Shine On Policycast

2025 has been the year of putting energy system flexibility in the spotlight. As the EU launched its strategic priorities for the new EU political mandate: energy security, competitiveness, and climate. 

In this episode, our host Bethany Meban sits down with Dries Acke, Deputy CEO, SolarPower Europe, to discuss why flexibility is essential for meeting the EU’s targets, and our key asks for a robust EU Flexibility Strategy. We also delve into the EU Grids Package and provide our in-depth thoughts on how the package delivers for Europe.

Tune in and let us know what your solar highlight of 2025 was, and your one wish for 2026!

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Join us on this episode of Shine On Policycast as we dive into the electrification revolution transforming Europe’s energy landscape. Host Bethany Meban sits down with Adrian Hiel, Director of the Electrification Alliance, to discuss to discuss why switching to European energy in European homes, industry, and transport can boost Europe’s competitiveness and strengthen our energy security and economic competitiveness.

Whether you’re an energy professional, policymaker, or simply passionate about Europe’s transition, tune in for expert insights on Europe’s energy future and how electrification must be at the heart of it.

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In this episode of Shine On Policycast, host Bethany Meban speaks with Rachel Owens, CEO of the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI). Discover how SSI is driving supply chain traceability in the solar sector and whether current EU legislation - such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and Forced Labour Ban - is doing enough to ensure sustainable and transparent value chains. 

This episode explores whether the EU’s regulatory simplification supports real-world implementation or risks backtracking on climate commitments. Learn about the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting, due diligence, and solar supply chain transparency, and get expert insights on how companies can thrive while advancing Europe’s energy transition. 

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In this episode of Shine On Policycast, host Bethany Meban speaks with Jacopo Piccalgi, Project and Policy Officer on Skills at SolarPower Europe, to unpack the findings of the latest EU Solar Jobs Report. We examine the current landscape of solar jobs in Europe, the challenges of meeting workforce demand, and whether the EU is on track to deliver the skilled labour needed for its clean energy transition.

The conversation explores how EU policymakers can bridge the solar skills gap, strengthen the renewable energy workforce, and create sustainable, future-proof energy transition jobs. For industry leaders, policymakers, and solar professionals, this episode provides timely insights into how Europe can secure the workforce to deliver on its solar and storage ambitions.

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In this episode of Shine On Policycast, host Bethany Meban sits down with Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, for a deep dive into the future of Europe’s energy system. As the new political season begins, we analyse European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address and its implications for the Europe’s energy future.

We explore the trajectory of solar in Europe, the role of energy storage in securing grid stability, and the policy measures needed to accelerate solar PV growth across the EU. Whether you’re an energy professional, policymaker, or solar industry expert, this conversation provides insights on what’s next for Europe’s clean energy transition—and how the EU can ensure solar continues to soar.

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In this episode of Shine On Policycast, host Bethany is joined by Jan Osenberg, Head of System Integration at SolarPower Europe, to discuss flexible buildings. Throughout the discussion we dive into what flexible buildings are, why they are important to the energy transition, and what needs to happen at EU and member state level to support the roll out of flexibility services.

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In this episode of Shine On Policycast, host Bethany is joined by Head of Supply Chains, Anett Ludwig, to discuss the EU Solar Charter one year after its inception. What is the EU solar charter and what did it set out to achieve? One year later, what is the state of play? We explore what still needs to happen to ensure Europe's solar manufacturing base can be reshored, strengthening EU strategic autonomy, energy security, and competitiveness.

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Buckle up for 30 minutes of lively commentary, sharp analysis, and unfiltered opinions recorded live from the SolarPower Summit in Brussels. Join SolarPower Europe's Deputy CEO Dries Acke in conversation with a distinguished panel of energy influencers: Beatrice Petrovich, Ember; Tara Connolly, Beyond Fossil Fuels; and Bram Claeys, Regulatory Assistance Project. 

Hear direct from the experts as we ask them:

• What stood out in Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera’s opening speech? 
• What grabbed your attention and sparked your imagination from the sessions throughout the day? 
• What made you stop and think, wait a minute? 
• And most importantly—what are your hot takes? 

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Catch up on the latest EU solar market figures with this bonus episode of Shine On Policycast. In just 5 minutes, Leah Le Pénuizic, Market Analyst at SolarPower Europe, shares five key numbers from our recently published paper on Plug-In Solar PV. We dive into what plug-in solar is, and how the technology is advancing in Europe.

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In this episode of Shine On Policycast, host Bethany is joined by Deputy CEO, Dries Acke, to focus in on the Clean Industrial Deal published by the European Commission in February 2025. This new package, along with the Affordable Energy Action Plan and the Omnibus packages, set the direction for the EU's work over the next years. Listen in to hear our key takeaways, what we think is missing and what needs to happen next.

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