Old PV technology limiting total production potential

Europe has one of the most interconnected electrical networks in the world, but increasing reliance on renewables creates more variability in energy production than historical fossil-fuel options. Fossil-fuel productivity is largely independent of geography or environmental conditions, whereas renewables are heavily influenced by those factors. Having an interconnected grid helps ensure reliability of power generation - if one country is experiencing poor weather and low PV productivity, then another country could theoretically supplement. There is consensus in the industry to focus on connectivity, though there are legal and economic challenges currently being addressed by the EU to streamline additional connectivity.

Energy production and potential for future PV developments varies across European nations. Increasing integration of the electrical grid across national borders could help make the entire system more resilient and productive in the transition to sustainable energy systems. Current challenges are largely political, but improved information may influence citizens and lawmakers.

There may be opportunities to leverage satellite imagery and other geo-information data to determine international patterns of energy production and energy consumption as predicted by local weather, culture, or economy. Users identified 4 specific needs, each requiring one or more specific geospatial products (geo-requirements):

1.        User Need 5.1: Assessment of existing national and international electrical grid networks

2.        User Need 5.2: Assessment of nation-level PV production

3.        User Need 5.3: Assessment of potential nation-level PV production, based on available land

4.        User Need 5.4: Assessment of nation-level energy usage patterns