Europe accelerates solar innovation to meet 2030 photovoltaic targets amid urgent commissioning reforms
On 4 June 2025, Brussels played host to the 20th annual conference of the European Technology and Innovation Platform for Photovoltaics (ETIP PV), a pivotal event that convened leaders from academia, policy, and the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. With Europe’s ambitious goal of achieving 720 GWdc of PV deployment and 30 GW of manufacturing capacity by 2030 looming on the horizon, this year’s edition highlighted a sense of urgency surrounding innovation in solar technology. The theme, "The urgency of now: Innovation in making deployment and production targets a reality for solar PV," pointed towards the ongoing need for effective strategies to overcome current challenges.
The conference commenced with a keynote address by Vincent Berrutto, Head of Unit at the European Commission Directorate for Energy. He reiterated the Commission's dedication to fostering innovation and technological competitiveness in clean energy. Among the measures proposed were streamlined permitting processes and enhanced electrification efforts to facilitate the scaling up of PV technologies. Berrutto's insights shed light on the broader regulatory landscape, emphasising the importance of swift action in policy adjustments to propel solar advancement.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in three thematic sessions, covering critical aspects of Europe’s solar landscape, such as tracking advancement in PV deployment, bolstering industrial competitiveness, and bridging the funding gap for innovative technologies. This dialogue proved crucial, as stakeholders openly exchanged ideas about market dynamics, regulatory necessities, and financing mechanisms. Proposed solutions included augmenting grid flexibility, integrating battery storage solutions, and establishing sustainable supply chains deemed essential for the resilience of Europe’s energy system.
The conference also addressed the delicate balance between scaling up production and maintaining innovation within the European PV landscape. Delfina Munoz, Strategic Project Manager at CEA Liten, remarked on the need for systems that ensure rapid responses to deployment challenges. She articulated a collective awareness of the urgent need for sustainable and flexible solutions to streamline the entire PV value chain, echoing the sentiments shared by other experts at the conference.
Moreover, Rutger Schlatmann, Head of the Solar Energy division at Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin and Chairman of ETIP PV, reinforced the notion that European production capabilities are integral to the continent's energy future. He emphasised the necessity of a robust and modern European manufacturing supply chain that not only delivers on deployment but also guarantees energy security while adhering to environmental standards. “We have all the technological know-how and PV's massive innovation potential in our own hands,” he stated, underscoring the importance of harnessing local capabilities.
The conference's discussions also coincided with global patterns highlighted by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which reported that solar PV remains the only clean energy technology poised to meet the 2030 investment targets. In 2023, solar accounted for a significant portion of the world’s renewable energy growth, and while the sector is making strides, an urgent need for increased investment persists. IRENA has projected a requirement of US$1.5 trillion in annual investments to realise global energy targets, stressing a collective effort to mobilise resources effectively, particularly for developing regions.
In a forward-looking spirit, ETIP PV announced plans to update its Vision Report on the future of the European PV sector, inviting feedback from stakeholders to refine strategic pathways for realising its ambitious objectives. This collective determination, as evidenced at the conference, underlines the importance of collaboration between various sectors to navigate the challenges ahead.
Overall, the ETIP PV Conference 2025 not only celebrated two decades of advocacy for solar PV innovation but also underscored the crucial role that rapid technological advancement and collaborative efforts play in shaping Europe’s energy landscape. As stakeholders prepare for the future, the pressing message remains: the time for action is now.