Net Zero Industry Act

Meeting with Ruud Kempener (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson)

15 Mar 2023 · Renewable Energy Directive

Meeting with Axel Voss (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and BUSINESSEUROPE and

8 Mar 2023 · Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence

Meeting with Margrethe Vestager (Executive Vice-President) and

7 Mar 2023 · Solving the energy crisis through the Green Deal Industrial Plan and an Action Plan to digitalize the energy sector.

Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

7 Mar 2023 · Exchange on the needed regulatory support to promote the deployment and manufacturing of the solar power in the EU and the EU’s support for the solar energy so far.

Meeting with Tom Berendsen (Member of the European Parliament)

14 Feb 2023 · Electricity Market Design - Meeting with APA

Meeting with Frans Timmermans (Executive Vice-President) and WindEurope and

2 Feb 2023 · Hydrogen bank proposal and the Green Deal Industrial Plan

Meeting with Günther Sidl (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Dec 2022 · General Exchange of Views

Meeting with Ciarán Cuffe (Member of the European Parliament)

13 Dec 2022 · REPowerEU (staff level)

Meeting with Margrete Auken (Member of the European Parliament)

13 Dec 2022 · Permitting for renewable energy

Response to Effectively banning products produced, extracted or harvested with forced labour

30 Nov 2022

Please find attached SolarPower Europe's position paper on the forced labour product ban.

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Meeting with Manuela Ripa (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

21 Nov 2022 · Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

Response to Evaluation of the 2012 Directive on waste from electrical and electronic equipment

3 Nov 2022

Please find SolarPower Europe's feedback in attachment.

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Meeting with Anne Funch Jensen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager), Pierre-Arnaud Proux (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager), Stina Soewarta (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager) and Akuo Energy

19 Oct 2022 · European PV Solar Alliance

Meeting with Pascal Canfin (Member of the European Parliament) and WindEurope

23 Sept 2022 · Green Deal

Meeting with Diederik Samsom (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

22 Sept 2022 · Energy crisis response and RepowerEU

Meeting with Santina Bertulessi (Cabinet of Commissioner Nicolas Schmit)

21 Sept 2022 · The the solar strategy and the potential for skilled job creation

Meeting with Riccardo Maggi (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

19 Sept 2022 · Energy crisis response and RepowerEU

Meeting with Ville Niinistö (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

14 Sept 2022 · RED repower permittting (staff level)

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and WindEurope

14 Sept 2022 · Révision de RED II, REPowerEU

Meeting with Henna Virkkunen (Member of the European Parliament)

13 Sept 2022 · Renewable Energy Directive

Meeting with Silvia Modig (Member of the European Parliament)

12 Sept 2022 · Renewable Energy Directive

Meeting with Miapetra Kumpula-Natri (Member of the European Parliament)

7 Sept 2022 · Renewable Energy Directive

Meeting with Damien Carême (Member of the European Parliament)

6 Sept 2022 · Directive Energies renouvelables et Paquet gaz

Meeting with Petros Kokkalis (Member of the European Parliament)

5 Sept 2022 · RepowerEU

SolarPower Europe Urges Faster Permitting to Accelerate Renewable Shift

27 Jul 2022

Topic — EU guidance on accelerating permitting for renewable energy projects and facilitating power agreements.

Message — SolarPower Europe recommends to "swiftly identify sufficiently large priority areas" for renewable installations. They request "clear time limits" and "silence means agreement" in administrative procedures. They also advocate identifying renewable projects "as of overriding public interest."1 2 3

Why — Faster permitting would remove major bottlenecks and accelerate the rollout of solar energy.4 5

Impact — Biomass producers lose competitive advantage by being excluded from fast-track public interest status.6

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Meeting with Anouk Faber (Cabinet of Commissioner Nicolas Schmit), Christoph Nerlich (Cabinet of Commissioner Nicolas Schmit), Santina Bertulessi (Cabinet of Commissioner Nicolas Schmit) and European Association of Electrical Contractors

13 Jul 2022 · Renewable energies, Labour market and skills

Response to Sustainable Products Initiative

22 Jun 2022

SolarPower Europe supports the regulatory proposal’s objective to extend the scope of Ecodesign beyond energy-related projects. As already pointed out in our feedback during the previous phases of this legislative initiative, we believe that broadening the scope of sustainability policies to additional sectors of the economy will strengthen EU efforts to reach climate neutrality and achieve the objectives laid out in the Circular Economy Action Plan. Setting minimum sustainability and information requirements to a broader range of products will also help establish a more level playing field for those products that are already subject to Ecodesign requirements. We welcome the intention to develop harmonised standards and ensure methodological consistency for sustainability assessments and information requirements. Harmonisation, transparency and comparability shall be guaranteed to the maximum extent possible. For this reason, we support the recommendation of using the Product Environmental Footprint methodology as the default methodology. As rightly pointed out in the impact assessment results, there is a risk of overlap with the Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence legislative proposal. We agree with the approach of excluding social aspects from the scope of the Sustainable Products Initiative, as these relevant aspects will be targeted in the Sustainable Due Diligence legislation. An important methodological aspect to highlight is the need to update the default Primary Energy Factor (PEF) value for electricity, a factor that plays a key role in recognising the efficiency of direct electrification and that is currently outdated. The default PEF value for electricity should adequately reflect, in a more dynamic and forward looking approach, the current and future share of renewables in the electricity mix as planned for in member states’ NECPs. Crucially, as a leading stakeholder for products – solar PV modules, inverters and systems – that are currently undergoing an Ecodesign policy process, we stress the importance of avoiding any legislative incoherence between products that are already in the scope of the existing Ecodesign Directive vis-à-vis products that will be in the broader scope of the new Ecodesign Regulation. A smooth transition between the two legislative documents shall be ensured. In order to provide stable conditions for market players, it will be essential to make sure that, once they enter into force, the PV Ecodesign policy measures are not affected by the transition from the Ecodesign Directive to the Ecodesign Regulation.

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SolarPower Europe urges manageable enforcement of forced labour ban

20 Jun 2022

Topic — The EU initiative aims to prohibit products made with forced labour on the market.

Message — The association requests that authorities focus scrutiny on known risk areas and exempt companies with existing auditing systems. They suggest a sample-based review process for imports to avoid excessive bureaucracy. Finally, they demand that the regulation avoids retroactive measures or confiscation of installed products.1 2 3

Why — A targeted approach reduces administrative burdens and protects current solar infrastructure investments.4 5

Impact — Forced labour victims may face continued risks if authorities only review import samples.6

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Meeting with Jerzy Buzek (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Eurelectric aisbl and

2 Jun 2022 · Meeting on gas and hydrogen regulation

Response to Sustainable corporate governance

23 May 2022

SolarPower Europe welcomes the European Commission's efforts to make supply chains more sustainable. We believe that ensuring respect for human rights and the environment and advancing the clean energy transition go hand in hand. Solar Power Europe will take an active role in this process and will contribute to the discussion to have the European solar industry align with international human rights and environmental standards with regards to its global value chain. Below are Solar Power Europe’s key recommendations on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, see the attached position paper for more information. ● Allow appropriate time for the industry to comply with legal requirements. Based on other sectors' comparable experience it takes between 3 to 5 years to establish traceability along the supply chain. This should be reflected in the proposal with a clear timeline and appropriate grace periods for derived legislation. ● Adopt clear implementation guidelines addressing the technical, economic and geopolitical challenges of the solar supply chain. The guidelines should provide guidance on how to deal with situations that require disengagement where alternative suppliers are not available, also considering the relevance of the solar sector for achieving global economy decarbonisation goals. ● Recognise existing efforts and industry schemes to avoid duplication of costs and administrative burden. ● Base fitness criteria for industry-driven schemes on already recognised standards, certifications and industry best-practices. ● Ensure legal certainty for companies. Legal certainty for companies must be ensured and the introduction of extensive civil liability rules could lead to legal uncertainty. The responsibility for taking action on severe consequences for human rights and the environment, and addressing them, should lie with the party that caused or contributed to the consequences. Regarding the responsibilities, the distinction between direct and indirect business partners has to be preserved by the co-legislators. The possible civil liability should be limited to areas where the company has effective control (e.g first tier suppliers or affiliates) and it should always apply to the first entity that caused non-compliance – the obligation should not travel up or down the value chain. Sanctions should not go beyond the direct influence of the company. They should take into account whether companies have complied with their obligation to perform risk assessments and due diligence procedures and have had the opportunity to become aware of the violations. Companies cannot be held responsible for information withheld from them. ● Raise clarity on definitions of 'established business relationship' ,'appropriate measures to adequately mitigate adverse impacts' and ‘direct and indirect business partners’. ● Ensure harmonised derived Member States’ legislation and enforcement practices ● Provide diplomatic assistance with suppliers in third countries for capacity building, awareness raising and audit execution. ● Put effective political pressure on third countries to allow human rights and environmental due diligence abroad through the EU external action and international trade agreements so that companies are not left alone in delivering the Directive’s objectives. Despite their best efforts, EU businesses may end up in a situation where indispensable parts of the supply chain resist EU influence and remain non-transparent. Considering how photovoltaic is a key technology for the energy transition, as pointed out in the EU Solar Strategy, a solution needs to be found on how to reconcile the above challenges with the European Green Deal objectives. In this regard, we welcome the European Commission’s efforts to genuinely support the reinforcement of a EU-based photovoltaic industry, as set out in the EU Solar Strategy, as another building block in making supply chains more resilient.

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Meeting with Pär Holmgren (Member of the European Parliament) and WindEurope

19 May 2022 · Renewable Hydrogen (staff level)

Meeting with Mauro Raffaele Petriccione (Director-General Climate Action)

18 May 2022 · Energy Security and REPowerEU

Meeting with Diederik Samsom (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

10 May 2022 · REPowerEU

Meeting with Anne Funch Jensen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager), Pierre-Arnaud Proux (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager)

2 May 2022 · Competition policy and energy.

Meeting with Aleksandra Tomczak (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans), Sarah Nelen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans) and

28 Apr 2022 · EU’s security of energy supply

Meeting with Ditte Juul-Joergensen (Director-General Energy)

12 Apr 2022 · Discussion on technologies for the energy transition and energy prices.

Meeting with Kurt Vandenberghe (Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen)

7 Apr 2022 · Solar Sustainability Best Practice Benchmark and a dedicated paper on Agri-PV Best practices

Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

30 Mar 2022 · Discussion on Solar Power Europe views on how to boost the manufacturing and deployment of solar PVs in the EU.

Meeting with Anne Funch Jensen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager)

25 Jan 2022 · State aid Guidelines on Climate, environmental protection and Energy

Meeting with Wojtek Talko (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

24 Jan 2022 · Sustainable Corporate Governance

Meeting with Joan Canton (Cabinet of Commissioner Thierry Breton)

10 Jan 2022 · Industrial Strategy; dependencies

Meeting with Andrea Beltramello (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

14 Dec 2021 · Due diligence, forced labour

Meeting with Markus Pieper (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Schneider Electric and

24 Nov 2021 · RED III

Response to Revision of the Energy Tax Directive

18 Nov 2021

The taxation of energy products and electricity is a central tool to drive a fair, consistent and cost-efficient energy transition. It will be central to give the right signals to an energy-efficient and renewable-based electrification of Europe. For this reason, SolarPower Europe welcomes the proposed revision of the text and the set-up of minimum taxation rates based on the environmental performance of energy products. We would nevertheless like to share the following comments (additional details in the attached paper): • Levies aimed at financing renewable energy deployment should be shifted outside of the electricity bill and moved to general taxation. In the short-term, renewable electricity consumers should be exempted from such levies. • Within the context of the European Green Deal, it is crucial for tax revenues to promote the penetration of technologies that are key for the energy transition. • Battery storage should be always treated as a redistributor and not be subject to double taxation. • Decouple taxation levels between renewable and low-carbon motor and heating fuels as well as fuels used in the aviation and maritime sectors to avoid carbon lock-in effects.

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Response to Revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001

18 Nov 2021

SolarPower Europe welcomes the European Commission's proposed amendments of the Renewable Energy Directive. Attached you may find our full feedback to the proposal. Considering the market growth of solar, the EU can go further even faster in its renewable energy ambition. According to SolarPower Europe modelling, the 40% target is insufficient to reach the required 55% GHG emissions reduction target by 2030. SolarPower Europe modelling shows that to reach the 55% GHG target in the most cost-efficient way, the renewable energy target should be increased to at least 45% renewables in the EU’s final energy demand. Reaching this higher target is within reach and would put the EU on track to deliver on the 1.5 Paris Agreement scenario. This target can be met through the implementation of an appropriate policy frameworks, reflecting the ambitions of the European Green Deal to drive further additional renewable installations by removing key bottlenecks in grid access, financing, or permitting. Accelerating the deployment of renewable energy will be key to shield energy consumers from high energy prices in the future. Solar is already shielding millions of Europeans from price shocks: according to our calculations households with existing solar installations are saving around 60% of their monthly electricity bill during the crisis. Reaching a 45% renewable energy target will also underpin the creation of 1.4 million solar jobs in 2030, in the manufacturing of PV components, and in the deployment, the operations and maintenance and in the decommissioning of solar plants. SolarPower Europe's key recommendations to enable the EU to fully unlock its solar potential are to: 1. Increase the EU’s 2030 renewable energy target to at least 45% renewable energy in final energy demand by 2030 (article 3). 2. Introduce targeted amendments to improve strategic planning and facilitate rooftop PV deployment (articles 15 and 15a) and establish an appropriate enforcement strategy (non-regulatory). 3. Maintain the strong definition of renewable hydrogen and RFNBOs (article 1) and ensure the industry and transport sub-targets only promote RFNBO uptake in hard-to-abate sectors (articles 22a and 25). 4. Boost corporate procurement of renewables (articles 15 and 19) and improve the Guarantees of Origin framework (article 19). 5. Leverage support schemes and tendering frameworks to promote the most sustainable renewable energy technologies (articles 3, 4, and 15). 6. Enhance the framework for mid-sized renewable energy generation and storage systems (article 15a). 7. Support proposals to accelerate renewable-based electrification and energy system integration (articles 3, 20a, and 25).

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Response to Environmental impact of photovoltaic modules, inverters and systems - Energy Labelling

28 Oct 2021

SolarPower Europe welcomes this opportunity to provide feedback on the European Commission’s Inception Impact Assessment on Ecodesign and Energy Labelling requirements for PV products. We closely followed the preparatory work conducted by the Commission and the JRC in advance of this Inception Impact Assessment and look forward to the outcome of this work. Of the different policy options outlined in the Inception Impact Assessment, we support option 6 – the introduction of Ecodesign, Energy Labelling and EU Green Public Procurement (GPP) measures. This choice would follow a holistic approach to support a sustainable PV industry and consumer landscape. SolarPower Europe supports the Commission’s Ecodesign proposals, which will be critical to establish a harmonised set of sustainability requirements for the PV sector at EU level. We particularly support the Commission’s proposal to take into account, among others, the durability, degradation, recyclability, and ecological profile (notably carbon footprint) of PV products, building on existing methodologies such as the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs) for PV or the Environmental Footprint Declaration (EPD). We encourage the Commission to also ensure consistency with existing international standards that have proven to be successful in harmonising criteria and impact categories, such as the EPEAT Ecolabel for PV modules and inverters. These sustainability and circular economy aspects will also play a key role in the recast of the WEEE Directive planned for 2023. In this context, we would like to see these measures followed up with the establishment of a clear framework for reusing and refurbishing solar PV products to further enhance the circularity of solar energy. The strategic importance of establishing PV Ecodesign criteria was recognised in the updated 2021 EU Industrial Strategy, which states that the market expansion of solar “is a key opportunity, as greater scale should bring lower energy costs for industry as well as society at large. The Commission welcomes efforts to scale up manufacturing of these technologies in the EU, such as the industry-led European Solar Initiative.” Once defined, we would encourage the Commission to make full use of the Ecodesign requirements in an industrial policy context, including GPP, Guidelines for State Aid, and PV support schemes under the Renewables Energy Directive. By harmonising requirements and calculation methods at the EU level, the Ecodesign measures will enable member states to better integrate and weight sustainability aspects such as CO2 footprint in relevant procurement and auction schemes, creating a level playing field across jurisdictions. With regard to the proposed Energy Labelling requirements, we support their use as an additional instrument to inform consumers in a B2C context, provided they are underpinned by a clear methodology. This measure should not become a disincentive to install certain PV applications, but rather a tool enhancing transparency and helping consumers take informed decisions. Provided that this measure is targeting residential PV systems, manufacturers could be given the option not to include the Energy Label on products destined for non-B2C markets, which already use sophisticated site-specific design and energy prediction software to evaluate technology, real world efficiency and energy characteristics. Energy Label for these applications would be unnecessary, complicating, and costly in mass deployment situations. Finally, market surveillance and enforcement will be critical for enhanced sustainability rules for PV products to be successful. The stricter the requirements on sustainability, the more important it will be to ensure these are properly enforced, including for imported products, while at the same time avoiding excessive burdens on producers. More should be done to reward manufacturers that allow for transparent supply chain certification and inspection.

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Meeting with Anne Funch Jensen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager), Michele Piergiovanni (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager)

14 Jun 2021 · Discussion of proposed CEEAG

Meeting with Laure Chapuis (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson)

31 May 2021 · Recommendations for the REDII Revision.

Meeting with Frans Timmermans (Executive Vice-President)

10 May 2021 · Climate transition challenges

Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

30 Apr 2021 · Making Europe the global leader in renewable Hydrogen.

Meeting with Koen Doens (Director-General Directorate-General for International Partnerships)

27 Apr 2021 · Webinar Solar4GlobalChange

Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

20 Apr 2021 · Green vs Low Carbon Hydrogen.

Response to Revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU

22 Mar 2021

Solar Power Europe’s recommendations for the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU: - Introduce requirements to deploy on-site solar PV and storage on all suitable buildings. - Design Mandatory Energy Performance Standards that incentivise integrated building renovations, with a focus on final energy consumption reductions. - Require renovation budgets to reserve a minimum share to deploy on-site solar and storage. - Promote “time-of-use” energy efficiency in buildings. - Require Member States to deploy on-site solar and storage as part of their National Long-Term renovation Strategies. Further details on our Reccomendations in the position paper attached. The revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU (“EPBD”) will be essential to achieve increased 2030 climate and energy targets, be on track to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and achieve the objectives of the Renovation Wave, specifically the objective to reduce 60% building-related emissions by 2030 compared to a 2015 baseline. To achieve the objectives of the Renovation Wave, the EPBD should accelerate the deployment of on-site solar across the EU, including Building Integrated Photovoltaics (“BIPV”). Building envelopes (both roofs and façades) represent a significant potential to deploy decentralized renewable energy capacity and support the achievement of the EU’s renewable energy ambition. BIPV combines these advantages with passive and active measures of energy efficiency on already built surfaces. Analysis carried out by SolarPower Europe showed that the share of renewables in EU final energy demand should be of at least 45% by 2030, requiring the deployment of at least 870 GW of solar capacity by 2030. Conservative estimates carried out by the Joint Research Centre indicate the solar rooftop generation potential of the EU’s buildings is 680 TWh, equivalent to 24.4% of current electricity consumption . Two thirds of this potential (467 TWh) could be generated at a cost lower than today’s residential tariffs. The solar potential of EU buildings is even greater if we consider that BIPV allow solar to be deployed throughout the building envelope. Today, the BIPV market in Europe stands at approximately 200 MWp per year. The European BIPV market represents an annual opportunity of almost 600 million € in 2020, and by 2023 this market value could almost triple and reach more than 1500 million € in the best-case scenario . In parallel to on-site solar, the EPBD should accelerate the deployment of distributed storage in new and renovated buildings. The combination between smart solar & storage allows prosumers to reach a 60% to 90% rate of electricity self-consumption . Increasing the roll out of decentralised loads would increase the potential for buildings to provide flexibility services, enhancing the smart management of an increasingly renewable energy system and reducing grid-related costs. Overall, accelerating the deployment of on-site solar and storage will have positive effects on job creation, unlocking significant potential for sustainable investments, and support a resilient green recovery. As shown by the IEA, investments into rooftop solar offer the highest level of jobs created of any power generation technology. The on-site solar and distributed storage sectors are SME heavy and contribute to the creation of local, qualified, and sustainable jobs. Solar PV creates more jobs than any other energy industry driven in part by rooftop solar . Furthermore, 3 out of 4 solar jobs in the EU are downstream jobs, which are local and cannot be relocated.

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Response to Revision of the guidelines for trans-European Energy infrastructure

8 Mar 2021

See attachment for SolarPower Europe's feedback on the Revision of the Guidelines for Trans-European Energy Infrastructure.

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Response to Modernising the EU’s batteries legislation

1 Mar 2021

SolarPower Europe's key recommendations on the draft EU Battery Regulation can be found in the attached file.

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Meeting with Kim Jorgensen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager)

11 Feb 2021 · State Aid policy and Green Deal

Meeting with Frans Timmermans (Executive Vice-President)

4 Feb 2021 · Fit for 55 package

Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

27 Jan 2021 · Solar PV manufacturing in the EU. Revision of the Renewable Directive, Energy Efficiency, role of renewable and solar in the Climate Target Plan.

Meeting with Thierry Breton (Commissioner) and

27 Jan 2021 · Solar PV manufacturing in the EU

Meeting with Kerstin Jorna (Director-General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

13 Jan 2021 · Courtesy discussion on the latest development of the solar industry initiative and the future investment

Response to Revision of the Communication on important projects of common European interest

21 Dec 2020

The New Industrial Strategy for Europe sets the objective of redeveloping industrial activities rooted in the EU’s innovation strengths and enabling the timely implementation of the European Green Deal. Solar PV is at the core of this double objective: the rapid growth of the domestic solar market, the long-term reliance of our energy system on solar PV, the low carbon footprint of modules manufactured in Europe, the necessary transition to the next generation of PV technologies and the EU industrial leadership in those technologies offer excellent prospects for the redevelopment of manufacturing activities for PV in Europe. The next generation of existing technologies, such as Heterojunction cells, as well as high efficiency solar innovations, such as Perovskite Photovoltaics, developed in Europe can be the instruments to meet these challenges. Redeveloping solar manufacturing activities in Europe will require the creation of a value chain support strategy so that industrial projects reach sufficient scale to become sustainably competitive on the global solar PV market, in the long term. Instruments should include cost-competitive financing for industrial deployment as well as policies to encourage value chain scale up and optimization. It will also require keeping investing into research and development in innovative solar technologies to preserve the European industry’s technological leadership in solar technologies, in a context when private and public investment in clean energy technologies R&I is decreasing (see the 2020 Clean Energy Competitiveness Report of the European Commission). IPCEIs can be a central pillar of the European industrial policy for solar, and the revision could further improve the IPCEI framework to facilitate investment in solar PV industrial projects. Please find attached the detailed contribution of SolarPower Europe.

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Meeting with Eszter Batta (Cabinet of Commissioner Thierry Breton) and KIC InnoEnergy SE

4 Dec 2020 · Solar panels mafacturing

Meeting with Aleksandra Tomczak (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

2 Dec 2020 · TEN-E

Response to Updating the EU Emissions Trading System

26 Nov 2020

Please find in the attachment SolarPower Europe's response to the consultation.

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Meeting with Katherine Power (Cabinet of Commissioner Mairead Mcguinness)

18 Nov 2020 · Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

Meeting with Andrea Beltramello (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

18 Nov 2020 · EU sustainable finance taxonomy

Response to Sustainable Products Initiative

16 Nov 2020

Feedback to the consultation is in the file attached.

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Meeting with Kerstin Jorna (Director-General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

13 Oct 2020 · Discussion on the state of the solar industry

Meeting with Riccardo Maggi (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

1 Oct 2020 · Renovation wave

Meeting with Frans Timmermans (Executive Vice-President) and SOLAR IMPULSE FOUNDATION

22 Sept 2020 · Implementing the Green Deal, especially with a view to renewable energy

Response to Revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001

21 Sept 2020

To be on a pathway consistent with achieving climate-neutrality by 2050, SolarPower Europe supports the European Union to review upwards its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target to at least 55% and to increase the ambition of its 2030 renewable energy target accordingly by June 2021, before the upwards review initially established by the RED II for 2023. Despite the increasing cost-competitiveness of solar, achieving higher ambitions will require a robust European regulatory framework, going beyond or adapting the existing provisions of the RED II. This would imply a combination of non-regulatory measures, raising the ambition of the REDII, and amending REDII legal measures (Option 5 of the Inception Impact Assessment). SolarPower Europe proposes the revision of provisions included in the scope of the inception impact assessment (Articles 3, 15, 23, 25, and 27) and urges the European Commission to extend the scope of the revision to provisions that were not included in the scope of the impact assessment (Articles 16, 19, and 21). Further details are provided in the document attached to this consultation.

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Response to Review of Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency

21 Sept 2020

To be on a pathway consistent with achieving climate-neutrality by 2050, SolarPower Europe supports the European Union to review upwards its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target to at least 55%. However, the EU is not on track to meet its energy efficiency targets, with energy consumption increasing three years in a row. To enable the achievement of energy efficiency targets, the European Union should make use of all available options to reduce energy consumption. According to our recently published study “100% Renewable Europe”3 ambitious policies to support renewable electrification could reduce primary energy demand by more than 22% by 2030 and by 39% by 2050. To capitalise on these system efficiency gains, the EED should set an enabling framework for the renewable electrification of the EU’s energy system, in line with the Energy System Integration Strategy. To achieve this, SolarPower Europe recommends considering a combination of regulatory and non-regulatory changes to the EED. SolarPower Europe recommends in particular the revisions of Articles 2, 5, 14, and 15, and of Annex IV of Directive (EU) 2018/2002. Further information can be found on the document attached to this consultation.

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Meeting with Diederik Samsom (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

11 Sept 2020 · Recovery

Response to Environmental claims based on environmental footprint methods

31 Aug 2020

Please find SolarPower Europe feedback attached, thank you.

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Response to Modernising the EU’s batteries legislation

9 Jul 2020

Please see PDF document attached.

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Meeting with Diederik Samsom (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

15 Jun 2020 · Video message for the Global Solar Market Outlook for Solar Power 2020-2024 on 17/6/2020

Response to Revision of the guidelines for trans-European Energy infrastructure

8 Jun 2020

Thanks to decreasing costs and scalability, solar will be at the core of the future European energy system: solar PV is set to represent more than 60% of Europe’s total electricity generation according to Lappeenranta University and SolarPower Europe’s 100% renewable energy system scenarios . This will require huge investments in a modern grid infrastructure and ‘smart’ technologies. Power grids, particularly distribution grids, will need to be developed to integrate the increasing share of decentralised and prosumer solar capacities. Smart grid technologies will improve operating efficiency, increase security of supply and prepare the power system for the growing penetration of distributed renewable energy. Increased interconnection levels will allow for the development of cross-border solar projects (such as solar PPAs) and contribute to the integration of renewables at European level. In parallel, integrating non-wired alternatives in grid development plans, such as flexibility ressources, including from “grid intelligent” solar plants , can optimise the required grid deployment and the related investment needs. In total, SolarPower Europe 100% Renewable Europe study’s Moderate and Leadership scenario found that between €31 and €39 billion need to be invested in EU electricity grids by 2025, to achieve climate-neutrality by 2050. The level of investment required to meet the infrastructure needs of the future is significant, and therefore it is crucial to align the TEN-E Regulation roadmap with the European Commission’s objective of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. To this end, SolarPower Europe would like to share key recommendations in the document attached.

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Response to Commission Communication – "Renovation wave" initiative for the building sector

4 Jun 2020

The upcoming Renovation wave will be crucial to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and to ensure the EU Green recovery channels investments to clean energy technologies and creates green jobs. The deployment of on-site solar will be pivotal to achieve these objectives. According to the Joint Research Centre, the solar rooftop potential of the EU’s buildings is 680 TWh, equivalent to 24.4% of current electricity consumption , 2/3 of which (467 TWh) could be generated at a cost lower than today’s residential tariffs. The solar potential of EU buildings is even greater if we consider that Building Integrated Photovoltaics (“BIPV”) allow solar to be deployed throughout the building envelope. The rooftop solar sector is SME heavy and contributes to the creation of local, qualified, and sustainable jobs. Solar PV creates more jobs than any other energy industry driven in part by rooftop solar . Furthermore, 3 out of 4 solar jobs in the EU are downstream jobs, which are local and cannot be relocated . Finally, on-site solar installations support the EU’s leadership in clean energy technologies, create new green growth ecosystems and accelerate the development of strong domestic manufacturing capability. To unlock these benefits, the Renovation wave initiative should: 1. Launch a pan-European solar rooftop programme More than 90% of European rooftops suitable for the deployment of solar are unused. The Renovation wave should put forward a pan-European solar rooftop programme aiming to meet the technical solar rooftop potential in every member state. Deploying the capacity needed to meet the EU’s solar rooftop potential would require an investment of about €334 bn in total. This programme should encourage the deployment of BIPV to exploit the potential of building skin surfaces beyond the roof and facilitate the deployment of on-site renewables on heritage-listed buildings . 2. Reinforce Clean Energy Package implementation Inappropriate regulatory and administrative frameworks remain the principal barrier to the deployment of rooftop solar in Europe – a result of uneven and patchy implementation of the Clean Energy Package (CEP) provisions. We strongly encourage the creation of an Implementation Body to guarantee the implementation of the CEP. This platform could bring together the European Commission, Member States, industrial and civil society stakeholders with the objective of reviewing progress in the implementation of the CEP, in particular the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. This body could also provide technical guidance on the Long-Term Renovation Strategies and guarantee that the Renovation Wave reaches its full potential. 3. Promote renewable and electrified HVAC and distributed storage in buildings Heating in buildings is responsible for almost a third of total EU energy demand and most of that heat is powered by burning fossil fuels. The renovation wave should promote non-fossil fuel-based heating solutions such as electric heat pumps combined with solar PV. Electric heat pumps (both at residential and district heating level), could generate over 60% of EU heat by 2050 . Combining smart solar & storage allows prosumers to reach a 60% to 90% rate of self-consumption . The renovation wave should increase the roll out of decentralised loads and enhance demand-side flexibility and storage to smartly manage an energy system with large shares of renewables and reduce costs associated with increased grid capacity.

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Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

14 May 2020 · European Green Deal, COVID-19 crisis and recovery, impact of the crisis on renewable solar, role of renewable solar for energy efficiency and climate target-innovation

Response to Revision of Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive

4 May 2020

Electrification of transport can be a game changer for the transport sector, still responsible for a quarter of greenhouse gases emissions in the EU. With falling technology costs, electric mobility can allow for the fast and efficient decarbonisation of road transport, while reducing air and noise pollution and improving health conditions in cities. Furthermore, with sector integration, a smart electrification of transport can also be a game changer for the energy system as a whole. The rapid connection of new charging points to the grid will require a modern grid planning process and a further development and digitalisation of the grid. In addition, EV batteries will represent up to 28 % of the total battery capacity in 2030 according to IRENA . The ability to activate the flexibility of this battery capacity will be critical for the integration of renewables and the new electric loads of a renewable-energy based system. On the other hand, thanks to their increasingly competitive prices, renewable energies and solar will be key to supply the cost-competitive electricity supporting the business case of electric mobility and to produce cost-competitive renewable hydrogen for transport at low costs, using excess renewable electricity production. Yet, several obstacles remain: • Public support and guidance are still needed to enable the economical operation of charging infrastructure. In addition, the current charging network remains unevenly distributed on the continent. • Lacking grid capacity in certain areas contributes to the delayed connection of charging points. • Smart charging deployment is limited by immature energy flexibility markets and obstacles to the access to vehicle data, particularly the charge level and the charging capacity of the battery. An ambitious and smart transport infrastructure policy is key to unlock the smart and renewable-based electrification of transport. Therefore, SolarPower Europe recommends that: (i) The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive promote the direct and indirect use of renewable electricity across all transport modes, as the most cost-efficient way to decarbonise the transport sector in the next decade. (ii) The contribution of a revised Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive to the decarbonisation of both the transport and the energy sector should is carefully examined. You will find attached SolarPower Europe detailed recommendations.

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Meeting with Laure Chapuis (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson), Stefano Grassi (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson)

28 Apr 2020 · Situation of the sector – COVID 19; Renewables as part of the recovery; Energy Efficiency; Future proposals / Green Deal

Meeting with Ditte Juul-Joergensen (Director-General Energy)

3 Apr 2020 · Actions linked to recovery post-COVID-19 (phone call)

Response to Revision of the Energy Tax Directive

1 Apr 2020

The coherent and effective taxation of energy products should be the centrepiece of any successful energy and climate policy. It gives a clear price signal to consumers and allocates the costs of the energy transition according to the polluter-pays principle included in article 191.2 of the TFEU. With this in mind, SolarPower Europe has carefully considered the inception impact assessment published by the European Commission and wishes to make the following comments in the position paper attached.

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Meeting with Diederik Samsom (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

24 Mar 2020 · The Europoean Green Deal

Response to Fast-track interservice consultation on the 'SEIP including a JTM and the JTF"

13 Mar 2020

SolarPower Europe Reply to the European Commission’s consultation on the Just Transition Fund Reaching carbon-neutrality across Europe will require large-scale deployment of renewable energies, to supply carbon-free and cost-competitive electricity for consumers and businesses. According to Bloomberg, renewable energies will make up 90% of the electricity mix in Europe by 2040, mostly driven by wind and solar . This growth is already a reality in Europe with a 104%increase in the new solar capacities in Europe and expected additional solar capacity of nearly 100 GW by 2023 . The deployment of renewable energies will be a core driver of a Just Transition by: • Supporting the competitiveness of European businesses and SMEs with a cost-competitive and clean electricity supply • Creating local and qualified jobs, with solar being the most job intensive of the renewable energy sectors. According to IRENA, renewable energy will create 2.7 million jobs in Europe by 2023, from the 1,2 million direct and indirect jobs existing today. . These jobs are particularly suitable for former coal mining workers, as pointed out by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre . • Stimulating new industrial activities in the manufacturing of innovative renewable technologies and equipment. Former mining sites are also particularly well suited to host industrial facilities as they usually benefit from pre-existing and necessary infrastructure such as transmission lines, roads and water access. Unlocking these opportunities will require massive investments in additional renewable capacities, which must be supported under the Just Transition Fund by: • Reducing the cost of capital (WACC) for new renewable projects traditionally higher in former coal regions, to guarantee a cost-efficient deployment of renewable installations to the benefit of European consumers • Supporting targeted and ambitious investments in the deployment and the modernisation of the power grid. A robust and modern transmission and distribution grid infrastructure is necessary to accelerate the penetration of decentralised renewable installations and reduce system operation costs. IRENA estimates that USD 54,91 billion investment is needed in power grids and flexibility . • Designing and financing appropriate training and reskilling programmes. In various European countries already, the deployment of renewable energies faces a shortage of workers for installation and maintenance. Training and re-skilling workers in former coal regions and restructuring territories is a unique opportunity to accompany the social transition and accelerate the deployment of renewable energies across all EU countries.

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Meeting with Diederik Samsom (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

3 Mar 2020 · The European Green Deal

Meeting with Alina-Stefania Ujupan (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager), Nele Eichhorn (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager)

7 Feb 2020 · Renewable energy; green deal; industrial strategy

Response to Climate Law

6 Feb 2020

The European Green Deal is a game-changer for Europe. It places the achievement of a climate-neutral economy at the core of a new European growth strategy, and triggers an unprecedented momentum to create local jobs, support the competitiveness of EU businesses, and boost Europe's industrial leadership. To achieve this, the Climate law has a critical role in complementing the European 2030 climate and energy framework, and provide EU industries, across all sectors, with the long-term signal required to invest and innovate massively in clean energy technologies. For a successful transition to the benefit of EU citizens, regions and businesses, SolarPower Europe calls on the European Commission to consider the following aspects: 1) A clear, binding commitment towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is needed to provide EU industries with the long-term predictability required to leverage investments in clean energy technologies. The law should establish a binding commitment to achieve climate-neutrality by 2050. It should also incorporate clear directions on how to achieve these objectives, setting milestones for 2030 and 2040 in terms of CO2 emission reduction, energy efficiency progress and the deployment of renewables, as well as the uptake of key enabling technologies such as digitalisation and storage. 2) Solar will be key to achieve climate-neutrality by 2050 By 2050, renewables will generate at least 85% of Europe’s electricity, which will constitute more than 60% of Europe’s future energy mix. Renewable electricity will also produce fully sustainable gases, supporting the decarbonation of hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industries and transport. In the past decade, solar has become the most affordable source of energy worldwide and is set to play a major role in powering Europe’s energy transition. Solar grew by over 100% in 2019 and is set to generate between 36 % (Bloomberg NEF) and 62% (Lappeenranta University of Finland) of Europe’s electricity generation by 2050. However, this can only be realized with a dedicated industrial policy for renewables – that removes the barriers to investments along the whole value chain (access to finance, simplification of administrative requirements) and provides strategic support to cutting-edge industrial projects. The Solar sector is critical to deliver on the European Green Deal and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It must be acknowledged as a strategic value chain for Europe’s security of supply and technological independence. 3) Ambitious commitments must be completed with sound and robust implementation policies, starting with the 2030 milestone. Subject to the impact assessment on the 2030 CO2 target, the European Commission should consider re-opening provisions from the Clean energy package for all Europeans and re-evaluating upwards Europe’s renewable energy target from 2021. However, establishing higher ambitions can only be sustained by ensuring that the conditions are met on the ground, to deploy massively renewable energy projects. Contrary to the European Union’s 2020 climate and energy framework, the 2030 energy and climate framework does not establish national binding targets. In this light, the European Commission has a critical responsibility to ensure that Member States are delivering on their targets and contributing up to their potential. The Climate Law must serve as a vehicle to strengthening Member States commitments and should establish a distinct entity, within the European Commission, to oversee the national implementation of European energy and climate policies by 2030, and 2050.

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Meeting with Ditte Juul-Joergensen (Director-General Energy) and Eurelectric aisbl and

6 Nov 2019 · Keynote speech : powering the European Green Deal

Meeting with Ditte Juul-Joergensen (Director-General Energy)

5 Nov 2019 · Conference "Digital Solar and Storage"/ Speech: The role of new technologies in the clean energy transition

Meeting with Ditte Juul-Joergensen (Director-General Energy) and WindEurope

30 Sept 2019 · Potential of renewable energy in the context of the clean energy transition

Meeting with Timo Pesonen (Acting Director-General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

12 Sept 2019 · To present themselves and the solar value chain and solar technology

Meeting with Miguel Arias Cañete (Commissioner)

29 May 2019 · National Energy and Climate Plans.

Meeting with Telmo Baltazar (Cabinet of President Jean-Claude Juncker)

30 Apr 2019 · Energy Union

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy)

19 Sept 2018 · modern, sustainable and decarbonised mobility

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy)

31 Aug 2018 · solar energy

Meeting with Rolf Carsten Bermig (Cabinet of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska)

22 Apr 2018 · Solar Power & Cell trade measures

Meeting with Rolf Carsten Bermig (Cabinet of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska)

5 Mar 2018 · Solar power & trade measures

Meeting with Juraj Nociar (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič)

7 Feb 2018 · Energy Union

Meeting with Maria Asenius (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

31 Jan 2018 · European market on solar panels

Meeting with Dagmara Koska (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič), Ivo Schmidt (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič)

29 Nov 2017 · Energy policy + renewables

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy)

6 Nov 2017 · Clean Energy package

Meeting with Eric Peters (Cabinet of Commissioner Mariya Gabriel)

24 Oct 2017 · solar panels and cells

Meeting with Joachim Balke (Cabinet of Vice-President Miguel Arias Cañete), Maria Cristina Lobillo Borrero (Cabinet of Vice-President Miguel Arias Cañete)

13 Sept 2017 · Clean Energy package adopted last November

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy)

20 Jul 2017 · European renewables industrial basis

Meeting with Maria Asenius (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström), Nele Eichhorn (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

22 May 2017 · An industrial strategy for solar industries in Europe and ongoing trade measures.

Meeting with Manuel Szapiro (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič)

8 Mar 2017 · Energy Union innovation and competitiveness

Meeting with Rolf Carsten Bermig (Cabinet of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska)

3 Feb 2017 · Trade measures on Chines Solar Panels and Cells

Meeting with Soren Schonberg (Cabinet of Commissioner Margrethe Vestager)

21 Dec 2016 · EU renewable energy and state aid policy

Meeting with Rolf Carsten Bermig (Cabinet of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska)

25 Nov 2016 · renewable energy directive and the market design reform

Meeting with Miguel Arias Cañete (Commissioner)

8 Nov 2016 · The Commission's intentions regarding the Energy package, in particular in relation to renewables.

Meeting with Joachim Balke (Cabinet of Vice-President Miguel Arias Cañete)

13 Oct 2016 · Presentation of SolarPower top priorities on market design

Meeting with Maria Asenius (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström), Nele Eichhorn (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

20 Sept 2016 · Anti-dumping duties on solar products

Meeting with Manuel Szapiro (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič)

6 Jul 2016 · Energy Union research Innovation and competitiveness

Meeting with Miguel Arias Cañete (Commissioner) and TotalEnergies SE and

24 May 2016 · Business Forum EU-ALGERIA

Meeting with Miguel Arias Cañete (Commissioner) and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and

16 Jan 2016 · Implementation of COP 21 - the role of renewables

Meeting with Nele Eichhorn (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

11 Jan 2016 · Solar sector in Europe

Meeting with Maria Asenius (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström), Nele Eichhorn (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström) and

28 Oct 2015 · Anti-dumping

Meeting with Rolf Carsten Bermig (Cabinet of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska)

18 Sept 2015 · Change of name from EPIA to SolarPowerEurope & solar related topics

Meeting with Christian Burgsmueller (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

15 Jul 2015 · TTIP; Energy

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy)

10 Jul 2015 · Solar power

Meeting with Dermot Ryan (Cabinet of Commissioner Phil Hogan)

16 Dec 2014 · General introduction: recent developments in solar photovoltaics and what it means for Europe’s energy market; relations to the role and opportunities for farmers, The 2030 climate and energy framework, The Energy Union Communication and the role of renewable energy sources, Aspects of a sustainable power market design

Meeting with Juergen Mueller (Cabinet of Vice-President Karmenu Vella)

12 Dec 2014 · Energy Union

Meeting with Miguel Arias Cañete (Commissioner) and

2 Dec 2014 · 2030 targets, electricity market design and the retail market initiative, the 315b package