SolarCOP15 has been endorsed by more than 40 of the major trade associations from around the globe that represent the various types of solar power technologies. SolarCOP15 has programmed a number of activities in Copenhagen and also provides information on its website about its members, the events being organised, and news on the latest developments at the climate conference. The activities of SolarCOP15 are managed and implemented by the European Photovoltaic Industry (EPIA) and the US-based Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
SoalrCOP15 has become a very useful communication tool, providing, for example, the letter sent by the solar industry to Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations and Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in which the industry reminded these leading figures that “a significant part of greenhouse gas emissions could be eliminated through the increased use of solar energy”.
SolarCOP15 also explains that: “Solar energy is not only the single cleanest form of energy generation, the technology is ready now to provide energy at any scale, from a kilowatt to megawatts. Solar power creates jobs and instantly lifts the economic condition in developing countries by providing access to electricity. These technologies can be deployed faster, with local labour, at comparable cost to traditional fuel sources. Beyond the developed world, there are 1.6 billion people without access to electricity. Many of them live in areas ideally situated to benefit from cost-effective, reliable solar power. Solar provides the opportunity for developing countries to leapfrog traditional fossil fuel dependency and meet their needs with clean, efficient solar power”.
SolarCOP15 events in sidelines of COP15
How U.S. Solar Can Help Combat Global Warming While Growing the Economy: 15 December 2009, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m, Bella Center, Center Boulevard 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen
The U.S. solar energy market has expanded dramatically and is poised to become the largest in the world. With the right policies, solar energy technologies can satisfy 12 percent of America’s electricity needs by 2020 and displace more than 350 megatons of carbon dioxide, while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. Industry leaders review the Solar Bill of Rights - the basic reforms needed to deploy more solar sooner, reducing energy costs and harmful pollution.
Photovoltaics: potential to become a mainstream energy provider in Europe, developing countries and beyond: 15 December 2009, 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m, Asger Jorn, Hall H of the Bella Center, Center Boulevard 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen
Photovoltaics can become a mainstream electricity source in Europe by 2020, representing up to 12% of electricity demand by 2020 if certain conditions are met. This way, Europe would save more than 200 million tons of carbon dioxide/year. The impact could be even bigger with a global commitment to this target. Senior representatives of the European photovoltaics industry will present new figures, analysis and business scenarios on the role that this booming renewable technology can, and will, play in the future of combating climate change, not only in Europe but also within developing countries and beyond.
Expanding Solar Energy in the United States: 16 December 2009, 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m, Asger Jorn, Hall H of the Bella Center, Center Boulevard 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen
U.S. Solar industry leaders discuss the domestic 2020 target for solar energy capacity and its impact on combating climate change, creating jobs and driving economic growth. Representatives will review the role of key policy articulated by the Solar Bill of Rights in reaching this target and will take questions from the media.
Seizing Solar Power: Key to Reducing CO2 Emissions Now: 16 December 2009, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m, Room Niels Bohr, Bella Center, Center Boulevard 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen
Solar industry organizations from around the world present new global figures, analyses and business scenarios on the role that currently available solar energy technology can, and will, play in combating climate change. They also review the critical policies that drive accelerated deployment of solar energy.
Experts will also be available for consultation at the European Photovoltaic Industry Association’s booth in Hall H at the Bella Centre from Saturday 12 December to Friday 18 December.
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