On 16 June, EU energy ministers met in Luxembourg for a session of the Energy Council to discuss how to reinforce energy security and strengthen the Energy Union. Ahead of the meeting, SolarPower Europe and 32 national associations issued a joint letter calling on ministers to prioritise flexibility, domestic solar manufacturing and cybersecurity in the EU’s energy security strategy.
“Local electricity production is crucial in times of crisis”
However, the ministers made only a general commitment and did not adopt the proposals. “Energy ministers are right to reiterate that accelerating the energy transition enhances Europe’s energy security. They are right that clean energy will reduce energy costs, decrease the EU's reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate our vulnerability to price fluctuations,” commented Dries Acke, Deputy CEO of SolarPower Europe.
Support strategic clean technology manufacturing
“Fossil fuel dependency is the Achilles’ heel of the EU’s economy and security,” Acke emphasised. “Unfortunately, the ministers’ conclusions missed the opportunity to turn the analysis into targeted actions, especially with regard to flexibility and clean tech supply chains.”
EU moves to support European solar manufacturing
An EU flexibility strategy and fresh funding for strategic clean technology manufacturing – including solar PV and batteries – are urgently needed.
“We do commend the Council on its call to strengthen Europe’s energy cybersecurity architecture. As our landmark report urges, we need to take more action to secure decentralised assets, namely by establishing industry-specific standards and limiting the remote controllability of PV inverters,” added Acke. (hcn)
