Potential for further photovoltaic capacity in EU Member States

Photovoltaic capacity is steadily expanding with potential for further growth in all EU countries, a JRC report shows

The report published by the JRC indicates that all EU countries have made good progress in PV energy production.

However, regardless of the geographical diversity of the countries, there is still potential for all Member States to increase their PV production. Between 2014 and 2015 alone, the total EU PV production increased by around 8.7% and totalled about 96 TWh at the end of 2015.

A large part of this increase can be attributed to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands who grew their already large PV capacities by 40% and 30% respectively. Switzerland almost doubled its capacity, while Austria and Denmark also made good progress.

The analysis is based on the EMHIRES dataset (European Meteorological HIgh resolution RES time series) and the PVGIS model developed by the JRC, which provide information on solar power generation in the EU.

About EMHIRES

The EMHIRES dataset contains climate related energy data. EMHIRES – PV is a combination of unique and innovative models and methods developed by the JRC that capture geographical information on PV energy, in particular peaks and ramps, much more accurately than previous meteorologically derived time series and indicates the potential for Europe.

This is the first publically available dataset of European solar power generation derived from meteorological sources and one of its kind in offering such long-term time series data at country, province and state levels.

The detailed information provided by EMHIRES will improve the assessment of PV energy generation possibilities and help policy-makers devise better energy frameworks for consumers, the energy market and the planet, as foreseen by the EU’s Energy Union strategy

This dataset contributes towards achieving the main goals of the Energy Union, i.e. placing energy efficiency first, being a leader in renewable energy and providing a fair deal for all consumers.

Full report: EMHIRES dataset: Part II: Solar Power Generation

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Report: EMHIRES dataset: Part II: Solar Power Generation