Welcome and Introduction

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Recording of Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | The smarter E Europe 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 3:35 .

Experts Gather to Discuss ESG Considerations and Transparency in Solar Sustainability at Key Industry Event

The session on solar sustainability emphasized the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations and transparency within the supply chain. The speaker highlighted that ESG issues have become central in policy debates concerning not only solar energy but also other renewable sources like batteries, wind energy, and electrolytes. Both private sectors and regulators are increasingly attentive to environmental and social standards in production processes. Financing institutions are prioritizing ESG criteria for investment decisions. Significant progress has been made by the industry through committed resources towards traceability practices and independent verification of product sustainability. Acknowledging this effort, stakeholders including module buyers, manufacturers, certification bodies, and industry associations play a crucial role from various perspectives in upholding these standards. Dr. Guido Agostinelli from the International Finance Corporation introduced Laurene Gusse from ENGIE Renewables as the next speaker to further delve into these topics—emphasizing collaborative work towards sustainable practices within solar modules specifically.

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Dr. Guido Agostinelli
Solar Sector Head
IFC - International Finance Corporation
USA

As investors focus more on ESG criteria in the solar supply chain, the industry aims to enhance transparency, traceability, and reduce carbon footprint. This comes at a time of significant legislative change in Europe, with market access rules and the promotion of improved sustainability practices on the horizon.

This session will discuss:

  • How ESG considerations are impacting developers' procurement decisions
  • How solar manufacturers along the solar supply chain are addressing ESG concerns
  • Legislative requirements and industry efforts to increase transparency and sustainability performance
  • Processes for certifying solar products with low embodied carbon

Speaker

Laurene Gusse
Deputy Head of Quality & Procurement
ENGIE Renewables

To Talk

Speaker

Lin Sun
Head of Sustainability Development
JinkoSolar
China

To Talk

Speaker

Alexia Ruvoletto
Head of Secretariat
The Solar Stewardship Initiative
Belgium

To Talk

Speaker

Dr. Giorgio Bardizza
Global Manager Solar PV
TÜV Rheinland
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Özer Ergül
Group Head of Procurement CPO
Aquila Capital
The Netherlands

Stacy Ettinger
Senior Vice President of Supply Chain & Trade
Solar Energy Industries Association
United States

To Talk

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