Among the many topics covered, the debate centred on new cell concepts for the future, increased automation in production, and standardisation. New manufacturing processes and production machinery for silicon and thin-film technology were showcased on the 65,000 sqm exhibition area. Numerous exhibitors even displayed entire production lines, some of them operating. Cutting-edge measurement and control equipment for quality assurance in cell manufacturing was also unveiled. Production samples of large panels of glass with a photovoltaic finish illustrated the rapid advances being made in the field of thin-film solar technology.
The 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition is the largest trade show in the photovoltaics industry, and also the one with the highest number of operational exhibits. The international scientific Conference attracted 4295 delegates. A broad spectrum of topics spanning every area of photovoltaics was on offer on each of the conference’s five days. The PV Policy Debate focusing on the „EU Renewable Energy Directive“ marked another highlight of the PVSEC. The international panel discussed in a lively debate including high-ranking specialists from throughout the EU and the US the impact of the „EU Renewable Energy Directive“ on the European PV industry and on PV markets.
In the course of the PVSEC, the 6th European PV Industry Forum presented the results of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association’s and AT Kearney’s study ‘SET for 2020’. The study establishes a vision for the industry to achieve a market share of up to 12% in the electricity sector in Europe by 2020. Michael Splinter of Applied Materials gave the industry perspective on this goal. Interesting presentations on the topic were given by the key stakeholders outside of the PV community. Moving towards smart cities, designing smart grids, the role of energy storage and the breakthroughs in electric vehicles were all emphasized as areas where the PV industry should work together in close collaboration with the other relevant industries to achieve this 2020 goal. All areas of photovoltaics were covered in more than 1,300 plenary and specialist presentations as well as visual poster presentations. Papers on the new organic photovoltaic cells generated particular interest
Prof. Wim Sinke, from the ECN Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands, acted as General Conference Chairman, comments: “This 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition was held at the right moment in time and has generated important messages for the PV sector itself, for governments working on their national action plans to reach the EU 2020 targets and for society as a whole. There is not a trace of doubt that PV solar energy is crucial for the transition to a sustainable energy system. Globally, on a European level, and on country level. It is not just a long term option, but a short term reality which should have a clear position in these action plans. To contribute to the 2020 targets and to lay the foundation for much bigger contributions after that. I am convinced that the problems the PV sector faces at this moment are no more than ripples on a robust trend of growth for decades to come.”
The 25th PVSEC will take place in Valencia, Spain, September 6–10, 2010.
www.photovoltaic-conference.com
EPP EUROPE 403
