Resilient Adaptation: EU PVSEC 2020 Navigates Pandemic Challenges with Digital Innovation
Last month, the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC) convened for its annual event. While each year brings unexpected events in the solar sector, it’s clear that no one in 2019 could have predicted the lead up to the 2020 EU PVSEC event, which unfolded amid the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, true to the spirit of resilience, the EU PVSEC organizers committed to ensuring “the show must go on,” delivering a remarkable—albeit different—edition of their yearly gathering. I had the pleasure of engaging with Mr. Jonas Bergmiller, Managing Director of Events at WIP Renewable Energies, and Dr. Robert Kenny, the EU PVSEC Technical Programme Chair, for an insightful interview exploring the 2020 event.
**What makes EU PVSEC unique for those unfamiliar with it?**
*Mr. Jonas Bergmiller*: EU PVSEC is among the longest-standing and largest solar specialist conferences. What sets it apart is its extensive range of topics, from nanotechnologies and studies of materials, cells, and modules, to Digital PV Systems and Grid, spanning the entire PV value chain. It offers a globally recognized platform focused solely on the PV solar sector, enabling participants to delve into the latest developments and explore synergies across various innovations.
*Dr. Robert Kenny*: A key highlight is the prestigious Alexandre Edmond Becquerel Prize, awarded during the conference’s opening session to honor exceptional contributions to photovoltaic solar energy development. Established by the European Commission in 1989, this year’s prize recognized Prof. Henry Snaith for his pioneering work on perovskites.
**How did the pandemic impact your event?**
*Dr. Robert Kenny*: It was heartening to witness participants worldwide engaging with our inaugural online EU PVSEC, featuring over 850 live presentations. This commitment to stay connected with the global community is commendable.
*Mr. Jonas Bergmiller*: Transitioning such a sophisticated event to a digital format posed significant challenges. We invested heavily to ensure its continuity, seeing it as a vital contribution to the PV community during an extraordinary year. The positive feedback reflects its success, with attendance nearly matching that of a traditional year.
While this year was challenging for conference and exhibition organizers globally, some silver linings emerged within Europe. Emission reductions and improved air quality, spurred by lockdowns and increased teleworking, showcase the possibility of a cleaner future, though sustained impact requires further structural change.
*Mr. Jonas Bergmiller*: In Europe, the recovery seems to have invigorated the EU’s Green Deal efforts to establish a sustainable economy.
**What were the major achievements or notable outcomes of this year’s conference?**
*Dr. Robert Kenny*: The closing session highlighted advancements in silicon, with a focus on bifacial cells. Notably, Europe achieved its first 25% efficient large-area silicon solar cell, marking a path toward premium PV manufacturing. Perovskites drew significant attention, with promising outcomes in scalability and stability. Future prospects like perovskite-on-silicon tandems were discussed as potential game-changers, alongside record efficiencies for OPV cells and CIGS modules. Diversified applications such as BIPV, agri-PV, and power-to-X are producing substantial results, complemented by more robust socio-economic and policy-related research.
*Mr. Jonas Bergmiller*: A digital conference’s advantage lies in its comprehensive recordings, allowing participants to access content at their convenience.
**What steps can be taken to make the solar industry greener?**
*Mr. Jonas Bergmiller*: As solar installations expand, sustainability grows crucial. Sessions tackled topics like silicon cell recycling and emphasized sustainable design and manufacturing improvements. Innovative materials such as perovskites promise to enhance efficiency and reduce resource footprints.
**How can the EU support solar tech manufacturing growth amidst recent challenges?**
*Mr. Jonas Bergmiller*: The European Green Deal positions solar as Europe’s leading energy source, providing a basis for green industry transformation and job creation. Implementing eco-design standards, investing in research, and supporting workforce training are essential.
*Dr. Robert Kenny*: The EU PVSEC remains committed to driving these important conversations.
**Looking ahead to 2021, what’s on the agenda?**
*Dr. Robert Kenny*: We aim to host a physical conference in September, allowing participants to fully experience networking opportunities in Lisbon. The technical program will reflect the significance of emerging materials and solar energy growth.
*Mr. Jonas Bergmiller*: Our participants look forward to re-engaging in person, facilitating discussions, reflection, and knowledge sharing that are challenging to replicate digitally.
**Final Thoughts**
*Dr. Robert Kenny*: I previously emphasized the necessity of expanding renewable energy sources, particularly photovoltaic, for future energy integration. The ongoing crisis has intensified this urgency.
*Mr. Jonas Bergmiller*: The scientific community’s response and policy announcements have been encouraging, yet complacency isn’t an option.
We express our gratitude to Mr. Jonas Bergmiller and Dr. Robert Kenny for their insights. We eagerly anticipate the next EU PVSEC and the exciting developments it will bring.