Shine On Policycast

2025 has been the year of putting energy system flexibility in the spotlight. As the EU launched its strategic priorities for the new EU political mandate: energy security, competitiveness, and climate.  In this episode, our host Bethany Meban sits down with Dries Acke, Deputy CEO, SolarPower Europe, to discuss why flexibility is essential for meeting the EU’s targets, and our key asks for a robus...

Join us on this episode of Shine On Policycast as we dive into the electrification revolution transforming Europe’s energy landscape. Host Bethany Meban sits down with Adrian Hiel, Director of the Electrification Alliance, to discuss to discuss why switching to European energy in European homes, industry, and transport can boost Europe’s competitiveness and strengthen our energy security and econo...

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany Meban speaks with Rachel Owens, CEO of the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI). Discover how SSI is driving supply chain traceability in the solar sector and whether current EU legislation - such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and Forced Labour Ban - is doing...

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany Meban speaks with Jacopo Piccalgi , Project and Policy Officer on Skills at SolarPower Europe, to unpack the findings of the latest EU Solar Jobs Report . We examine the current landscape of solar jobs in Europe , the challenges of meeting workforce demand, and whether the EU is on track to deliver the skilled labour needed for its clean energy...

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany Meban sits down with Walburga Hemetsberger , CEO of SolarPower Europe, for a deep dive into the future of Europe’s energy system . As the new political season begins, we analyse European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address and its implications for the Europe’s energy future. We explore the trajectory of solar...

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany is joined by Jan Osenberg, Head of System Integration at SolarPower Europe, to discuss flexible buildings. Throughout the discussion we dive into what flexible buildings are, why they are important to the energy transition, and what needs to happen at EU and member state level to support the roll out of flexibility services. Follow us for more:...

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany is joined by Head of Supply Chains, Anett Ludwig, to discuss the EU Solar Charter one year after its inception. What is the EU solar charter and what did it set out to achieve? One year later, what is the state of play? We explore what still needs to happen to ensure Europe's solar manufacturing base can be reshored, strengthening EU strat...

Buckle up for 30 minutes of lively commentary, sharp analysis, and unfiltered opinions recorded live from the SolarPower Summit in Brussels. Join SolarPower Europe's Deputy CEO Dries Acke in conversation with a distinguished panel of energy influencers: Beatrice Petrovich, Ember; Tara Connolly, Beyond Fossil Fuels; and Bram Claeys, Regulatory Assistance Project.  Hear direct from the experts...

Catch up on the latest EU solar market figures with this bonus episode of Shine On Policycast. In just 5 minutes, Leah Le Pénuizic, Market Analyst at SolarPower Europe, shares five key numbers from our recently published paper on Plug-In Solar PV. We dive into what plug-in solar is, and how the technology is advancing in Europe. Follow us for more: LinkedIn Bluesky Instagram Facebook Website

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany is joined by Deputy CEO, Dries Acke, to focus in on the Clean Industrial Deal published by the European Commission in February 2025. This new package, along with the Affordable Energy Action Plan and the Omnibus packages, set the direction for the EU's work over the next years. Listen in to hear our key takeaways, what we think is missing...

Catch up on the latest EU solar market figures with this bonus episode of Shine On Policycast. In just 5 minutes, Christophe Lits, Senior Market Analyst at SolarPower Europe, shares five key numbers from our recently published EU Market Outlook for Solar Power. While the report highlights record numbers of solar installed, Christophe explains why the news might not be so bright for the future of s...

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany is joined by Policy Advisor for Electrification, Anais Faucher, to take a look back at SolarPower Europe's 6 month chairpersonship of the Electrification Alliance. At a crucial moment in time, welcoming the incoming European Commission, we were proud to drive forward a number of key papers and events that saw electrification put high on th...

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany is joined by SolarPower Europe CEO, Walburga Hemetsberger, to wrap up the year. We take a look into our latest report: the EU Market Outlook for Solar Power 2024-2028. The report shows a slowdown in solar market growth this year, and throughout the discussion we delve into why this is the case, and explore the solutions. The episode wraps up wi...

Catch up on the latest in Europe's battery storage market with this bonus episode of Shine On Policycast! In just 5 minutes, Raffaele Rossi, Head of Market Intelligence at SolarPower Europe, shares five key numbers from our Mission Solar 2040 report, highlighting key figures on solar and energy system flexibility. Perfect for solar enthusiasts, policy makers, and anyone interested in renewabl...

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany is joined by Benjamin Clarke, SolarPower Europe's Global Markets Manager, to discuss COP29. We dive into the global story for solar and renewables, which emerging markets to watch, and ask the question of the hour: is COP still relevant? Follow us for more: LinkedIn Bluesky Instagram Facebook Website

Catch up on the latest in Europe's battery storage market with this bonus episode of Shine On Policycast! In just 5 minutes, Antonio Arruebo, Junior Market Analyst at SolarPower Europe, shares five key numbers from the EU Market Outlook for Battery Storage, highlighting the most important trends and data driving the industry. Perfect for solar enthusiasts, policy makers, and anyone interested...

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany is joined by Naomi Chevillard, SolarPower Europe's Head of Regulatory Affairs, to discuss the recent hearings for the incoming EU Commissioners. This is the latest step in defining the new EU mandate, and we outline who to watch for topics like trade, industry, energy prices and decarbonising agriculture. Follow us for more: LinkedIn Blues...

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany is joined by Lina Dubina, Policy Advisor for Sustainability at SolarPower Europe, to discuss nature-inclusive solar. In a new paper with The Nature Conservancy, SolarPower Europe identify key biodiversity benefits on solar parks, and policy recommendations to ensure solar and nature continue thriving together. Learn about best practices across...

Catch up on the latest in Europe's solar market with this bonus episode of Shine On Policycast! In just 5 minutes, Christophe Lits, Market Analyst at SolarPower Europe, shares five key numbers from the EU Solar Jobs Report, highlighting the most important trends and data driving the industry. Perfect for solar enthusiasts, policy makers, and anyone interested in renewable energy updates! Foll...

In this episode of Shine On Policycast , host Bethany is joined by Carmen Correas-Lopes, Policy Advisor at SolarPower Europe, to discuss the EU Solar Charter and the transformative impact the Net-Zero Industry Act could have on solar manufacturing. Together, they unpack how these key initiatives aim to strengthen Europe’s clean energy leadership and accelerate the transition to a renewable-powered...

In our new podcast series, we talk to Members of the European Parliament about their journey in energy and climate policymaking over the last 4 years, and their journey through the European Green Deal. What is their vision for solar? What role can Parliament play? Why is it important to vote in the European elections?   In this special episode of Shine On Policycast in the lead up to the EU electi...

In our new podcast series, we talk to Members of the European Parliament about their journey in energy and climate policymaking over the last 4 years, and their journey through the European Green Deal. What is their vision for solar? What role can Parliament play? Why is it important to vote in the European elections? In this special episode of Shine On Policycast in the lead up to the EU election...

We're back for season 3 of Shine On Policycast: the podcast that brings you EU policy updates relevant to solar, in 20 minutes or less! Join your host Bethany Meban, Head of Press and Policy Communications at SolarPower Europe as she dives into key topics linked to solar and the EU elections with our team of experts.  In this episode, Bethany sits down with Thomas Garabetian, our R&I mana...

In our new podcast series, we talk to Members of European Parliament about their journey in energy and climate policymaking over the last 4 years, and their journey through the European Green Deal. What is their vision for solar ? What role can Parliament play? Why is it important to vote in the European elections?  In this special episode of Shine On Policycast in the lead up to the EU elections...

We're back for season 3 of Shine On Policycast: the podcast that brings you EU policy updates relevant to solar, in 20 minutes or less! Join your host Bethany Meban, Head of Press and Policy Communications at SolarPower Europe as she dives into key topics linked to solar and the EU elections with our team of experts. In this episode, Bethany welcomes back Lina Dubina, Policy Advisor at SolarP...