ABSTRACT / The presentation stresses that Europe’s energy and climate policy needs a strategic industrial policy to harness disruptive technological developments such as photovoltaics, e-mobility, and digital control systems. While PV is growing rapidly worldwide and is now cheaper than wind power, Europe has lost its leadership and relies too heavily on less dynamic technologies. Causes include the influence of incumbent industries, missed market opportunities, and a lack of strategic response to China’s determined industrial policy. Ongoing decentralisation and falling costs for PV, storage, and power electronics make local energy generation increasingly attractive. Europe must focus its technological strengths, research, and system expertise, improve strategic capacities, and respond in time to profound changes in energy and mobility systems to safeguard competitiveness, independence, and climate goals.

Ruggero Schleicher-Tappeser (2017): European Energy and Climate Policies Need a Strategic Industry Policy Approach
Presentation, 21th REFORM Group meeting, Salzburg, 2017-08-29.

Presentation