Utility-scale solar photovoltaics and onshore wind are now the cheapest sources of new power in most countries, and according to a 2022 report by the International Energy Agency, renewables will account for over 90% of global electricity expansion over the next five years. To support the rapid change to renewables, dramatic changes in energy infrastructure such as grids are also needed.

In our latest webinar, we looked at the rollout of renewables and energy infrastructure in the EU with two expert guests: Johan Lilliestam, Professor of Sustainability Transition Policy at Friedrich-Alexander University, who has worked extensively on the topic of sustainable energy transitions, and Katharina Umpfenbach, Director of the Infrastructure Unit at DENA, the German Energy Agency, where she focuses on transforming energy infrastructure for a renewables-based future.

What are the most interesting new technologies? Why are grids so important? What surprising bottlenecks are emerging within this fast-paced transition and how can they be addressed?

Together, we discussed the major market shifts, policy events, and technological developments that have made renewable energy one of the most exciting facets of achieving sustainability in Europe, a topic we also explored in a recent podcast episode. 

The webinar is part of a new webinar series for young people in Europe that Ecologic Institute kick-started in 2022. 

Below you can find the audio recordings of Johan Lilliestam and Katharina Umpfenbach' presentations.