Description
In response to the pressing climate emergency in Europe, the development of large-scale solar photovoltaic
(PV) farms has emerged as a pivotal strategy. However, their deployment has sparked political, social, and
environmental controversies. The SmartSolar Action aims to overcome these challenges by establishing an
interdisciplinary network of experts. The Action’s main objective is to develop and promote “smart” practices
for large-scale solar PV deployment, focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovative policy solutions.
Achieving the European Union’s ambitious target of 600 GW of installed solar PV by 2030 presents several
challenges, including the need for upgraded grid connections, a greater pool of trained professionals,
improved incentives for solar PV adoption, expedited permitting processes, and enhanced opportunities for
developing supply chains and financing mechanisms. The network will synthesize knowledge on effective
policies and implementation strategies, building capacity among planners, developers, policymakers, and
community leaders to ensure sustainable solar PV deployment.
The consortium includes fourteen institutions from twelve countries, with seven from Inclusiveness Target
Countries. The team is characterized by its diversity in age, gender, and disciplinary backgrounds,
encompassing fields such as geography, sociology, landscape ecology, political science, landscape
architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and urban planning. Through this collaborative
effort, SmartSolar will foster an inclusive and sustainable energy future for Europe
Action keywords
Solar Photovoltaic - Lifecycle - Holistic - Smart - Policy
Management Committee
| Country | MC Member |
|---|---|
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | |
| Cyprus | |
| Greece | |
| Serbia | |
| Slovakia | |
| Spain | |
| Spain |
Main Contacts
Action Contacts
COST Staff
Working Groups
| Number | Title | Leader |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Legal, Administrative, and Policy Frameworks for Permitting Large-Scale Solar PV | TBA |
| 2 | Public Participation, Perceptions, and Attitudes toward Large-Scale Solar Projects | TBA |
| 3 | Technical, Economic and Environmental Constraints and Innovations for Large-ScaleSolar PV | TBA |
| 4 | End-of-Life Management and Sustainability of Large-Scale Solar PV projects | TBA |
| 5 | Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication | TBA |
Express your interest to join any of the working groups by applying below.
It is required to have an e-COST profile to submit your application. If needed, create it first and then click 'Apply'.
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