Panel Discussion: How to Overcome Challenges to Tap Solar's Full Potential?

Recording of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | The smarter E Europe 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 26:46 .

Brazil's Solar Surge: Overcoming Challenges and Setting Ambitious Renewable Energy Targets with Effective Policies and Global Insights

The discussion centers around overcoming challenges to fully harness solar energy's potential. For the first time, policy recommendations were included in a global market outlook report, highlighting an active approach at the global level. The primary recommendation is to promote solar PV development across all segments and set ambitious national targets. Current targets often fall short of actual market growth expectations, signifying underestimation by stakeholders. Various member states are adjusting their National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) with increased solar ambitions; however, there’s still significant room for improvement. Brazil serves as a case study demonstrating rapid growth due to effective policies like net metering inspired by the US model rather than direct subsidies common in Europe. Despite initial resistance from incumbent companies and utilities, Brazil enacted laws ensuring clarity and stability for distributed generation. Brazil's renewable electricity initiatives resulted in 92% of its electricity demand being met sustainably last year – making it one of Latin America's largest markets powered predominantly by renewables. Yet long-term goal setting remains a challenge compared to developed nations' structured plans aiming towards carbon neutrality sooner than later. The speaker also expresses concerns about other developing countries lagging behind while recognizing Europe's historical emissions responsibilities alongside rising powers like India aiming for carbon neutrality only by 2070.

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Speaker

Sonia Dunlop
CEO
Global Solar Council
United Kingdom

Dr. Rodrigo Lopes Sauaia
CEO
ABSOLAR - Associação Brasileira de Energia Solar Fotovoltaica
Brazil

Walburga Hemetsberger
CEO
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

Talk of session: Global & European Decarbonization Strategies: Challenges & Solutions on Solar's Path to Become the World's Major Power Source

As solar energy continues its strong global growth trajectory, exceeding all expectations, more and more obstacles are appearing on the long way towards completing the energy transition. The question is: what is needed to unleash solar's full potential in Europe and globally, and what can realistically be achieved? This session will discuss: