The New Energy Security Paradigm for Europe

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Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 20:22 .

Global Energy Security and Infrastructure Preparedness in a Changing Landscape

The organization comprises 900 professionals monitoring energy assets globally, particularly in the context of geopolitical events that impact energy security. Incidents, such as the emergency shutdown of refineries in Spain, highlight the urgent need for better preparedness and emergency procedures to handle infrastructure disruptions, underscoring societal vulnerability to crises without electricity. Historical examples illustrate the weaponization of energy infrastructure for political purposes, drawing parallels with recent energy manipulation, particularly by Russian authorities during the European gas crisis. Energy supply dynamics face challenges due to significant oversupply amidst muted market responses, with higher-quality energy solutions commanding premium value. Future energy systems are expected to be more resilient, driven by advances in technology and an increased focus on renewable energy sources, particularly solar and battery solutions. Ongoing developments in Middle Eastern oil infrastructure demonstrate a shift in energy strategies to bolster security and responsiveness amid varying demands in the energy landscape.

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Speaker

Jarand Rystad
CEO
Rystad Energy AS
Norway

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:

Speaker

Olga Kovalchuk
Managing Director
Goldbeck Solar

To Talk

Speaker

Walburga Hemetsberger
CEO
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

To Talk

Speaekr

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

To Talk

Speaker

Olga Kovalchuk
Managing Director
Goldbeck Solar

David Wedepohl
Managing Director International Affairs
BSW - German Solar Association
Germany

Jarand Rystad
CEO
Rystad Energy AS
Norway

Walburga Hemetsberger
CEO
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

To Talk

Further Content
Publication
The German PV and Battery Storage Market

The first of its kind, this study offers an overview of the photovoltaics and battery storage market in Germany.

Rutger Schlatmann and Angelika Harter
Perovskites: The Race for the Future of PV?

The smarter E Podcast Episode 258 | Language: English

June 25, 2026

HZB researchers explore perovskite tandem solar cells, efficiency gains, and the challenges of bringing the technology to market.

Publications
Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2025–2029

SolarPower Europe’s annual Global Market Outlook for Solar Power is the most authoritative market analysis for the solar sector.

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026
Panel Discussion of the Session: Solar Made in the EU

Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 02:30 pm

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Conference Program

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Despite strong research capabilities and the presence of leading production equipment suppliers, Europe has been struggling to rebuild competitive wafer-to-module manufacturing, while the USA and India have enabled a local renaissance in solar manufacturing. In Europe, even long-established inverter manufacturers have been losing considerable ground. With the EU's Net Zero Industry Act yet to deliver momentum, attention is turning to the upcoming Industry Accelerator Act. This session examines how policy, investment and value-chain strategies can strengthen domestic manufacturing and increase internal value creation.Key topics:Overview of EU and national policy frameworks to support local manufacturingStatus of Europe's solar manufacturing value chainInvestment gaps and competitiveness challenges Strategies for triggering a sustainable solar manufacturing revival 

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026
Panel Discussion of the Session: Off-Grid: PV-Based Hydrogen Microgrid Projects Around the World

Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 02:30 pm

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Conference Program

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Discover how green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are transforming decentralized energy systems worldwide. This session will be presenting hands-on experience from pioneering projects in Thailand, Ghana, Namibia and South Africa. Find out how solar-powered hydrogen microgrids can replace diesel generators, strengthen energy resilience and enable short- to long-term storage, while supporting environmental and climate goals. Project partners including German SMEs and research institutes, share insights on lessons learned, local benefits and the replication potential of these systems. Selected projects were implemented with the support from the Export Initiative Environmental Protection, a funding programme of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. 

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