ABU DHABI, In the context of the EU Climate Diplomacy Weeks 2022 and ahead of COP27, the European Union Delegation to the UAE, in collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), organised a high-level panel discussion titled “Solar power for a more democratic access to power”.
The event presented policy and business success stories from EU Member States and other IRENA Members, shedding light on the huge potential of solar energy in leading the way towards decarbonisation of energy systems and helping to achieve climate neutrality around the world.
The event brought together around 40 IRENA Delegates, energy experts, diplomats, as well as business representatives from different regions on the margins of the 24th IRENA Council in Abu Dhabi, which offers an opportunity to build on their strong partnership and continued cooperation to support the development of renewable energy globally.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Rabia Ferroukhi, Director of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre at IRENA, said, “Solar PV will expand quickly in the coming decades. IRENA’s 1.5 C scenario estimates that solar PV capacity will increase seven-fold by 2030 (to nearly 5 200 GW). However, a successful transition hinges on collaborative efforts with a global dimension, requiring deep, active and informed participation. How we produce energy is only one element of the transition, but we need to go beyond the power sector to truly harness and accelerate the energy transition. A holistic policy approach is required to address the interactions across the different systemic layers: power, energy, economy, social and Earth.”
Andrea Matteo Fontana, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, stated, “There is a huge potential for solar power in speeding up the energy transition. Solar is a democratic and accessible source of energy that can be rapidly deployed. The EU plans to double its solar energy production in the next five years. A very essential part of the EU’s efforts is also to support our partners worldwide with their energy transition – especially in Africa.”
Jirí Slavík, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the UAE, added, “The importance of solar energy has also been highlighted in the EU Energy Performance Directive, which introduces an obligation to ensure that buildings are solar-ready. The Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU together with the EU Member States reached consensus on this Directive on Tuesday. The final text will now be negotiated with the European Parliament.”
Ignacio Asenjo, Solar Energy Policy Officer and the European Commission, commented, “The European Union has placed solar energy at the centre of its energy transition. Solar gives citizens the possibility to generate their own renewable electricity and reduce their electricity bills. They can do so individually and collectively, including through energy communities. The EU is eager to share its model of energy transition with countries around the world.”
Helaina Matza, Director of Energy Department, US State Department, noted, “The U.S. is committed to supporting the energy transition at home and abroad. The Inflation Reduction Act is a historic investment in our clean energy future, which has far-reaching implications to boost innovation and decrease cost of deployment globally.”
Žygimantas Vaiciunas, Former Minister of Energy of Lithuania, Policy Director at European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC), Member of the Board of BOD Group, highlighted, “ESMC emphasizes the critical importance of the photovoltaics (PV) manufacturing as the downstream and upstream markets of solar PV are closely interlinked. It is important to secure appropriate global raw materials partnerships to ensure functioning PV manufacturing value chains for the successful deployment of solar PV.”
Karel De Winter, Floating Solar Director, Adviser to the Chairman, Phelan Energy Group, affirmed, “Since we are under time pressure and the goals set are high, we need to think out of the box and look at quick wins. Coupling (Floating) Solar PV with existing Hydro Power Plant infrastructure is a no brainer as it basically turns the reservoir into a clean storage battery and increases the capacity factor of the dam. Plus the electrical grid connection infrastructure is already in place. Floating systems can be build faster than ground mount and does not use valuable land, while preventing evaporation countering droughts. Note it is a utility scale so you build in bigger steps and achieve capacity targets faster.”
Dries Acke, Policy Director, Solar Power Europe, stressed, “Solar power is the best technology to connect citizens to the energy transition while strengthening democratic values across society, both in rural and urban environments. This merits attention and support from policymakers, for example by means of tailored support schemes or loans from financial institutions. Distribution system operators should also embrace and enable local renewable projects.”
The European Union has adopted an EU solar energy strategy, which identifies remaining barriers and challenges in the solar energy sector and outlines initiatives to overcome them and accelerate the deployment of solar technologies. The EU solar energy strategy proposed under the REPowerEU plan aims to make solar energy a cornerstone of the EU energy system.
EU measures to boost solar energy include making the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of new buildings obligatory within a specific time frame, streamlining permitting procedures for renewable energy projects, improving the skills base in the solar sector and boosting the EU’s capacity to manufacture photovoltaic panels.
Boosting renewable energy is also an important part of the European Green Deal in the context of the green transition towards climate neutrality. Solar energy is affordable, clean and has been the fastest-growing energy source in the last decade. It can be used for electricity and heating, while also helping reduce EU dependency on energy imports by replacing them with domestic production.
Source: Emirates News Agency