Good morning,

I must confess that I am not a big sun expert, because I come from Denmark, where we make the lamps! We have an average of four and a half hours of sun per day. I grew up there, moved to Seattle with an hour more sun, and now Im back in Brussels with less than four and a half hours. Maybe I follow the clouds, or they follow me!

Though I havent seen much sun, I do know about solar power and its importance for Europe and the world. We are at a crucial moment for Europe. We must enhance competitiveness, reduce energy costs, improve security, and accelerate decarbonisation.

We must deliver the benefits of a true Energy Union. For this, we need more solar power, now more than ever. Outside this room, there are still people who dont see the benefits of solar power.

Three important numbers show why the EU puts solar at the heart of our energy system.

The first number is €2.5 trillion. This amount can be saved on energy bills between now and 2040 by implementing our Affordable Energy Action Plan. To achieve these savings, we need more solar energy and to reach nearly 600 GW of solar energy in the EU by 2030.

However, solar farms are waiting years for permits. Our Action Plan supports faster permitting. For uncomplicated projects, it should take no longer than 6 months, larger projects no more than 2 years.

Its not just about building more projects but also about building the business case for the solar sector: investing in flexibility, storage, and integration in buildings!

We are establishing a tripartite contract for affordable energy between the public sector, clean energy developers, and the energy-consuming industry.

We are also boosting the uptake of long-term contracts for renewable energy, especially for energy-intensive businesses. This ensures solar savings are not dictated by volatile fossil fuel prices.

Electrification is the next key challenge for our European Union and our Energy Union: we need cleaner, more efficient, and more flexible energy. Solar is a vital part of this transformation.

In the spring, we will start work on our Electrification Action Plan and count on your input.

The second number is 47 million. This is the number of Europeans who could not afford to adequately heat their homes in 2023. This is completely unacceptable.

The challenges we face to deliver more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy overlap. So do the solutions.

By implementing the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, we ensure that all new buildings are designed to optimize their solar energy generation.

The solar mandate has a clear deadline, especially for public and non-residential buildings.

It also provides clear opportunities - to reduce the cost of living for our citizens, while promoting more efficient and decarbonized energy.

The final number is 1 million. That is the number of people we can employ in the solar sector by 2027, according to your calculations from Solar Power Europe.

Most jobs will be in installation, but theres also a need to increase solar manufacturing in Europe.

Currently, over 90% of worldwide PV manufacturing facilities are in China. The EU aims for at least 30 GW of European solar manufacturing by 2030.

This will not only deliver jobs and support a just transition but also make solar supply chains more resilient and sustainable.

We must ensure our supply chains are secure: against growing geopolitical and climate challenges, and threats from physical and cybersecurity attacks.

In this context, I am pleased to announce that the Commission will soon start an assessment of critical elements in the EU solar value chain, especially regarding cybersecurity risks.

To conclude, we face a challenging moment for the world and for Europe.

But as someone who has lived in Denmark, Seattle, and Brussels, let me tell you – even when the sky is filled with dark clouds, light always finds a way through.

In Europe, we need to see the light, appreciate our abilities, and realize our strengths. Europe is stronger together, and together we are stronger with solar.

Lets turbocharge our solar sector: to deliver secure, sustainable, and affordable energy; to support households and jobs; and to help us unlock a genuine Energy Union, for a more secure, competitive, and decarbonized Europe.

Over the next five years, this will be my focus. And I count on your support.

Lets spread the message: the sun is out in Europe, today even in Brussels, so lets flex our solar muscle!

Thank you very much!