ETIP PV Conference 2024: Harnessing Solar PV Technologies and Digital Tools for Responsive Power Systems

On May 22-23, 2024, approximately 110 participants attended the European Technology and Innovation Platform for Photovoltaics (ETIP PV) conference in Brussels. The event underscored the crucial role of advanced solar PV technology in revolutionizing energy systems. With a strong focus on cyber-secure digitalization, discussions emphasized its vital importance in safeguarding and optimizing energy infrastructures. The conference brought together solar PV innovators and broader energy stakeholders to discuss, explore, and promote the integration of solar PV technology into a sustainable energy future.The conference featured four panel discussions on the effective control of solar PV systems, energy sharing, solar PV flexibility, and the energy data space. The fourth session was co-organized with the European Technology and Innovation Platform Smart Networks for Energy Transition (ETIP SNET)

Rutger Schlatmann, Head of the Solar Energy division at Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, and ETIP PV Chairman, said, “PV has come a long way from a cell-centered approach to be a major component of the energy transition and bring down costs. The ETIP PV conference has explored the different options and opportunities, to integrate more electricity produced from solar PV into the market. The conference also highlighted how the end-user will play an integral role in this energy transition, and solar PV at the forefront. Venizelos Efthymiou, first manager/ CEO of EPL, and Chair of the ETIP PV Conference 2024, added, “Solar PV technologies are constantly maturing in tandem with power electronics and storage flexibilities, becoming a reliable competitive energy source in support of the energy transition.”

Pierre-Jean Alet, Group leader of Digital energy solutions at CSEM and co-Chair of the Conference noted, “Photovoltaics is now relevant for the entire power system. Lively discussions and expert panellists provided a unique opportunity for the solar and grid sectors to build a common understanding towards action. Two insights stand out for me. Energy communities can be a cost-neutral way to broaden participation in the energy transition, and we are going to see the emergence of software-defined power networks.”