Gitega Utility Scale Energy Storage

Why is solar energy important in the EU?

Reducing the EU's dependence on fossil fuels, solar energy plays a key role in both the clean energy transition and the REPowerEU plan. Solar energy technologies convert sunlight into energy, either as electricity (photovoltaics and concentrated solar power) or in the form of solar heat. Solar is the fastest growing energy source in the EU.

How does solar energy work in Europe?

Solar power consists of photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal energy in the European Union (EU). In 2010, the €2.6 billion European solar heating sectors consisted of small and medium-sized businesses, generated 17.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy, employed 33,500 workers, and created one new job for every 80 kW of added capacity.

How much solar power does the EU produce?

The production volume of electricity from solar photovoltaic power in the European Union has been steadily increasing in the last years. In 2023, the EU's solar PV power production stood at over 240 terawatt hours.

What is the EU solar energy strategy?

The EU solar energy strategy proposed under the REPowerEU plan aims to make solar energy a cornerstone of the EU energy system. Boosting renewable energy is also an important part of the European Green Deal in the context of the green transition towards climate neutrality.

What is solar energy?

The International Energy Agency (IEA) defines solar energy as the 'conversion of sunlight into usable energy forms'. Eurostat divides solar energy into solar thermal (radiation exploited for solar heat) and solar photovoltaic (PV) for electricity production.

How much solar thermal capacity will Europe have in 2020?

Over the next 10 years the European solar thermal will grow on average at a rate of 15% per annum. According to the National Renewable Energy Action Plans the total solar thermal capacity in the EU will be 102 GW in 2020 (while 14 GW in 2006).