Joachim Goldbeck on BETD 2025: Solar energy as the key to Europe’s economic future

“The energy transition is not a future project – it is happening now. The Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue 2025 (BETD 2025) brings together international decision-makers to set the course for a sustainable and economically successful energy future. One thing is certain: photovoltaics plays a key role – not only for the decarbonization of our energy supply, but also as a driver for industrial competitiveness, economic stability and security of supply in Europe. But instead of hesitating or discussing, we need to take action now: The expansion of solar energy must be further accelerated, regulatory hurdles must be resolved and investments must be promoted in a targeted manner.

The year 2024 has shown that the solar market is growing despite economic and geopolitical challenges. However, this momentum alone is not enough if Europe wants to remain independent, competitive and a technological leader in the long term. The Solar Package 2 has set an important course – through simplified approval procedures, the strengthening of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and the expansion of storage solutions. The task now is not only to implement these measures efficiently, but also to develop them further in a targeted manner. This requires clear political decisions and decisive action:

• Approval processes must no longer be an obstacle. Faster zoning for PV systems and a more efficient grid connection are particularly important.
• Grid expansion must keep pace with the growth of renewable energies – binding expansion targets and investment incentives for grid infrastructure are essential.
• Energy storage systems are crucial for balancing the generation and consumption of renewable electricity over time. The market rules must be adapted so that battery storage systems can be used economically in arbitrage trading as well as for grid stabilization.
• The co-location of wind and solar energy should be specifically promoted. The combined use of areas for both technologies makes economic sense and improves grid utilization.
• European solar production must be strengthened. More in-house production capacities, resilient supply chains and a strategic industrial policy are necessary to reduce dependence on Asian markets.

Europe must not allow itself to be left behind – neither in terms of production, technology or markets. Global competition is increasing and a common European strategy is needed. With clear political leadership and decisive action, Europe can strengthen its energy independence and establish photovoltaics as the economic backbone of the future.

At BETD 2025, I will be discussing with political decision-makers, industry experts and investors how we can set this course now. The technologies are there, as is the knowledge – now we have to act consistently. Germany and Europe can be pioneers of a sustainable, economically successful energy transition.”