Positioning of solar at COP15

Braving the cold of Denmark and enlightened by the perspective of attending one of the most awaited world summits on climate change, the EPIA team headed to Copenhagen with a strong willingness to raise the flag of solar PV as high as possible. With our simple but catchy motto “solar power, more energy, less CO2”, we intended to increase the overall awareness on the huge potential of solar energy to mitigate climate change.

What we can highlight from this summit, apart from the exhausting “obstacle course” and major access restrictions, is summarised below.

The conference “took note” of a quite weak “Copenhagen Accord”, drafted in the last hours by 5 countries, namely the US, China, India, Brazil and South Africa. The text does not mention any specific intention to agree on a binding successor to the Kyoto Protocol after 2012. Among the many loopholes to be mentioned, no agreement was reached neither on the baseline year - against which 2020 emissions reductions are to be benchmarked - nor on the long-term goals for global emission cuts.

Yet there is at least recognition of the need to avoid a global temperature increase above 2 degrees and that deep cuts in global emissions are required. About 30 billion dollars should be raised for 2010-2012 by developed countries as fast-track financing for actions in developing countries, while a more long-term goal of mobilising 100 billion dollars a year by 2020 is agreed. The set up of a technology mechanism dedicated to accelerating technology development and transfer was also decided.

Negotiations will move ahead, with the next milestones already foreseen in Bonn and Mexico this year. Delegates from developed countries left Copenhagen with significant homework, including the requirement to submit to the UN by the end of January 2010 their commitments in terms of emission reduction targets for 2020. Countries that are parties to the Kyoto Protocol are expected to further strengthen their emission reductions. Developing countries on the other hand will have to implement mitigation actions, submitted to domestic verification and list them by the end of January 2010 as well, and report every 2 years on these actions.

Beyond the modest results of the negotiations, EPIA fulfilled what it came for: attracting media attention and providing information on the bright perspectives of solar power via a press conference, interviews, networking and a side-event organised in partnership with the American Solar Association (SEIA) and the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE).

A number of delegates from across the world expressed significant interest in photovoltaic technology and despite the exhausting negotiation rounds, took the time to stop by the EPIA booth. Over 1000 pins with the dedicated solar logo and our key publications were distributed. More than 100 participants attended the side-event, at which the emissions reduction potential of solar and specific industry targets were presented at global level. In parallel, over 2000 hits were recorded on the dedicated website solar COP15. The presentation of the solar plane by its inventor B. Piccard added to the overall very positive positioning of solar at COP15.

Ahead of the next international negotiations, there is now an urgent need to keep strengthening and spreading the message that solar PV is part of the solution to mitigate climate change. Legally binding emission reduction targets are essential for the post-2012 period as well as strong and long-term regulatory frameworks to promote the deployment of renewable energy sources .

Let this New Year be the year of positive advancement of the solar cause in the climate change negotiations and beyond!

Florence Limet
Policy Advisor
On behalf of the EPIA Team

European Photovoltaic Industry Association
Renewable Energy House - 63-67 Rue d'Arlon – 1040 Brussels – Belgium
Contact: Kinga Timaru-Kast - k.timaru@epia.org

© EPIA a.i.s.b.l. 2009 - www.epia.orgrg