Flexibility, Security and Solar’s Next Growth Phase, with Walburga Hemetsberger

In this episode of Watt Matters, Ana speaks with Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of Solar Power Europe, about the shifting priorities shaping Europe’s energy transition. As solar becomes a central pillar of energy security and competitiveness, the conversation explores how policy, flexibility, and system design must evolve to support the next phase of growth.

Walburga outlines Solar Power Europe’s four strategic priorities: electrification, flexibility, resilient supply chains, and strong communications. From the urgent need to deploy 10x more battery storage by 2030 to the role of solar in powering AI-driven data centers, this episode examines what it will take to move from rapid capacity additions to a truly future-proof energy system.

Takeaways:

• Solar is no longer just a climate solution — it is a strategic security asset for Europe.
• Electrification must accelerate beyond today’s stalled 23% share of final energy.
• Flexibility — through demand response and battery storage — is now essential.
• Europe needs 10x more battery capacity by 2030 to stabilize solar growth.
• Revenue stacking and regulatory reform are critical for battery investment.
• Implementation gaps, especially in permitting and grid reform, remain a major bottleneck.
• Energy security strategies must evolve beyond fossil-based thinking.
• Solar’s growth is strong, but business models are under pressure from negative pricing and curtailment.
• Data centers and AI could become key drivers of new electricity demand — if powered sustainably.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Walburga’s journey into solar

03:00 – Solar Power Europe’s mission and strategic priorities

08:00 – Energy security and Europe’s electrification challenge

13:30 – What flexibility really means for grids and markets

17:00 – Why Europe needs 10x more batteries

21:30 – Policy gaps and regulatory barriers to storage

23:30 – AI, data centers, and future electricity demand

26:45 – Solar’s growth trajectory and long-term confidence

To learn more about accelerating solar project success and how PVcase supports developers from design to delivery, visit www.pvcase.com.