At the SolarPower Summit on Thursday 27 March, European Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen announced that the European Commission would soon be launching “an assessment of the critical elements of the solar energy value chain in the EU”, including the risks of cyber security.
Addressing the players in the European solar sector, the Commissioner directly solicited their contribution.
In his opening address, Mr Jørgensen explained the need to ensure that the sector’s supply chains are more secure in the face of growing geopolitical and climatic challenges “as well as threats from physical attacks and cyber security”.
In general terms, the Commissioner stressed the need to increase solar energy production in Europe, pointing out that over 90% of the photovoltaic panel manufacturing facilities in the world are currently in China.
Mr Jørgensen also emphasised the need to speed up the granting of permits and the adoption of long-term contracts for renewable energies. He also pointed out that the Commission would be starting work this spring on the Electrification Action Plan, due out in early 2026, and that it was counting on all stakeholders “to make it a significant roadmap towards the electrification of our Energy Union”. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)