40 influencers leading Europe’s solar power revolution
- Published by
16 Dec, 21 / UPDATED 9 May, 23
Record high energy prices in Europe are helping to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, with corporate agreements for solar and wind energy supply rising by around 70% to a record in 2021.
Renewable industry professionals are taking the lead in promoting the benefits of solar energy and its uses. They are playing a critical role in helping companies and government institutions across Europe make the transition as the region looks to meet its ambitious environmental protection targets.
Renewable energy influencers in Europe
Here’s our list of 40 influencers in the European solar market. This is not intended as a ranking but aims to highlight industry experts who are spearheading some of the biggest projects and initiatives in the region.
Michael Liebreich
Michael is the founder and senior contributor to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, and a thought leader on clean energy, climate, and sustainability. He is the CEO of Liebreich Associates and Managing Partner at EcoPragma Capital. You can also find him on Twitter: @MLiebreich
Dr Thomas Hilling
Thomas is managing director of boutique clean energy consultancy THEnergy, which is focused on microgrids, minigrids, and off-grid energy. He is also a member of the board of advisors for the Africa Solar Industry Association.
Volker Quaschning
Volker is a professor of renewable energy systems at the Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft (HTW) in Berlin, Germany. He is an expert on renewable energy and sustainability modelling and simulation. You can also find him on Twitter: @VQuaschning.
Kees van der Leun
Kees is a strategic consultant for governments and companies on the renewable energy transition. His advisory firm Common Futures specializes in analysis and engages in dialogue with policy makers. He was project director of The Energy Report published by WWF, providing analysis of how to reach the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. You can also find him on Twitter: @Sustainable2050
Clotilde Cazamajour
Clotilde is Chief Executive Officer at French law firm UrbanLaw Avocats. The firm specializes in environmental law, real estate and town planning, providing services to public and private organizations. You can also find her on Twitter: @Cazamajour
Francesco Ferrante
Francesco is Vice President at the Kyoto Club, a non-profit consortium of businesses and governments working to reach the targets for greenhouse gas reduction set out by the Kyoto Protocol. He is also Vice President at Coordinamento FREE, an association in Italy that promotes renewables and energy efficiency. You can also find him on Twitter: @FranFerrante
Gianni Silvestrini
Gianni is a solar technology and energy policy researcher and scientific director at the Kyoto Club as well as Italian sustainable energy portal QualEnergia.
Lisa Orlandi
Lisa is a director at RiEnergia, an Italian online portal providing thought leadership and stimulating debate in the energy sector.
Claudia Kemfert
Claudia is a German economics expert with a focus on environmental protection and energy research. She is head of the department of energy, transportation and environment at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin). You can also find her on Twitter: @CKemfert
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Connie Hedegaard
Connie is a Danish politician who has made climate action a centerpiece of her political career. She was European Commissioner for Climate Action from February 2010 through October 2014 and currently chairs several foundations and executive boards. You can also find her on Twitter: @CoHedegaard
Sonia Benard
Sonia is Vice President of Global Sales at Chinese solar cell producer Talesun Solar Technologies. Based in France, Sonia works on bringing together Asian suppliers with customers in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, bridging a gap between cultural differences.
Claire du Colombier
Claire is an experienced solar project developer. After almost 11 years working on renewable projects at French utility ENGIE, she has recently joined independent renewable energy provider ZE ENERGY as Business Development Director.
Katrin Aust
Katrin has been marketing manager for solar projects at German renewable energy developer BayWa.r.e for more than five years. She previously worked on EU PVSEC, the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, which covers scientific, technological, industrial and application-related issues in the PV sector.
Betül Kök
Betül is Business Development Manager at Turkish utility Entek Elektrik Üretimi. She previously worked in business development at Italian utility Enel Green Power in Tukey and as a project engineer at PV equipment manufacturer Renko Energy.