Recording of Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 64:59 .
The panel discussion, led by Sonia Dunlop of the Global Solar Council, highlights significant achievements and challenges in the solar energy sector. With 600 gigawatts installed last year globally, emphasis is placed on improving policies for better integration into energy markets. Key issues include grid flexibility through battery storage and cross-border connectors to support renewable transitions. Financial investments are lacking in emerging markets; initiatives like the International Solar Finance Group aim to reduce financing costs. Walburga Hemetsberger discusses Europe's legislative frameworks supporting sustainable finance amidst geopolitical considerations. Europe’s solar growth includes a notable increase of 82 gigawatts despite infrastructure lagging behind expansion needs—highlighted by blackouts that necessitate system upgrades with flexible solutions. In India, Subrahmanyam Pulipaka outlines trends such as distributed renewable focus via rooftop installations and domestic manufacturing expansions post-COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. The U.S., under Abigail Ross Hopper's leadership at Solar Energy Industries Association, faces tariff uncertainties but pushes towards American Energy Dominance through strategic policy developments since 2017. Brazil's market continues growing due to net metering inspired by California models amid political pressures over new oil reserves near sensitive areas like Amazon basin during COP30 preparations. Globally shared learning experiences emphasize collaboration across regions addressing climate change concerns while promoting universal electricity access using off-grid solutions where needed most urgently worldwide today more than ever before!
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Abigail Ross Hopper
President & CEO
Solar Energy Industries Association
United States
Subrahmanyam Pulipaka
CEO
National Solar Energy Federation of India: NSEFI
India
Dr. Rodrigo Lopes Sauaia
CEO
ABSOLAR - Associação Brasileira de Energia Solar Fotovoltaica
Brazil
Walburga Hemetsberger
CEO
SolarPower Europe
Belgium
Sonia Dunlop
CEO
Global Solar Council
United Kingdom
Solar power - the world's most flexible energy generation technology - hit another record-breaking year of installations in 2024. But what does that success mean in an era of growing geopolitical tension and social division? As trade wars erupt and many political leaders roll back climate commitments, global demand for fossil fuels continues to rise. So how can the solar sector help address these challenges? This session brings together top industry leaders to explore how collaboration, shared learning and innovation can shape a strong, prosperous global solar market. This session will feature: Launch of Global Market Outlook (GMO) for Solar Power 2025-2029 Insights into solar's role in major global markets Views from leading solar associations on key opportunities and challenges in the world's largest solar markets.
Further Talks of this session:
Speaker
David Wedepohl
Managing Director International Affairs
BSW - German Solar Association
Germany
Speaker
Michael Schmela
Executive Advisor
SolarPower Europe
Belgium