To Acceleratethe transition to a smart, digitised renewables-based energy system, the European solar sector has called on EU policymakers and regulators to address cybersecurity risks in the increasingly digital energy landscape. Solar PV systems are becoming more digitalised, with inverters increasingly connected to the internet. A new report from DNV, commissioned by SolarPower Europe, provides a comprehensive risk assessment and offers clear recommendations for the sector.
1. Development and mandating of industry-specific cybersecurity controls, for example via a Standard, for securing remote-controlled solar PV infrastructure.
2. Limiting of remote access and control via inverters of EU solar PV systems from outside the EU.
The report notes that Europe’s move away from an energy system dependent on a few, high-impact targets, to a more decentralised system, offers clear energy security benefits. To maximise this benefit, cybersecurity legislation – which focuses on that legacy, namely centralised energy infrastructure – requires updating. In the future, it must address the specific security needs of distributed energy sources such as smaller rooftop solar installations. The report also notes that although the solar sector has been targeted by cyberattack, they do not compare to those seen in other parts of the energy sector, where industrial espionage, ransomware, and attacks leading to public grid blackouts have occurred with increasing frequency over the past decade.
Include aggregated rooftop solar systems in cybersecurity
In analysing risk, the report highlights risks from direct controls on inverters, e.g. intended for providing grid services, and updates, e.g. intended for security updates. On the one hand, it finds that utility-scale installations are more secure. They’re often managed by experienced utilities and covered by the EU’s NIS2 Directive.
On the other hand, small-scale solar systems, which are often rooftop installations, lack stringent cyber rules. They are connected to the clouds of manufacturers, installers, or service providers. While the impact of compromising a single installation is low, when aggregated for power system efficiency, they become virtual power plants of significant scale.
14 risk areas evaluated
The report states that a targeted compromise of 3 GW of generation capacity can have significant implications for Europe’s power grid. The analysis reveals that over a dozen Western and non-Western manufacturers control significantly more than 3 GW of installed capacity today. As consequence, of the 14 risk areas evaluated in the report, five areas are categorised as medium risk, six areas are high risk, and three areas are critical risk.
The measurement of risk combines severity of impact and probability. While adopted EU legislation like the Cyber Resilience Act, NIS2 Directive, and the Network Code for Cybersecurity (NCCS) mitigate some of the risk, SolarPower Europe outlines a clear pathway to achieve ‘low risk’ status on all 14 risk areas.
To return to a ‘low’ risk category for cybersecurity, the report recommends two overarching solutions. The first would ensure that existing laws on cybersecurity are specific enough to the needs of the solar sector. The second would introduce new rules that keep the control of relevant solar systems via inverters within the EU or jurisdictions that can provide an equivalent level of security.
New rules recommended
On the second solution, the report recommends following an approach similar to GDPR rules, where control of aggregated distributed devices usch as small-scale rooftop solar systems should only take place in regions judged equivalent in security to the EU. This should be implemented through the EU NCCS or another new fast-track procedure. High-risk entities would then be required to develop cyber solutions which would be monitored and approved by the competent authorities.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe: “Like any technological revolution, digitalisation presents incredible opportunity, for example, energy system cost savings of €160 billion per year. It also comes with new challenges, like cybersecurity. We didn’t need anti-virus protection for a typewriter – but we do need it for our laptops. As a responsible, forward-looking sector, we have mapped the cybersecurity challenge, and we’re rising to meet it with clear, comprehensive solutions.” (hcn)
To accelerate the transition to a smart, digitised renewables-based energy system, the European solar sector has issued strong recommendations to EU policymakers and regulators to address cybersecurity risks associated with its technology in an increasingly digital energy system. Solar PV systems are digitalised and more and more connected to the internet via inverters. A new report, produced by DNV, and commissioned by SolarPower Europe, performs a comprehensive risk assessment for the sector, and offers clear remedies:
1. Develop and mandate industry-specific cybersecurity controls, for example via a Standard, for securing remote-controlled solar PV infrastructure.
2. Limit remote access and control of EU solar PV systems from outside the EU via the inverter.
The report notes that Europe’s move away from an energy system dependent on a few, high-impact targets, to a more decentralised system, offers clear energy security benefits. To maximise this benefit, cybersecurity legislation – which focuses on that legacy, centralised energy infrastructure – needs to be updated. It must address the specific security needs of distributed energy sources, like smaller rooftop solar installations. The report also notes that although the solar sector has been targeted by cyberattack, they do not compare to those seen in other parts of the energy sector, where industrial espionage, ransomware, and attacks leading to public grid blackouts have occurred with increasing frequency over the past decade.
Include aggregated rooftop solar systems in cybersecurity
In analysing risk, the report highlights risks from direct controls on inverters, e.g. intended for providing grid services, and updates, e.g. intended for security updates. On the one hand, it finds that utility-scale installations are more secure. They’re often managed by experienced utilities and covered by the EU’s NIS2 Directive.
On the other hand, small-scale solar systems, which are often rooftop installations, lack stringent cyber rules. They are connected to the clouds of manufacturers, installers, or service providers. While the impact of compromising a single installation is low, when aggregated for power system efficiency, they become virtual power plants of significant scale.
14 risk areas evaluated
The report states that a targeted compromise of 3 GW of generation capacity can have significant implications for Europe’s power grid. The analysis reveals that over a dozen Western and non-Western manufacturers control significantly more than 3 GW of installed capacity today. As consequence, of the 14 risk areas evaluated in the report, 5 areas are categorised as medium risk, 6 areas are high risk, and 3 areas are critical risk.
The measurement of risk combines severity of impact and probability. While adopted EU legislation like the Cyber Resilience Act, NIS2 Directive, and the Network Code for Cybersecurity (NCCS) mitigate some of the risk, SolarPower Europe outlines a clear pathway to achieve ‘low risk’ status on all 14 risk areas.
To return to a ‘low’ risk category for cybersecurity, the report recommends two overarching solutions. The first would ensure that existing laws on cybersecurity are specific enough to the needs of the solar sector. The second would introduce new rules that keep the control of relevant solar systems via inverters within the EU or jurisdictions that can provide an equivalent level of security.
New rules recommended
On the second solution, the report recommends following an approach similar to GDPR rules, where control of aggregated distributed devices, like small-scale rooftop solar systems, should only take place in regions judged equivalent in security to the EU. This should be implemented through the EU NCCS or another new fast-track procedure. High-risk entities would then be required to develop cyber solutions which would be monitored and approved by the competent authorities.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said: “Like any technological revolution, digitalisation presents incredible opportunity, for example, energy system cost savings of €160 billion per year. It also comes with new challenges, like cybersecurity. We didn’t need anti-virus protection for a typewriter – but we do need it for our laptops. As a responsible, forward-looking sector, we have mapped the cybersecurity challenge, and we’re rising to meet it with clear, comprehensive solutions.” (hcn)
Greenpeace and SolarPower Europe’s collaboration to accelerate the deployment of solar PV systems across Ukraine is part of the country’s sustainable reconstruction and resilient energy supply. SolarPower Europe and Greenpeace will work to ensure that Ukraine’s reconstruction creates quality employment, safeguards the country’s energy security, and reorients the economy towards a sustainable and prosperous future, with solar as the backbone of a new, green energy system. Finally, they aim to explore EU-Ukraine Facility opportunities, and to strengthen EU-Ukraine solar energy cooperation.
“Solar power, as a decentralised and easily deployable clean energy technology, plays a crucial role in Ukraine’s energy security. Today, solar PV projects in Ukraine are essential for combatting energy outages, ensuring hospitals and schools can continue operating, and keeping critical infrastructure functional. Together, Greenpeace and SolarPower Europe will aim to accelerate solar adoption in the country, and safeguard its long-term energy resilience,” said Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe.
“Renewable energy should be the future for Europe and Ukraine. With the Solar Energy Marshall Plan for Ukraine, Greenpeace has outlined a roadmap for expanding Ukraine’s solar energy capacity. Embracing solar energy is a double opportunity for Ukraine to overcome its energy challenges and boost economic development, and the EU’s support will play a crucial role in making this vision a reality,” declared Nina Schoenian, Managing Director at Greenpeace Germany.
Background
SolarPower Europe is a partner of the Solar Supports Ukraine campaign, with the BSW, the German Solar Association, and our implementation partners, the RePower Ukraine Charitable Foundation and the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation. Solar is installed on schools and hospitals in Ukraine to help combat power failures.
In 2022, Greenpeace Germany and Greenpeace CEE initiated the “Green Reconstruction of Ukraine” project to advocate for sustainable rebuilding in the country. The new office in Kyiv was opened in September 2024.
To help Ukraine in its recovery, reconstruction and modernisation efforts, the EU launched the Ukraine Facility, a dedicated instrument which will allow the EU to provide Ukraine with up to €50 billion in stable financial support from 2024–2027. (hcn)
India stands as one of the largest and most dynamic solar markets globally, with many European companies establishing a strong presence in the country. While European solar manufacturers bring valuable expertise, including on-site support, high-yield performance, and reliable customer service, India has proven its capability in developing a robust domestic manufacturing market.
In response, SolarPower Europe and NSEFI have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen EU-India cooperation and diversify solar supply chains. Their collaboration will focus on identifying business and financing opportunities for manufacturing projects, while promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building between the two regions. The associations will also work together on regulatory matters, supporting each other in addressing market access issues for solar equipment and engaging with policymakers to explore opportunities that will strengthen EU-India solar manufacturing cooperation.
Embedded in the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership
The MoU aligns with the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership (CECP) and supports the recent commitment by President Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to strengthen India-EU cooperation on clean energy and supply chains.
Máté Heisz, Chief Operating Officer at SolarPower Europe: “The EU and India are important partners in clean tech. EU legislation, like the Net-Zero Industry Act, and the new European competitiveness agenda is driving demand for resilient solar products at home. India plays a critical role in the diversification of the global solar value chain. Our renewed partnership with NSEFI will help unlock market opportunities for European companies, including equipment providers, manufacturers, as well as developers, and support India in delivering on its solar growth goals.”
“India and the EU are natural allies in the global clean energy journey. As India accelerates toward its 500 GW non-fossil fuel milestone by 2030, India is also set to become global solar manufacturing hub. Our strengthened partnership with SolarPower Europe will unlock new pathways for innovation, cross-border investment, and resilient value chains especially in upstream manufacturing, laying the foundation for a cleaner, more secure, and self-reliant energy future that serves not just our regions, but the world”, Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, Chief Executive Officer at NSEFI , said.
The renewed partnership follows the launch of SolarPower Europe’s International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI). ISMI acts as a vehicle to create joint opportunities and co-operation between European manufacturers (especially solar equipment providers) and solar manufacturers in EU partner countries, among them India. (hcn)
The report Sustainable Solar – Environmental, Social and Governanceactions along the value chain sets out to clarify what sustainability means in practice for solar companies. Rather than vague ambitions, it offers concrete steps that businesses can take to embed ESG principles across their value chains.
Positioning the EU solar sector as a pioneer
The three dimensions of sustainability – environmental, social and governance – are collectively referred to as ESG. These criteria are playing an increasingly central role in financial risk management, customer expectations and corporate reputation. In some areas, ESG requirements are already anchored in law through instruments such as the EU taxonomy, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSDR), or national supply chain regulations.
The 62-member team of authors from SolarPower Europe breaks down the sustainability requirements across the solar value chain, from the supply chain to the use phase and the end-of-life phase.
“The aim is to expand and disseminate knowledge about the sustainability of solar energy and to help position the EU solar sector as a sustainability leader in meeting ESG goals,” said Raffaele Rossi, Head of Market Intelligence at SolarPower Europe.
Sustainability in the supply chain
Respect for human rights – responsible procurement
Social concerns, in particular respect for human rights and decent working conditions, are a key part of responsible procurement under ESG criteria. In industries like photovoltaics, with complex supply chains involving hundreds of suppliers, ensuring compliance is no easy task. The authors therefore recommend joining sector initiatives such as the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI), which has developed a new standard for supply chain traceability and a certification system. A central aim is to tackle the issue of forced labour in the polysilicon supply chain.
Solar companies should also ensure decent working conditions within their own operations. This is especially relevant for EPCs, which often rely on posted workers for construction and installation at project sites. Alongside compliance with national and EU laws – such as the EU Posting of Workers Directive – transparent employment practices and regular audits are key. Additional focus areas include gender equality and the promotion of workforce diversity.
Carbon footprint
There are various methods for calculating a product’s carbon footprint, each with different methodological approaches. One key distinction is the choice of functional unit, whether emissions are measured per unit of module output (kg CO₂ per kWp) or per unit of electricity generated (g CO₂ per kWh). Further differences arise depending on whether the assessment covers individual components, inverters, or entire systems.
A widely used method is the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), which is also anchored in legislation. Solar cell manufacturers can report their greenhouse gas emissions by certifying their products with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). In addition, the Global Electronics Council awards its Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) label to PV modules and inverters that meet a broad set of sustainability criteria.
An important contribution to reducing the carbon footprint is the longevity of the products. This enables a longer product life, resulting in lower emissions per kWh of solar power generated.
Circular design
Resource efficiency can be improved in two main ways. One is by reducing the amount of material used in a product, such as by lowering silver content in solar cells, which helps cut both material use and costs. The other approach focuses on choosing materials that are easy to recycle and suitable for repeated reuse.
Extending the lifespan of PV products not only contributes to material savings, but also to waste prevention.
Repairability should also be considered in product design, as ease of disassembly is a crucial factor for the cost-effectiveness of repairs. Furthermore, replacement components must be available for a sufficiently long period of time.
Recycling can be an important source of raw materials, especially in Europe, where the extraction of various materials for PV modules and inverters is limited. Using recycled material in manufacturing can also reduce costs. However, a critical issue when using recycled material is the purity of the material.
Eleonora Cerri Pecorella
The solar cells account for around 80 per cent of the value added in the modules – and cause the majority of the emissions.
Sustainability in the use phase
Community engagement
Involving the local population at an early stage of project planning is beneficial as it creates transparency and trust and makes use of local experience. Local citizens can also be involved in later planning phases.
A good way to involve citizens in solar projects is to offer them direct and indirect financial participation. In this way, solar power from the plant can be offered to local residents at a reduced rate. Crowdfunding can be used to enable citizens and communities to participate financially. Energy communities and energy sharing are further possibilities.
Land use
Photovoltaics can be used to regenerate artificial surfaces that have lost their original use or have been degraded, such as former mines or landfills. Governments often support the use of these surfaces for PV projects to offset the higher investment costs (e.g. for decontamination).
In arid areas, solar parks can offer other environmental benefits in addition to clean energy generation. For example, evaporation is reduced by the shading provided by the module surfaces, and biodiversity can be increased.
Combined with agricultural use on the same land, agri-PV systems can increase soil fertility by up to 70 per cent and protect crops and livestock from excessive sunlight or hail. Floating solar panels on water offer another way to make sustainable use of scarce land. They can also help to protect water bodies by reducing water evaporation by up to 47% and minimising algae growth.
Biodiversity
Solar parks that are designed to blend into their natural surroundings can help to promote biodiversity and restore damaged ecosystems. Several studies have shown that solar power plants designed to be environmentally friendly can increase biodiversity by up to 281%.
Important measures here include creating wildlife corridors, replanting the site with native species, extensive management, training operators and monitoring.
There is a conflict here between maximising the useful life and improving performance. Particularly in the case of larger installations, older PV modules and inverters are often replaced by newer, more efficient ones before they reach the end of their technical lifespan.
One way to strike a balance is to replace only part of the PV installation. For sustainability reasons, the existing mounting system should be reused during repowering – or at least assessed for compatibility with the new modules. If needed, the substructure can be adapted, for example by repositioning or adding purlins. When repowering inverters, it’s also worth checking whether a partial replacement is feasible.
Reuse and repair
Reusing or repairing functional PV modules or inverters not only avoids waste and environmental pollution, but can also, at least in the medium term, lead to economic benefits. Important factors here include functional tests for PV modules that are technically feasible, cost-efficient and tailored to the second-hand market.
Another challenge for PV module repair, according to the report, is the absence of standardised recertification protocols – making warranty claims uncertain. There are also logistical hurdles, particularly when it comes to on-site inverter repairs. More broadly, SolarPower Europe notes that circular economy business models remain underdeveloped for modules, inverters and mounting systems alike.
Waste management and recycling
PV waste streams will only start to accumulate in Europe on a larger scale from the 2040s onwards, when many of the PV systems in operation today will have reached the end of their service life. In particular, with regard to the recovery of valuable materials and the securing of the supply of critical raw materials, the report sees great potential for the development of economically and ecologically viable business models with new recycling technologies.
The report likewise cites the recovery of high-purity float glass from disused solar modules using advanced thermomechanical processes as a promising approach. Alongside, new delamination and separation technologies are used to separate the multi-layer sandwich of modules and to isolate the solar cells from glass and organic materials in order to recover raw materials such as metallic silicon, silver, copper and gallium from solar modules. (hcn)
Greenpeace and SolarPower Europe’s collaboration to accelerate the deployment of solar PV systems across Ukraine is part of the country’s sustainable reconstruction and resilient energy supply. SolarPower Europe and Greenpeace will work to ensure that Ukraine’s reconstruction creates quality employment, safeguards the country’s energy security, and reorients the economy towards a sustainable and prosperous future, with solar as the backbone of a new, green energy system. Finally, they aim to explore EU-Ukraine Facility opportunities, and to strengthen EU-Ukraine solar energy cooperation.
“Solar power, as a decentralised and easily deployable clean energy technology, plays a crucial role in Ukraine’s energy security. Today, solar PV projects in Ukraine are essential for combatting energy outages, ensuring hospitals and schools can continue operating, and keeping critical infrastructure functional. Together, Greenpeace and SolarPower Europe will aim to accelerate solar adoption in the country, and safeguard its long-term energy resilience“, Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, said.
“Renewable energy should be the future for Europe and Ukraine. With the ‘Solar Energy Marshall Plan for Ukraine’, Greenpeace has outlined a roadmap for expanding Ukraine’s solar energy capacity. Embracing solar energy is a double opportunity for Ukraine to overcome its energy challenges and boost economic development, and the EU’s support will play a crucial role in making this vision a reality“, Nina Schoenian, Managing Director at Greenpeace Germany, declared.
Background
SolarPower Europe is a partner of the Solar Supports Ukraine campaign, with the BSW, the German Solar Association, and our implementation partners, the RePower Ukraine Charitable Foundation and the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation. Solar is installed on schools and hospitals in Ukraine, tackling energy outages.
In 2022, Greenpeace Germany and Greenpeace CEE initiated the “Green Reconstruction of Ukraine” project to advocate for sustainable rebuilding in the country. The new office in Kyiv, Ukraine was opened in September 2024.
To help Ukraine in its recovery, reconstruction and modernisation efforts, the EU launched the Ukraine Facility, a dedicated instrument which will allow the EU to provide Ukraine with up to €50 billion in stable and predictable financial support from 2024-2027. (hcn)
French manufacturer Heliup have been crowned the Gold European Solar Startup Award 2025 winner for it’s pioneering range of stykon solar PV panels for flat rooftops. Their panels are light-weight weighing 5 kg/m2, have an efficiency of 20%, are resistant to extreme weather conditions, made in Europe, and have an easy and fast installation process. The European Solar Startup Award is an annual prize presented by SolarPower Europe in recognition of the ground-breaking steps that solar innovators are taking towards a renewable-based energy system.
Yannick Veschetti, President & Co-founder of Heliup, presented the company’s pitch alongside his co-finalists. Attendees voted on their favourite projects, and following a final vote, emerged victorious.
In his presentation, Veschetti highlighted how currently there is over 4 billion m² of available large rooftop space in the EU, and how Heliup wants to harness the potential of this available rooftop space, and fast-track solar installations across Europe.
“We are honoured to receive the Gold European Solar Startup Award. This recognition highlights Heliup’s commitment to revolutionising solar energy with lightweight solutions manufactured in Europe that unlock the potential of commercial and industrial rooftops”, Yannick Veschetti said;
Strengthen Europe’s competitiveness
“At SolarPower Europe, we’ve always believed in the importance of supporting the brightest solar startups. Only with these forward-thinking innovators can we strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and guarantee a swift energy transition. Innovative solar startups like Heliup will be critical to the future growth of the solar sector, and shaping our solar-powered future”, Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said.
Three Solar Startup finalists were nominated by the expert panel following a successful online pitch. Alongside Heliup Gautier Moulin, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Aevy, and Felix Heimke, Senior Product Manager at Suena, presented their work on stage at the SolarPower Summit 2025.
The European Solar Startup Award 2025 jury panel was comprised of: Jenny Chase, Solar Analyst at BloombergNEF; Stefan Müeller, Co-Founder, Shareholder and Board Member at Enerparc AG; Felix Krause, Managing Partner at Vireo Ventures; and Michael Schmela, Director of Market Intelligence at SolarPower Europe. (hcn)
There was a sense of optimism at this year’s SolarPower Summit, which took place in Brussels yesterday and on Wednesday (26-27 March). Around 500 participants attended the event. The focus was on the efficient further development of the energy transition and decarbonisation with an even stronger integration of photovoltaics into the energy system and grids, as well as sector coupling and strengthening resilience in Europe through more energy security, more products made in Europe, stronger European supply chains and more cyber security.
SolarPower Europe’s close cooperation with the European institutions and the EU Commission became clear, also through the participation of several high-ranking EU representatives.
Call for European Energy Union
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said: “SolarPower Europe has represented the full European solar value chain for 40 years. From 50 MW of solar globally in 1985, to 350 GW alone in the EU last year, we are so proud to be powering the equivalent of 75 million EU households today. Each panel designed, built, and installed is one step forward for our energy security, our competitiveness, and our climate goals.”
EU Commissioner for Affordable Housing and Energy, Dan Jørgensen said: “In today’s challenging context, we are at a defining moment for Europe. We need to boost our competitiveness, and bring down energy costs. We need to increase our security, to protect Europe’s place in the world. And we need to accelerate decarbonisation, to ensure the future of our planet. Our response to these challenges is clear: we need to deliver the full benefits of a true Energy Union. An Energy Union that is cheaper, cleaner and more connected. To achieve this, I strongly welcome SolarPower Europe’s decisive push to ramp up solar energy in Europe.”
Resilient grids and hybrid PV systems – new reports
Complementing SolarPower Europe’s flagship flexibility reports, like the annual ‘EU Battery Energy Storage Systems Outlook’, or Mission Solar 2040, the Association has published two further reports today. ‘Flexible Buildings, Resilient Grids’ and ‘Embracing the benefits of Hybrid PV systems’ focus on distributed and utility flexibility respectively.
Hemetsberger continues: “We’re hard at work ensuring that solar continues to deliver for Europe for another 40 years. Solar, storage, and flexibility are the fast track to a more secure, competitive energy system. We’ve adjusted our tagline accordingly, recognising our own work and acting as a call to action to policymakers.”
The new reports underline the potential of solar and storage delivering European energy security and competitiveness. ‘Embracing the benefits of Hybrid PV systems’ – which includes solar hybrid projects with storage, wind, or both – estimates that hybrid projects have a 10% lower Levelised Cost of Electricity compared to standalone projects. The report modelling also reveals how hybrid projects enhance security of supply by ensuring electricity generation even after sunset.
UK outstripping the EU with solar hybrid utility projects
However, with regards to solar and battery hybrid utility projects specifically, the UK is outstripping the EU, hosting 62% of Europe’s ‘PV+BESS’ projects alone. By comparison, leading EU countries host much fewer solar and storage projects (Germany only hosts 6% of Europe’s total for example).
‘Flexible Buildings, Resilient Grids’ unpacks how electrified buildings, with digital flexibility tools, contribute to secure grids. Flexible buildings can provide more than half of the European energy systems daily flexibility needs, and around a third of the system’s annual needs. Importantly, a larger reliance on electrified flexible buildings to meet flexibility needs also means a lower dependence on fossil fuel imports and strengthened EU energy security.
New battery storage platform
The suite of SolarPower Europe storage and flexibility reports are set to be included on a new dedicated battery storage platform. The Battery Storage Europe platform will highlight storage case studies and regulatory best practices across Europe and operate as SolarPower Europe’s external arm of reinforced advocacy work on storage policy at the European-level. (hcn)
SolarPower Europe has published its ‘Morocco: Solar investment opportunities’ report. This new publication offers key insights into the Moroccan solar sector, and opportunities for international investment. The report was supported by the Global Solar Council (GSC) and Cluster EnR, the Moroccan renewables’ association.
This latest work of SolarPower Europe’s Global Markets Workstream explores the numerous investment opportunities within Morocco’s solar sector, highlighting the country’s market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, as well as concrete recommendations to accelerate solar deployment.
The report provides an overview of Morocco’s business environment, and major macroeconomic trends, while analysing the regulatory framework and infrastructure network of the country. It maps the Moroccan energy sector, including the energy mix, key stakeholders, and the policy and legislative framework governing renewable energy generation, more specifically regarding solar energy generation. Finally, the report’s recommendations reflect the evolving dynamics of the energy sector in the country.
52% renewable power share by 2030
Morocco is committed to expanding its renewable energy capacity, aiming to reach a 52% share of its total electricity capacity by 2030. As the country undergoes its energy transition, the solar sector, in particular, is experiencing a consistent growth, offering investors a chance to contribute to a sustainable future while achieving attractive returns. The report’s most likely ‘medium’ scenario forecasts that Morocco will reach 2.27 GW of total installed solar capacity by 2027, and 2.97 GW by 2028.
During the report’s online launch, Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) at the European Commission, said in a video statement; “Morocco has emerged as a frontrunner in renewable energy, with ambitious goals to achieve 52% of installed electricity capacity from renewables already by 2030; solar energy is at the heart of this transition…The report serves as an excellent blueprint for action and an important tool for investors, businesses and policymakers to seize the opportunities before us.”
Gustavo Fernandes, Head of Africa and International at Voltalia, and Chair of SolarPower Europe’s Global Markets Workstream stated; “Morocco is a vibrant market on the threshold of significant solar growth, set to become a key global player in the renewable energy sector. This report aims to provide policymakers with actionable recommendations to help unlock the country’s full potential, and drive its transformation.“
2.2 GW solar capacity added by 2028
Fatima Zahra El Khalifa, Director General of Cluster EnR said; “Morocco’s abundant solar potential positions it as a key player in the renewable energy sector. This study highlights the country’s significant role in becoming a regional energy hub. With strategic investment in solar infrastructure, Morocco is poised to realise its full potential, accelerate its energy transition, and foster long-term sustainable growth.”
Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council said; “Morocco has been a solar pioneer in Africa, and we expect another 2.2 GW of solar capacity to be added by 2028. With a robust regulatory framework, long-term ambition and rising electricity demand catalysed by the country’s green hydrogen strategy, costs will continue to plummet for solar, opening new investment opportunities.”
The report is the fifteenth in a series of SolarPower Europe’s global market reports, which includes: Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, India, Kazakhstan, Latin America, the Middle East, Mozambique, Myanmar, Oman, Senegal, Tunisia, and Vietnam. (hcn)
The International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI) was launched in Brussels in the presence of representatives from the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, with a statement of support from eight European solar manufacturers.
Máté Heisz, Director of Global Affairs at SolarPower Europe said; “EU legislation, like the Net-Zero Industry Act, and the new European competitiveness agenda is driving demand for resilient solar products at home. ISMI is set to complete the picture by driving demand for European products and expertise abroad, while simultaneously helping Europe’s partners to deliver their economic and sustainability goals.”
Key goals of the initiative
ISMI has four key goals: 1. Supporting European solar manufacturing companies in tapping into the enormous global clean-tech demand pull. 2. Advocating for export and development cooperation policies that will boost European competitiveness and the development goals of EU partner countries. 3. Working to secure public financing from the EU Global Gateway strategy, European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) to realise concrete manufacturing projects and export opportunities. 4. Building a stronger and more resilient global solar PV supply chain.
Eight European manufacturers participate – more to come
The first participants in ISMI include solar manufacturers based in five European countries (IT, ES, FR, DE, CH), who are active amongst several steps in the value chain including manufacturing equipment, solar modules, mounting systems, inverters, as well as system connection solutions.
Following companies have signed the launch statement of the initiative so far: Ecoprogetti, Holosoli, K2, Mondragon, SMA, Staubli, Unex and Weidmuller. „We expect to add more in coming weeks and months“, Bethany Megan, spokeswoman of SolarPower Europe told pv Europe.
Mobilise up to €300 billion of investments
Through ISMI, SolarPower Europe will act as a facilitator between the EU Global Gateway strategy, DFIs, and ECAs to secure public financing and access to global markets for European solar manufacturers.
Between 2021 and 2027, the Global Gateway strategy will mobilise up to €300 billion of investments. This will allow EU partners to develop their societies and economies, but also create opportunities for the EU Member States’ private sector to invest and remain competitive, whilst ensuring the highest environmental and labour standards, as well as sound financial management. (hcn)
