Release
Valencia, September 1, 2008
The Regional Minister of Infrastructures and Transport Mario Flores Lanuza, of the Valencian government, has cut the ribbon today for the grand opening of the world´s largest solar energy conference. On the agenda of the five day congress – the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition (EU PV SEC) – that takes place in the Feria Valencia Convention and Exhibition Centre are research results, product, industrial and market developments as well as political framework conditions. The international solar industry has maxed out Spain´s largest convention centre. Parallel to the conference, 715 companies covering the whole value chain of the solar industry present their newest products in the accompanying exhibition.
Regarding the installed photovoltaic capacity, Spain is worldwide the number two, following directly behind Germany. By the end of 2007, solar electricity plants with a total output of around 600 megawatts have been installed in Spain. According to the Spanish Photovoltaic Industry Association ASIF, 26,000 people currently work in the Spanish solar energy sector.
Spanish solar industry is facing dramatic challenges
The EU PVSEC takes place in a time when this industry is facing dramatic challenges. In end-September, the current feed-in regulations for operators of photovoltaic plants will end and new regulations will be published. The Spanish government proposal foresees dramatic incentive cuts and a market cap at one-third of the expected market size in 2008.
“The present draft of the new regulation is too drastic and not acceptable for the industry”, said ASIF President Javier Anta during the EU PVSEC´s press conference on September 1st. “Solutions exist to orderly walk firmly the future, and it is expected that the government will take one of them to avoid the debacle of the PV industry in Spain in 2009. But there is not much time because the Spanish industry has already been notably affected. The improvement of the present draft is an urgent must”, he said.
Hans-Josef Fell, member of the German Parliament, added that “the challenge for Spain is to ensure that in the coming months and years reliable legal conditions are finally created for investors.” He appealed to the Spanish government “to put an end to the current problematic stop-and-go situation, not to introduce an upper limit for annual investments and instead to introduce a flexible degressive scale geared to changes in the market.”
Ernesto Macías, President of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) emphasized the importance to reach grid parity as soon as possible in order to facilitate the development of solar technology without subsidies. Until then, “it is necessary to keep on promoting the feed in tariff system in Europe”, he said.
Conference Chairman Daniel Lincot launches Valencia Call for Photovoltaics
In his Welcome Message on September 1st, EU PVSEC Conference Chairman Daniel Lincot launched the Valencia Call for Solar Photovoltaics. He addressed politicians from all over the world with this international call of scientists to accelerate the worldwide deployment of photovoltaics through international research, development, cooperation and education programs. “We have the technology close to competitiveness”, Lincot said. “Solar electricity has to be a key part of the response that is needed now to solve crucial energy, environmental and climate concerns.”
About WIP-Renewable Energies
The professional technical institute WIP was founded in Munich in 1968. Since 1980, WIP
concentrates on renewable energies. Its spectrum of services ranges from plant development to plant monitoring all the way to strategic development for a comprehensive integration of renewable energies. The European Photovoltaic Conference and Exhibition has been organised by WIP since 1986.
Press Conference and Welcome Reception on 1 September at the Feria Valencia
WIP invites all press representatives to a press conference with high-ranking speakers from research, industry and politics at 1:15 p.m. on 1 September, as well as to a welcome reception for all conference and exhibition participants at 6:30 p.m. on 1 September.
At a Glance
23rd European Photovoltaic Conference and Exhibition
Dates 1 to 5 September 2008 (Conference)
1 to 4 September 2008 (Exhibition)
Location Feria Valencia, Spain
Target Group Experts and decision makers from the photovoltaic industry, research and politics
Conference Language English
Organiser WIP-Renewable Energies
Sylvensteinstr. 2
81369 Munich, Germany
Institutional Support European Commission
World Council for Renewable Energy (WCRE)
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Generalitat Valenciana
AVEN – Agencia Valenciana de la Energía
Institutional PV Industry Cooperation:
European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA)
Further Information www.photovoltaic-conference.com
Print free of charge. Voucher copy requested to the media contact.
Pictures of the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition will be available for download from the web page www.photovoltaic-conference.com.
Media Contact
Press Agency Krampitz
Dillenburger Str. 85
51105 Cologne, Germany
Tel. +49/221/91249949
Fax +49/221/91249948
Mobile +49/179/4819435