This episode takes you into the German Solar Valley, which was once the world’s largest production hub but was abandoned in the 2010s as China became solar powerhouse Number One.
Now, companies like Meyer Burger Technology are ramping up the old factories, gunning for a revival of European production. But, CEO Gunter Erfurt tells the podcast, panels have evolved from commodity to geopolitical poker chip, and Europe risks losing the game without injecting more money into the sector.
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, solar expert Edurne Zoco of S&P Global Commodity Insights also sees more incentives for U.S. factories than European ones. Still, ESG considerations and shorter supply routes could increasingly make the case for home-grown products, too.
Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes!
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Microreactors promise nuclear power anywhere, deliverable by truck
Bridging the gap between conventional energy resources and newer technologies
Venture capital arm of mining giant Vale hunting for sustainable mining tech
Maintaining reliability in the face of an increasingly complex US power grid
Space-based solar: Vast promises and major challenges
The century-old US law complicating offshore wind goals
How renewables and AI drive cyber threats for utilities
Catching up with Innovators throughout the battery materials supply chain
National Grid, Portland General Electric CEOs share thoughts on the energy transition
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Svante CEOs on the future of carbon capture
Catching up with the CEO behind the largest clean energy infrastructure project in US history
Energy transition insights from a former DOE Secretary and the COP24 President
Curbing emissions in the oil and gas industry
Virtual power plants and the future electric grid
Commodities leave crisis era as demand booms, economist says
AI is changing the energy system, putting premium on flexibility
Previewing 2024 cleantech trends ahead of CERAWeek 2024
Decarbonizing heavy industry with technology and policy
Building from scrap: Fueling EV batteries with recycled materials
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