According to SolarPower Europe (SPE), nearly 40GW of solar photovoltaic projects will be rolled out across Europe by the end of 2022, setting a new record for development installations, as the continent races to develop renewable energy projects to escape the influence of Russian gas.
Over 39GW of solar PV is expected to jump from 27GW last year. The previous figure of 27GW was itself a decade-old record.
Following the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the subsequent rise in energy prices, European governments have been working to accelerate the development of renewable energy as a means of reducing dependence on Russian energy imports.
Russia's "trend in the weaponization of energy supplies" has boosted renewable energy development in Europe this year, with 39GW of new solar PV generation equivalent to 4.6 billion cubic meters of Russian gas, SPE said.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SPE, said, "For every megawatt of electricity generated by solar and renewable energy, we need a little less fossil fuels in Russia. In order to cope with a difficult winter, Europe is rolling out solar energy as quickly as possible. "
European governments need to ensure skills shortages do not undermine efforts for future projects
On May 18, in response to the contradictions between Russia and Ukraine, the European Union announced the latest EU solar energy strategy, as part of the overall EU REPowerEU plan, the goal of this strategy is to achieve 400GW of solar photovoltaic power generation by 2025 and nearly 2030 by 2030. 740GW solar photovoltaic power generation.
The European Commission (EC) describes solar PV as "the main pillar of this effort". However, Wood Mackenzie analysts recently warned that the technology's contribution is in jeopardy due to high raw material costs, logistical challenges and rising component prices.
In addition to this, Dries Acke, SPE's policy director, said "a real challenge for the industry is a severe skills shortage" which could "lead to an insufficient number of installers and project developers that we need in Europe." In energy security strategic planning, this cannot be ignored.”
The current figures would be welcomed by European leaders and the solar industry, though Acke warned that such action on renewables is needed "this winter, and every winter that follows."
Beyond REpowerEU, how will Europe surpass the 740GWdc solar target set in the strategy, which many stakeholders have called for 1TW by 2030.
At the same time, the EC proposed a regulation setting a voluntary target to reduce gas demand by 15% by March 31, 2023. In addition, the EC is implementing a joint natural gas procurement approach to reduce costs.
The 'Save Gas, Safe Winter' scheme makes it possible for the EC to announce mandatory reductions in gas demand through a supply security 'Coalition Alert' after consultation with member states.