Solar energy: Europe aims to lead the world in Photovoltaic technologies

The recently created “Photovoltaics Technology Research Advisory Council” will meet for the first time on 05 December in Brussels. The initiative of Loyola de Palacio, European Commission Vice President in charge of Energy and Transport, , and of European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin, involves 18 members representing all the major players in this technology. Europe is now the world's second largest manufacturer of photovoltaics, accounting for more than 24% of overall production, behind Japan (44%) and ahead of the USA (22%).

Current forecasts show large potential for solar electricity production, for which Europe has seen an average growth rate of 30% per year over the last decade. Nevertheless, photovoltaics are currently under-utilised in the European Union, despite the active support of the Commission for research, development and demonstration projects in this area, with over € 200 million of funding for almost 200 projects over the last 10 years. To find the best way forward, the Advisory Council's objective is to develop a Foresight Report and a Strategic Research Agenda, in order to address the remaining barriers to maximising the potential of this clean energy source.
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