Shine On Policycast

<p>Shine On Policycast is a podcast presented by SolarPower Europe. In these episodes, we bring you EU policy updates relevant to solar, in under 20 minutes. <br /><br />Our host, Bethany Meban, Head of Press and Policy Communications at SolarPower Europe, interviews different voices from our team of policy and market intelligence experts. As we enter a new political era in the EU, each episode dives into how solar is delivering on Europe's competitiveness, security and climate goals. The podcast is produced by Lily Murdoch, Digital Communications Advisor at SolarPower Europe.<br /><br />Who are we? SolarPower Europe is the award-winning link between policymakers and the solar PV value chain. We represent over 320 companies and organisations from the solar value chain, and our mission is to ensure solar becomes Europe’s leading energy source by 2030. </p>

Watt’s next for Europe? | Driving electrification for a secure and competitive EU

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 economic competitiveness. Whether you’re an energy professional, policymaker, or simply passionate abo...

11-05
11:44

Driving Supply Chain Traceability | Solar Stewardship Initiative 3 years in

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 enough to ensure sustainable and transparent value chains. This episode explores whether the...

10-22
14:21

Is the EU solar workforce up to the task? | EU Solar Jobs Report 2025

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 transition. The conversation explores how EU policymakers can bridge the solar skills gap, strengthe...

10-08
21:10

State of the European Energy System | Solar for Freedom, Security and Unity

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 Europe, the role of energy storage in securing grid stability, and the policy measures needed to ...

09-24
18:08

Flexible Buildings, Resilient Grids | Future-proofing Europe's energy system

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: LinkedIn Bluesky Instagram Facebook Website

05-14
09:27

EU Solar Charter one year later: has the pact lived up to its ambitions?

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 strategic autonomy, energy security, and competitiveness. Follow us for more: LinkedIn Bluesky Instagram Fa...

04-23
09:37

Hot Takes from the SolarPower Summit 2025: Let's Flex!

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 as we ask them: What stood out in Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera’s opening speech? W...

04-10
29:48

BONUS EPISODE: 5 numbers in 5 minutes | Plug-in Solar PV

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

03-19
07:55

EU Clean Industrial Deal | Electrification, storage and flexibility for Europe's competitiveness

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 and what needs to happen next. Follow us for more: LinkedIn Bluesky Instagram Facebook Website

03-07
14:05

BONUS EPISODE: 5 numbers in 5 minutes | EU Market Outlook for Solar Power 2024-2028

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 solar in Europe. Follow us for more: LinkedIn Bluesky Instagram Facebook Website

02-12
08:31

Electrifying Europe | 6 months leading the Electrification Alliance & influencing the new EU mandate

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 the agenda for the incoming mandate. Listen on for insights, and why electrification is so important.&nbs...

01-29
09:53

Solar Success in Africa II: Oluwaseun Abraham, Head of Project at Havenhill Synergy

Welcome to Shine On, a podcast presented by SolarPower Europe. In the second season of our Solar Success in Africa series we'll hear more about innovative solar projects bringing clean and reliable energy to communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. This podcast series is supported by GET.invest, a European programme that mobilises investment in decentralised renewable energy projects, supported by the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Austria. In the final episode in this ...

12-08
14:13

Solar Success in Africa II: Servaas Van Den Noortgate, Co-Founder of FlexGrid

Welcome to Shine On, a podcast presented by SolarPower Europe. In the second season of our Solar Success in Africa series we'll hear more about innovative solar projects bringing clean and reliable energy to communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. This podcast series is supported by GET.invest, a European programme that mobilises investment in decentralised renewable energy projects, supported by the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Austria. In the third episode in this ...

12-01
17:47

Solar Success in Africa II: Francine Munyaneza, Founder and CEO of Munyax Eco

Welcome to Shine On, a podcast presented by SolarPower Europe. In the second season of our Solar Success in Africa series we'll hear more about innovative solar projects bringing clean and reliable energy to communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. This podcast series is supported by GET.invest, a European programme that mobilises investment in decentralised renewable energy projects, supported by the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Austria. In the second episode in this...

11-24
24:40

Solar Success in Africa II: Josef Abramowitz, CEO of Gigawatt Global

Welcome to Shine On, a podcast presented by SolarPower Europe. In the second season of our Solar Success in Africa series we'll hear more about innovative solar projects bringing clean and reliable energy to communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. This podcast series is supported by GET.invest, a European programme that mobilises investment in decentralised renewable energy projects, supported by the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Austria. In the first episode in this...

11-17
32:18

Solar growth slows in 2024 | EU Market Outlook for Solar Power & end of year reflections

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 with a ray of hope & inspiring solar stories. Follow us for more: LinkedIn Bluesky Instagram Fa...

12-18
22:04

BONUS EPISODE: 5 numbers in 5 minutes | Mission Solar 2040

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 renewable energy updates! Follow us for more: LinkedIn Bluesky Instagram Facebook Website

12-11
07:36

Financing the global energy transition | COP29, solar's place in the world and markets to watch

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

12-04
18:12

BONUS EPISODE: 5 numbers in 5 minutes | EU Market Outlook for Battery Storage 2024

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 renewable energy updates! Follow us for more: LinkedIn Bluesky Instagram Facebook Website

11-27
06:49

EU Commissioner Hearings | The European Commission's vision for solar energy, trade and agriculture

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 Bluesky Instagram Facebook Website

11-20
17:24

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