Climate Action 2010-2011

Energy and Mitigation
Solar Power Plant, El Dorado, Nevada USA.
Unleashing PV power: a universal,
unlimited and affordable clean
electricity source
PV has demonstrated its ability to make a major
contribution to the transition of our energy sector to a
low-carbon regime.
Despite active resistance from lobbies of conventional
fuels and technologies, PV has been able to prove its
unique benefits, even through the prism of our current
economy paradigm characterised by hugely distorted
energy markets and operated by deficient instruments.
The current paradigm of fossil fuels fails to address
the catastrophic consequences for humankind. By
contrast, PV has established itself as a credible, affordable
and readily available technology, with huge promises
in terms of environmental protection, economic
competitiveness and socio-economic development. Its
unique fundamentals make it a catalyst for a new smart
and distributed energy regime and a strategic technology
to address the future energy needs of the world.
PV: what next
As COP15 did not deliver the promised legally binding
international treaty, hopes now rest with COP16 to achieve
at least a balanced package of measures on a long-term,
shared vision of adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer
and financing.
Emission reduction targets for all: International climate
negotiations need to establish a clear, transparent and
stable framework for supporting an accelerated transition
to a global low-carbon economy. Such a framework
should establish ambitious mid- and long-term emission
reduction targets for developed countries while fostering
immediate, ambitious voluntary emission limitations in
developing economies.
Long-term carbon pricing mechanisms: The framework
should fully acknowledge the externalities of fossil fuel
use by establishing credible and reliable long-term carbon
pricing mechanisms, while encouraging redirection of
existing support to fossil fuels towards renewables.
Risk-sharing funding models for renewables:
Appropriate financial mechanisms and dedicated
instruments should be developed to create a stable
investment environment. New risk-sharing models are
necessary if we are to mobilise the huge capital required
| 44 |
Source: First Solar.
to finance the unprecedented scale of infrastructure
needed for a complete energy transition.
Technology transfer for developing world: Technology
transfer mechanisms are required for the wider, accelerated
adoption of renewable technologies in developing
countries. The PV industry needs to build capacity to serve
these emerging markets while committing to local capacity
building by investing in local manufacturing capabilities
and establishing local service offerings.
PV inclusion in energy strategies: National governments
and policymakers must understand the socio-economic
benefits of transitioning to a renewable economy by
including PV as an explicit part of their energy strategy
and planning. They should also collaborate with
development banks and private financial institutions to
facilitate technology adoption.
Power utilities need to capitalise on the strengths of
PV to increase peak power generation and strengthen
the resilience of grids by distributed PV generation
assets. At the same time, they must fully leverage such
an opportunity to leapfrog where possible expensive
backbone grid development. More than 40 international
associations active in the solar and renewable energy
sector have joined forces to speak with a unified voice
at COP16, to demonstrate the capacity of PV to deliver
massive CO 2
reductions and thereby decisively contribute
to the fight against climate change.
The technology is here, now, at our disposal. It is our
collective mission to unlock the full potential of PV and
deliver on the promises of a clean, democratic, responsible
and sustainable energy future.
Adel El Gammal is Secretary General of the EPIA
and also active in several PV and renewable energy
organisations including the EREC. A civil engineer, he
has led several studies on the future of PV, such as the
‘SET For 2020’ report, a reference study establishing
the roadmap for PV in Europe by 2020 and beyond.
Prior to joining the renewable energy sector, he held
various international executive positions within leading
multinational companies in the fields of management
consulting and IT services.
The EPIA is the world’s largest photovoltaic industry
association with over 220 members from across the sector.
EPIA members are present throughout the whole value
chain, from silicon, cells and module production to systems
development and PV electricity generation as well as
marketing and sales.
European Photovoltaic Industry Association
Renewable Energy House
Rue d’Arlon 63-67, 1040 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: +32 2 465 38 84
Fax: +32 2 400 10 10
Website: www.epia.org and www.serfor2020.eu
www.climateactionprogramme.org