CENER represents Spain at the Executive Committee Meeting of the IEA PVPS Program in Yokohama, Japan
The National Renewable Energy Centre (CENER) actively participated in the semi-annual Executive Committee (ExCo) meeting of the Photovoltaic Power Systems (PVPS) Program of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The event took place from November 5 to 8, 2024, in Yokohama, Japan, bringing together the executive committee and task leaders. Its primary objective was to coordinate strategies and projects to address the technological and strategic challenges of photovoltaic energy, recognized as a cornerstone in the global energy transition.
The PVPS program, established in 1993, serves as an international cooperation platform promoting the deployment of photovoltaic energy through advanced research, sector trend analysis, and policy development. Its tasks focus on priority areas such as market analysis, sustainability, system performance and durability, and grid integration.
Spain’s prominent role in the ExCo
The participation of Jaione Bengoechea as Spain’s representative in the ExCo highlights the country’s growing importance in the innovation and implementation of photovoltaic technologies. Within this context, CENER plays a key role by actively contributing to several PVPS tasks that position Spain as a global leader in sustainable energy. Notable contributions include Task 16, focused on solar resource assessment, and Task 13, which addresses the reliability of photovoltaic system performance. These areas are essential for ensuring the efficient and sustainable deployment of solar energy, helping to meet both national and international decarbonization targets.
In 2024, Spain has strengthened its involvement in the nine tasks that make up the PVPS program, including newly created initiatives such as Task 19 (PV Grid Integration) and Task 20 (Energy Hubs & Green Hydrogen). Moreover, the country continues to lead participation in the Agrivoltaics Action Group, a key initiative to promote the efficient coexistence of solar power generation and agricultural land use.
Upcoming challenges and key events
The PVPS Executive Committee holds two annual meetings: one in spring, in a hybrid format, and another in-person in autumn. Within this framework, CENER is preparing to host the next ExCo meeting in autumn 2025. This event will take place in Spain from September 26 to October 1, immediately following the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EUPVSEC), scheduled to be held in Bilbao from September 22 to 26, 2025.
A special thanks to Japan
The Yokohama meeting stood out not only for its fruitful discussions and presentations but also for the exceptional hospitality provided by the Japanese hosts. Special events organized during the gathering created an ideal atmosphere to strengthen relationships and foster international cooperation. This balance between technical sessions, networking opportunities, and informal activities reinforces the PVPS mission to advance global collaboration in the development and application of photovoltaic technology.
Through initiatives like these, CENER and Spain continue to position themselves as key players in the transition towards a more sustainable and efficient global energy model.