The world needs massive amounts of renewables to meet our climate goals and become net zero. But at what cost really? Did we look at how sustainability itself is thought of while implementing renewables and it's necessary infrastructure? With massive growth rates in PV, wind power and storage, it's quite obvious that renewables come with a sizable footprint themselves in terms of energy or exploration needed for production or biodiversity loss during implementation.

So how can we integrate circularity in production processes? How do you get engineers on board to invest in to more sustainable designs and what other aspects need to be addressed? We talk about this and more with Katharina Eickelberg, Senior Vice President, Global Communication and Sustainability at SMA Solar Technology.

Timeline:

• 02:11 In an industry that sees massive growth rates, how important is it to already keep in mind the footprint of your products?
• 03:22 Which are the main drivers to develop a sustainability strategy?
• 06:06 Which areas in the production were generally in the business at SMA are the most relevant for sustainability?
• 18:20 Which specific human rights issues we're talking about when it comes to inverters, is it conditions in manufacturing companies like working hours or gender payment gaps, stuff like that?
• 22:04 So as a company, what do you need in order to really be able to have a level playing field and to really implement that notion? Do we already have enough legislation in Europe which you need?

About The smarter E Podcast

The smarter E podcast is all about the current trends and developments in a renewable, decentralized and digital energy industry. Our moderators Tobias Bücklein and Zackes Brustik welcome and interview personalities who shape our industry and drive developments forward. A new episode is published every Thursday.

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About Katharina Eickelberg and SMA Solar

Katharina Eickelberg is the Senior Vice President Global Communication & Sustainability at SMA Solar Technology AG, a leading global specialist in photovoltaic system technology. She is responsible for Communication, Brand, Public Affairs and Sustainability. Additionally, Katharina is a director on the board of Solar Power Europe. Before joining SMA, Katharina held different positions in the energy sector, most recently as Head of Business Communication at Swedish utility Vattenfall and member of the supervisory board of GASAG AG. Besides driving communication and sustainability at SMA, she concentrates on topics such as Leadership and Diversity & Inclusion. Katharina lives in Hannover with her two sons.

SMA Solar Technology AG, headquartered in Niestetal, North Hesse, is one of the world's top-selling and Germany's best-known manufacturers of inverters for photovoltaic systems with grid feed-in and off-grid feed-in.

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