During the European Sustainable Energy Week 2026, SolarPower Europe convened policymakers, industry leaders and civil society to explore how accelerating the energy transition can strengthen Europe’s security. The session, moderated by Dries Acke, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, SolarPower Europe, fed into discussions on the upcoming review of Europe’s energy security framework, highlighting the growing role of electrification, renewables and system resilience.
Rethinking energy security
As Europe shifts away from fossil fuels, speakers agreed that the definition of energy security must evolve. The discussion emphasised a move towards electricity-based systems, decentralised generation, and stronger cyber resilience, reflecting a broader transformation of Europe’s energy landscape.
Dries Acke set the tone by noting that energy security must now be built around “electro-tech” systems and decentralised infrastructure, rather than imported fuels and centralised supply”.
Clean energy is secure energy
From the European Commission, Tom Howes, Adviser, Directorate-General for Energy, underlined that affordability, sustainability and security are now closely linked.
“Affordable energy and secure energy is clean energy,” he stated, pointing to falling renewable costs and the need for stronger system integration.
He also highlighted the rapid progress of technologies such as battery storage, alongside the importance of demand response and grid investment to support a more flexible and resilient system.
Decentralisation strengthens resilience
A key theme throughout the panel was the resilience of decentralised energy systems.
Eric Quiring, Director Global Public Affairs, SMA Solar Technology AG, highlighted the risks associated with centralised infrastructure, particularly in times of conflict. Large-scale systems can be vulnerable to disruption, whereas distributed generation is harder to disable and faster to restore.
“Decentralised is more secure than centralised,” he noted, pointing to the growing importance of protecting critical infrastructure and digital systems.
Cyber security was also identified as a rising challenge, with existing technical solutions still evolving and requiring a combination of approaches.
Renewables deliver reliability
Speakers also addressed ongoing misconceptions about renewable energy.
Manus Pandey, Vice President for Energy and Climate Policies, Statkraft, stressed that renewables are already proving reliable and competitive, supported by continued investment in wind, solar and batteries.
The discussion made clear that the issue is not the reliability of renewables themselves, but ensuring the right frameworks, infrastructure and protections are in place to support a modern electricity system.
Energy and geopolitics
The link between energy, security and geopolitics featured prominently in the debate.
Louise van Schaik, Head of Unit EU and Global Affairs, Clingendael Institute, highlighted how the war in Ukraine has brought energy security to the forefront, with energy infrastructure becoming a direct target.
She also pointed to the evolving nature of defense systems, where electrification is starting to play a bigger role alongside traditional fossil fuel-dependent technologies.
Ukraine’s perspective
Bringing first-hand experience, Svitlana Romanko, Founder and Executive Director, Razom We Stand, called for faster action to end fossil fuel dependence.
She highlighted continued reliance on Russian fossil fuels in parts of Europe and stressed the importance of initiatives such as REPowerEU.
“Stop subsidising fossil fuels,” she urged, while describing Ukraine’s efforts to rebuild its energy system and scale up renewable deployment despite ongoing attacks on infrastructure.
Her intervention underscored the importance of extending Europe’s energy security strategy eastwards and learning from Ukraine’s experience.
Accelerating the transition
Across the session, one conclusion stood out: Europe already has the tools needed to strengthen its energy security.
Solar, wind, batteries and electrification are not only climate solutions, but strategic assets for resilience and independence.
The challenge now is speed. Accelerating the deployment of clean, decentralised and secure energy systems will be critical to ensuring Europe’s long-term stability in an increasingly uncertain world.
About EUSEW
The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is the biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe. EUSEW 2026 marked the 20th edition. EUSEW organises a series of activities that bring together the community of people who care about building a secure and clean energy future for the next generations.
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- Publication date
- 23 July 2026
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency