Panel Discussion: Writings on the Wall - What to Expect from Europe's Largest Solar Market Under a New Government?

Recording of Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 17:12 .

Germany Faces Challenge of Balancing Investment and Renewable Expansion to Meet 2030 Energy Goals

The discussion focuses on the ambitious goal of achieving 215 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity by 2030, necessitating an annual addition of 26 gigawatts. Achieving this target depends heavily on government actions and market conditions that support continued PV expansion. While previous governmental frameworks like the German Renewable Energy Act (EEG) laid a strong foundation for growth, ongoing supportive policies are crucial to maintain momentum amidst potential reforms whose specifics remain uncertain. Tobias presents an optimization model predicting only reaching 190 gigawatts due to reduced reliance on wind power, which requires increased PV deployment—a scenario differing from official targets but reflecting varied perspectives on carbon neutrality goals and regulatory challenges such as Solar Spitzengesetz legislation. Mario highlights inefficiencies in hydrogen electrolysis despite its promise as technology matures within evolving economic contexts affecting grid operations significantly needing improvement over time. The conversation also addresses maintaining low power prices while ensuring investment attractiveness in energy infrastructure through mechanisms initially provided by EEG now under threat; it discusses placing electrolyzers near solar plants' current economic inviability due to insufficient hydrogen demand and concerns about planned gas power plant impacts alongside emphasizing battery storage's role with companies like Vattenfall investing strategically across Europe amid political uncertainties potentially impacting solar markets negatively yet optimism persists regarding renewables’ long-term growth driven by cost-effectiveness technological advancements.

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Speaker

Talk of session: PV Power Invest Germany: How to Meet Ambitious 2030 Targets Under a New Government?

Germany, the only European solar market with sustained annual deployment in the double-digit gigawatt range, must accelerate even further to meet its ambitious 2030 PV targets. With over 100 GW of total capacity by the end of the year, the country now faces the challenge of more than doubling its capacity to 215 GW within just six years, and reaching 400 GW by 2040. However, with a new government, energy infrastructure constraints, and a generally gloomy business climate, are these goals actually achievable? This session will provide: Comprehensive market status update across key solar segments Insights into the new political landscape's impact on solar deployment Strategies and policy tools to meet the 2030 & 2040 targets Panel discussion with industry experts on overcoming barriers

Further Talks of this session: