The blueprint for European energy security, with Walburga Hemetsberger

S1E8 episode overview

Solar is no longer just a tool for decarbonization; it has matured to become a high-stakes strategic asset in national policy. In this episode of Watt Matters, Ana speaks with Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of Solar Power Europe, about the evolving role of solar in Europe’s energy transition.

From electrification targets and supply chain resilience to flexibility, storage, and AI-driven demand growth, Walburga breaks down how Europe can sustain solar’s expansion while adapting its regulatory and market frameworks.

What you'll learn in this episode

• Why solar is central to Europe’s energy security strategy

• The four strategic priorities guiding Solar Power Europe’s work

• What “flexibility” really means for grids, consumers, and markets

• Why Europe needs 10x more battery storage by 2030

• How negative prices and curtailment are affecting solar business cases

• The policy reforms required to unlock storage investment

• How AI and data centers could reshape electricity demand

Solar may be installing at record levels, but long-term success depends on flexibility, storage integration, disciplined site selection, and streamlined digital workflows.

Chapters

00:00 – Walburga’s path to Solar Power Europe
03:00 – Representing the full solar and battery value chain
08:00 – Security, competitiveness, and electrification targets
13:30 – Defining flexibility: demand response and storage
17:00 – Battery deployment and market realities
21:30 – Regulatory barriers and implementation gaps
23:30 – AI, data centers, and powering future demand
26:45 – Why solar’s long-term trajectory remains strong