On 4–5 November 2025, Solar Heat Europe participated in the 19th SET Plan Conference, “Strategic Energy Technologies for a Competitive, Secure and Sustainable Europe,” held in Odense, Denmark.
Co-organised by the Danish EU Presidency and the European Commission, the event brought together high-level speakers, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and academics to discuss the future of Europe’s energy strategy.
The discussions underscored the geopolitical urgency of the energy transition. EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen opened the conference with a strong message: Europe’s energy strategy must be shaped with the ongoing threat from Russia in mind. Despite progress, the EU continues to import billions of euros in fossil fuels each year, making the need for climate action ever more pressing.
Competitiveness was another key theme. Energy prices in Europe remain two to three times higher than in the United States or China, posing a serious challenge for both industry and households. The clear message was that Europe needs affordable, home-grown energy solutions to remain competitive.
Innovation at scale emerged as a shared priority. Participants stressed that the challenge lies not only in developing new technologies, but also in scaling up existing ones across all Member States and avoiding fragmentation in research and innovation efforts.
Renewable heating and cooling solutions received significant attention, with heat pumps, solar thermal, bioenergy, geothermal, and district heating highlighted as smart, scalable, and cost-effective options. A strong push was made to integrate solar thermal with complementary technologies—such as photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems, heat pumps, and thermal storage—to enhance flexibility and efficiency.
Moreover, energy storage and grid modernization were also central topics. From advanced storage systems, including thermal energy storage, to AI-powered smart grids and digital management tools, the goal is to build a more flexible and resilient energy system that supports electrification and smarter demand management.
The conference further addressed industrial transformation. Energy-intensive sectors such as steel and paper require tailored approaches, including electrification and sector coupling. While no single solution fits all, stronger policy frameworks and targeted support will be essential to drive decarbonisation in these industries.
Notably, the EU strategic autonomy was a recurring concern. To ensure long-term resilience and independence, Europe must secure its own energy supply, strengthen access to critical raw materials, and expand its clean technology manufacturing capacity. Building up these capabilities is key to maintaining Europe’s competitiveness and leadership.
The closing message was clear: Europe must act boldly, aligning innovation, policy, and investment to lead the clean energy transition. The SET Plan remains a cornerstone in this process—turning ambitious ideas into tangible impact.
Solar Heat Europe will continue to advocate for a strong role of EU-made clean energy technologies, particularly Solar Heat, to enhance Europe’s energy security and achieve its ambitious climate goals.
