What is the EU solar energy strategy?

As part of the REPowerEU plan, the Commission adopted in May 2022 an EU solar energy strategy, which identifies remaining barriers and challenges in the solar energy sector and outlines initiatives to overcome them and accelerate the deployment of solar technologies.

Why is solar energy important in the EU?

Reducing the EU’s dependence on fossil fuels, solar energy plays a key role in both the clean energy transition and the REPowerEU plan. Solar energy technologies convert sunlight into energy, either as electricity (photovoltaics and concentrated solar power) or in the form of solar heat. Solar is the fastest growing energy source in the EU.

How much solar energy does the EU need?

Over this decade, the EU will need to install, on average, approximately 45 GW per year. Solar energy systems have long been a low-cost and reliable solution for heating in many European countries 6 but overall solar heat accounts for just around 1.5% of heating needs 7 .

How does the EU support the European solar PV manufacturing sector?

Over the last years, the EU has taken initiatives to strengthen its support to the European solar PV manufacturing sector, which includes several globally competitive companies in several steps of the value chain.

What is the EU photovoltaic charter?

Signed today in the margins of the informal Energy Council meeting by the Commission – represented by EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson - energy ministers from 23 EU countries and industry representatives, the charter sets out a series of voluntary actions to be undertaken to support the EU photovoltaic sector.

Is the EU ready for solar energy?

The EU has long been a front-runner in the roll-out of solar energy. Under the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU plan, solar power is a building block of the EU’s transition to cleaner energy. Its accelerated deployment contributes to reducing the EU’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.