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Vision Report

Calendar

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What is it ?

The Photovoltaic Technology Platform is an initiative which aims at mobilising all the actors sharing a long-term European vision for photovoltaic; realising the European Strategic Research Agenda for PV for the next decade(s) and give recommendations for implementation; ensuring that Europe maintains industrial leadership.

Composition

4 working groups:

Policy and instruments : 21 members
Market deployment : 27 members
Science, Technology & Applications Group : 25 members
Developing countries : 17 members

What are the Platform Goals?

Contribute to a rapid development of a world-class cost competitive European PV for a sustainable electricity production
Involve stakeholders in the formulation of research programmes
Ensure strong links and coordination between industry, research and market.
To implement the strategic plan

How will the Strategic Plan be implemented?

Implementing a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA)
Coordinating PV research programmes
Facilitating deployment measures (energy policies, overcoming barriers to trade and export, develop education and training schemes)

Vision report and PV Platform’s objectives

The vision report has been prepared by the Photovoltaic Technology Research Advisory Council (PV-TRAC), whose declared mission is to contribute to a rapid development of world-class, cost–competitive European photovoltaics (PV) for sustainable electricity production.

In order to reach the PV vision, the Council advocates that a number of actions are taken, notably including the creation of a European PV Technology Platform. The PV Technology Platform is the preferred vehicle to mobilise and pursue PV-related initiatives, programmes and policies bringing together all relevant stakeholders from science, industry and policy areas. Implementation of the PV Platform will strongly increase the efficiency of the efforts currently underway and accelerate the development of the European PV sector. In particular, the Council recommends that the PV Technology Platform should:

Implement the Strategic Research Agenda, in which the main PV research and technological development issues for the coming decade are addressed. To achieve the technology goals, research investment and continuity of effort are needed. PV research should be supported through both European and national funding mechanisms. The SRA should foster an interdisciplinary approach to the development of PV and cross-fertilisation from other rapidly developing fields.
Strongly coordinate ongoing PV research activities in Europe with the help of a Mirror Group of all the Member States. European and national programmes should be reviewed to ensure stronger cooperation.
Facilitate the coherent implementation of deployment measures (incentives, industrial, environmental, social and education). Promote, as a transitional measure over the next decade, a coordinated regulatory framework that takes the specific aspects of PV into account. Encourage a sustained growth and the transition to a sustainable market and overcome barriers related to regulations, standards, safety and social acceptance. The platform together with the Mirror Group will provide a mechanism for consensus building in these areas.
Foster joint initiatives between researchers, industry, Members States and the EU. Develop a robust communication plan, as part of a continuous dialogue involving a broad range of stakeholders.
Optimise the use of instruments and resources to encourage investment in research and innovation to capitalise on Europe’s investments for the PV sector, by supporting export and trade in PV products in the global marketplace.
Strengthen the relationships with developing countries in order to bring affordable electricity services to the populations of these countries.