In the shadow of a changing geopolitical order, Intersolar Europe Conference 2025 will inform about the hottest developments in PV markets and development. Adele Ara, Group Chief Technology Officer of Lightsource bp is a Committee Member of the Intersolar Europe Conference. We wanted to know from Adele – what are the key topics of this year’s edition?
The Intersolar Europe Conference 2025 stands out for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the depth and breadth of the topics discussed ensure that every participant can find relevant insights tailored to their interests and expertise. From cutting-edge technological advancements to the latest market trends, the conference provides a comprehensive look at the solar industry's current landscape.
Moreover, the expertise of our speakers is unparalleled. We are privileged to have industry leaders and thought pioneers who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Their presentations promise to offer quality materials that not only inform but also inspire actionable strategies for attendees. I am confident that these elements can create an enriching environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the solar sector.
As a tradition of the Intersolar Europe Conference, this year’s event will cover a diverse mix of policy, market, and technology-related topics, reflecting the multifaceted nature of our industry. We will explore various aspects of solar energy, from off-grid solutions to utility-scale power generation, as well as hybrid systems and the ongoing challenges surrounding the supply chain.
By addressing these topics in a holistic manner, we aim to demonstrate how each component contributes to an integrated energy system.
In 2025, the solar industry faces significant challenges, particularly from external factors such as macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical developments, and local political sentiment. Additionally, slow permitting processes and ever tightening grid and flexibility bottlenecks are slowing down the solar growth potential. These challenges can create uncertainties that impact market dynamics and investment.
However, amidst these hurdles, it is important to remember that technology and best practices are continuously evolving. Innovations within our field help drive solar energy's competitiveness, reinforcing its position as a critical backbone of the energy transition.
We hope the recently announced EU Clean Industrial Deal and the roll-out of its policy initiatives will address key barriers and unlock solar’s full potential as a strategic driver of competitiveness and energy security in Europe.
The conference will showcase industry experts who will share their knowledge and real-world case studies, exemplifying how we can navigate these challenges and maintain momentum in advancing solar energy solutions.
Certainly, the topic of grids and flexibility are set to take centre stage at the conference, as the key to unlock the next phase of solar growth in Europe. With sessions dedicated to flexibility, energy storage, hybrid PV power plants and corporate PPAs, we expect the conference to identify challenges and drive solutions to the grid bottlenecks hindering solar expansion, enhancing system resilience, and accelerating the seamless integration of renewables into Europe's energy mix.
The conference will also delve into the role of solar energy in global decarbonisation strategies, with a particular focus on the European market. Additionally, we will discuss the evolution and potential off offtake agreements and renewable electricity sourcing, and the emerging market of Agri PV, highlighting its potential to merge sustainable energy production with agricultural benefits.
We also expect the conference to unfold against the backdrop of one of the EU’s most pressing policy priorities: competitiveness. As the most cost-effective energy source, solar PV plays a strategic role in advancing the EU’s competitiveness and energy security goals.
The conference will explore different technology, policy and economic challenges to continued solar growth. Understanding these issues is more critical and timelier than ever vital for stakeholders seeking to engage with the evolving landscape of solar energy investments and contribute effectively to our shared competitiveness, energy security and decarbonisation goals.
Of course, I highly recommend the session ‘Utility-Scale Solar Power II: Digitalisation & AI Transforming the Industry’, which I have the honour of moderating! This discussion is particularly exciting as we look at the digital revolution that's unfolding around us. Embracing digitalisation and artificial intelligence is absolutely essential for the long-term success and competitiveness of our industry. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to leverage these technologies to enhance operational efficiencies and drive innovation forward. I can’t wait to see everyone there!
Having attended this conference for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how, every year, our industry faces new challenges – sometimes related to policies and other times due to economic shifts. One of my hopes for this year’s conference is that, even while facing ever changing circumstances, attendees will leave with a solution-focused mindset to tackle the challenges in our field.