Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 16:54 .

Comprehensive Strategy for Europe's Energy Security and Transition

The European Commission is reforming its energy security strategy with a strong emphasis on integrating homegrown electricity sources. Key initiatives include the Repower EU and Accelerate EU packages, which aim to enhance renewable energy capacity and deploy 100 gigawatts of renewables yearly by 2030. The Commission has set a target of achieving 200 gigawatts of energy storage by 2030, addressing the current lag in renewable energy deployment, particularly in wind and solar sectors, which are falling short of their targets. The necessity for advancements in battery storage solutions is critical, with plans to increase capacity from 77 gigawatts to 600-700 gigawatt hours. Investment in flexibility and storage could save Europe €223 billion by 2030. However, current challenges stem from weak investment cases and a lack of bold ambition. To support the transition, there is an urgent need for legislative changes regarding fossil fuel subsidies, coupled with social leasing schemes for electrification. Disparities in energy taxation must also be rectified to facilitate this transition.

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Speaker

Walburga Hemetsberger
CEO
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

Talk of session: When Power Becomes a Target - Building Resilient European Energy Systems Through Solar, Storage and Grid-Forming Technologies

In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe's energy systems are facing increasing physicaland cyber threats. Strengthening resilience has become a strategic priority. This session explores how solar PV, battery storage and grid-forming technologies can protect critical infrastructure, enhance system stability and support rapid recovery after disruptions. Drawing on lessons from Ukraine and Europe's frontline states, experts will be discussing how decentralized renewables can contribute to energy security.

Key topics:

• How solar, battery storage and renewables contribute to Europe's energy security
• Lessons from Ukraine on system resilience and recovery
• The strategic role of solar-plus-storage in future security planning
• Integrating security into energy system design and regulation

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

David Wedepohl
Managing Director International Affairs
BSW - German Solar Association

To Talk

Solar Projects at their Best!

Speaker

Olga Kovalchuk
Managing Director
Goldbeck Solar

To Talk

The New Energy Security Paradigm for Europe

Speaker

Jarand Rystad
CEO
Rystad Energy AS
Norway

To Talk

The Sun Supporting the Power System

Speaker

Vladyslav Sokolovskyi
Chairman of the Board of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine
Solar Energy Association of Ukraine

To Talk

Panel Discussion

Speaker

To Talk