SolarPower Europe urges adoption of renewables-first approach to energy security – Energies Media

Report on European Energy Security and the Sustainable Development Goals

In the context of the global energy transition, SolarPower Europe has presented a position paper to the European Commission concerning the ‘Revision of the EU Energy Security Framework’. The submission advocates for a fundamental shift in energy policy, aligning with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The report urges a move away from fossil fuel dependency, which has historically contributed to climate degradation, towards a security framework built upon renewable energy sources.

A Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Energy Resilience

SolarPower Europe’s proposal calls for a comprehensive strategy that moves beyond fossil fuel supply chains to establish energy security based on solar power, energy storage, system flexibility, and widespread electrification. This approach directly supports the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Achieving SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The transition to a renewables-based system is presented as a critical step towards ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy.

• Solar power and battery storage systems have already demonstrated significant economic benefits, saving an estimated $33 billion in fossil fuel import costs during the summer of 2022.
• By reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, Europe can enhance its progress towards SDG 7 by protecting consumers from the price volatility inherent in global energy markets.

Fulfilling SDG 13: Climate Action

The paper frames the acceleration of the renewable energy transition as an urgent measure for climate action. A security strategy founded on renewables, flexibility, and electrification is essential for decarbonizing the energy system and mitigating the impacts of climate change, directly addressing the core objectives of SDG 13.

Proposed Measures for a Secure and Sustainable Energy System

SolarPower Europe has outlined several key measures for the European Union to implement. These recommendations are designed to ensure energy security while advancing industrial innovation and building resilient infrastructure, in line with SDG 9.

1. Unlock the Full Potential of Renewables: Implement measures that allow solar, batteries, and inverters to provide essential grid balancing and stability services. This enhances the reliability of clean energy, a key target of SDG 7, and builds resilient infrastructure as per SDG 9.
2. Establish a Robust EU Cybersecurity Framework: Develop strong, harmonized standards and remote-control limitations to protect distributed energy systems. This action is crucial for safeguarding the critical energy infrastructure required to meet SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
3. Build Resilience Against Economic and Climate Shocks: Develop a flexible, decarbonized, and renewables-based system. Such a system would shield citizens from the economic instability of fluctuating energy prices and the physical risks of climate change, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Conclusion: Leading the Global Transition to Sustainable Energy

The position paper by SolarPower Europe outlines a pragmatic framework for Europe to adapt to the changing global energy landscape. By pioneering a renewables-first approach, Europe can not only secure its energy future but also lead the global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The continued commissioning of record-breaking solar projects underscores the urgency and feasibility of this transition, which requires a strategic approach to integrate new technologies and build a truly sustainable and resilient energy sector for the future.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses issues related to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The core theme of the article is the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, specifically solar power, to ensure energy security and build a resilient energy system. This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The article explicitly links the reliance on fossil fuels to a “devastated climate” and presents the adoption of renewables as a crucial measure to combat climate change and its impacts. The call to build a “decarbonized, renewables-based system” is a direct call for climate action.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The article discusses the need to build new energy infrastructure based on “solar, storage, flexibility, and electrification.” It also highlights the importance of innovation and technical advancements, such as establishing a “robust EU cybersecurity framework” for distributed energy systems, which relates to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s focus, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • The article is centered on this target, with SolarPower Europe urging a “renewables-first approach” and calling for measures to “unlock the full potential of the renewable energy sector in Europe.” The entire narrative supports accelerating the adoption of solar power to replace conventional energy sources.
2. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • SolarPower Europe’s submission of a “position paper to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the ‘Revision of the EU Energy Security Framework’” is a direct attempt to integrate climate-friendly renewable energy policies into the EU’s strategic planning. The proposal for a “comprehensive strategy to strengthen Europe’s energy resilience” based on renewables is a clear example of this integration.
3. Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
   • The article advocates for building a “flexible, decarbonized, renewables-based system” and implementing “technical advancements in the renewable energy sector.” The specific suggestions to allow “solar, batteries, and inverters” to provide grid stability services and to establish a cybersecurity framework for energy systems are direct calls to upgrade infrastructure with clean and advanced technologies.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 7.2: The article provides a tangible economic indicator by stating that “solar power and battery storage systems already play a vital role in Europe’s energy market, saving about $33 billion in fossil fuel imports in the summer of 2022 alone.” This monetary saving serves as a direct measure of the displacement of fossil fuels by renewables, indicating an increased share of renewable energy.
• Indicator for Target 13.2: The development and adoption of policies based on SolarPower Europe’s position paper would be a key indicator. The article mentions the paper outlines “several measures that the EU could undertake to accelerate the transition.” The implementation of these measures within the “EU Energy Security Framework” would serve as a concrete indicator of integrating climate action into policy.
• Indicator for Target 9.4: The article points to the commissioning of “record-breaking solar projects” as a clear, measurable indicator of infrastructure being upgraded with clean technology. The establishment and implementation of the proposed “robust EU cybersecurity framework” for energy systems would be another specific indicator of progress.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: energiesmedia.com