EU’s New Commissioner-Designates: Paving The Way For A Greener, Electrified Future

Today, the EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, presented her proposed College of Commissioners for the next EU cycle. This College is made up of nominated representatives from each of the 27 member states, with each Commissioner assigned a specific policy area. Before they can officially take office, the Commissioner-Designates must be confirmed by the European Parliament, which is expected to happen by December 2024.

Among the key Commissioner-Designates, several hold positions relevant to solar and energy sectors. Teresa Ribera Rodríguez from Spain has been nominated as Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition. Henna Virkkunen from Finland is the nominee for Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy. Stéphane Séjourné from France has been nominated as Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. Maroš Šefčovič from Slovakia is the nominee for Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, as well as Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency. Wopke Hoekstra from the Netherlands has been nominated for the role of Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth. Finally, Dan Jørgensen from Denmark is set to become the Commissioner for Energy and Housing.

SolarPower Europe, a leading voice in the solar industry, reacted positively to the proposed College of Commissioners and the specific mandates, known as Mission Letters, assigned to each Commissioner-Designate. Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, expressed strong support for the team, particularly noting how it aligns with the goals of the European Green Deal. Hemetsberger emphasized that Commissioner-Designate Jørgensen’s portfolio, which combines energy and housing, is especially important as it addresses both energy poverty and affordable housing. She pointed out that integrating solar energy into social housing is an effective way to decarbonize the grid while ensuring that all communities can benefit from clean energy.

One key highlight from Jørgensen’s Mission Letter is the reference to an Electrification Action Plan. This plan focuses on renewable energy, energy storage, and flexibility in energy systems, all of which are crucial for building a competitive and electrified Europe. SolarPower Europe projects that flexible and renewable electrification could reduce day-ahead power prices by 25% by 2030 and by 33% by 2040.

The new EU Commission is expected to prioritize implementing and financing the 2030 frameworks established by the previous mandate while aiming for even more ambitious targets for 2040. SolarPower Europe looks forward to seeing the team confirmed in the upcoming parliamentary hearings.

The organization is currently leading the Electrification Alliance, which is pushing for an Electrification Action Plan within the first 100 days of the new European Commission. The Alliance’s campaign, #100daystoElectrify, promotes the idea that increased use of renewables, electrification, and flexibility will enhance Europe’s competitiveness. Their research shows that adopting these measures could cut average day-ahead energy prices significantly over the next two decades.

Europe will need to double its energy system flexibility by 2030 and increase it sevenfold by 2050, according to the EU Joint Research Centre. Flexibility refers to the ability of energy consumers, generators, or technologies like storage to adjust their electricity usage based on grid needs or solar availability. This flexibility reduces the need for slow-to-build grid infrastructure and promotes efficient grid operations. For example, solar power plants coupled with battery storage or smart charging stations that charge electric vehicles when rooftop solar power is abundant are practical applications of this concept.

While expanding battery and heat storage is essential, flexibility from the demand side is equally important. Countries with significant nuclear power generation have already embraced demand-side flexibility, as nuclear plants are not easy to switch on and off. To manage this, consumers are incentivized to use electricity during off-peak times through “Time-of-Use” tariffs, which make electricity cheaper at night.

Electrification means building an energy system that relies on electricity instead of combustion. This includes electric vehicles, induction cookers, and electric heating systems. Currently, 24% of Europe’s energy system is electrified, but to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, this figure needs to rise to at least 60%.