When Power Becomes a Target - Building Resilient European Energy Systems Through Solar, Storage and Grid-Forming Technologies

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Time: 11:30 am - 01:00 pm
Hall: ICM München
Room: Room 14 A

In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe's energy systems are facing increasing physical
and cyber threats. Strengthening resilience has become a strategic priority. This session explores how solar PV, battery storage and grid-forming technologies can protect critical infrastructure, enhance system stability and support rapid recovery after disruptions.
Drawing on lessons from Ukraine and Europe's frontline states, experts will be discussing how decentralized renewables can contribute to energy security.

Key topics:

How solar, battery storage and renewables contribute to Europe's energy security
Lessons from Ukraine on system resilience and recovery
The strategic role of solar-plus-storage in future security planning
Integrating security into energy system design and regulation

11:30 am - 11:45 amWelcome and Introduction

David Wedepohl

Managing Director International Affairs

BSW - German Solar Association

Walburga Hemetsberger

CEO

SolarPower Europe

11:45 am - 12:00 pmThe New Energy Security Paradigm for Europe

Jarand Rystad

CEO

Rystad Energy AS

12:00 pm - 01:00 pmPanel Discussion

David Wedepohl

Managing Director International Affairs

BSW - German Solar Association

Jarand Rystad

CEO

Rystad Energy AS

Walburga Hemetsberger

CEO

SolarPower Europe

To Program Overview

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Speakers

Speaker

Walburga Hemetsberger, SolarPower Europe

CEO

Belgium

Walburga Hemetsberger is the CEO of SolarPower Europe since 2019. She has over 20 years of professional experience in Brussels, working for a utility, trade association, the European Parliament and the European Commission. Walburga spent most of her career in the energy sector, covering in particular renewable energies and hydrogen.

Speaker

David Wedepohl, BSW - German Solar Association

Managing Director International Affairs

Germany

David Wedepohl first came into contact with the solar industry while working for a US consulting firm before joining the German Solar Industry Association as Head of Market and Communications and spokesperson for the association. Today, he is responsible for all of the association's international activities outside of the EU. This now includes projects and partnerships in and with Africa, Latin America, Asia and the USA. He is a broadcast journalist trained at the international broadcaster Deutsche Welle and has studied and worked on both sides of the Atlantic. He earned his US degree as a Fulbright Scholar. He gained professional experience as a press and public diplomacy officer at the German Embassy in Washington, DC, and in the communications department of DaimlerChrysler AG. Since 2023, he has also been Managing Director of the non-profit branch of the solar and storage sector, BSW-Solar gGmbh.

Speaker

Jarand Rystad, Rystad Energy AS

CEO

Norway

Jarand Rystad is the founder and CEO of Rystad Energy, which he has built and led for more than 20 years into a leading global energy intelligence company. With a background from McKinsey & Company; in his role he has advised energy companies, investors and governments worldwide, and is recognized by the Financial Times as one of the most cited analysts in the industry. An outspoken energy enthusiast, 'geek' in his own words; Jarand is deeply engaged in the future of energy and the economy, and a sought-after speaker on the energy transition, renewables, E&Ps' corporate strategy and global energy scenarios. He holds an MSc in Physics from Norwegian University of Science and Technology.