European Solar Days 2009

15-22 May 2009, all over 15 EU Member States

BACKGROUND

Created in Austria in 2002 and then progressively expanded to other EU countries, the ESD are events organised around solar energy by all countries in Europe. The ESD are particularly big and popular in Germany and in Italy. In 2008, over 4000 different events were organised in 13 European countries, gathering more than 250,000 participants. Also media responded very positively to the “Solar Days” with over 1,000 press releases in magazines, radio and TV.

In 2009, more than 500,000 citizens participated to 7,000 events in 15 EU Member States, from the 15th to the 22nd of May.

Objective

The European Solar Days (ESD) aim at raising awareness on solar energy (both solar thermal and solar photovoltaic) showing to the general public that solar energy is a real alternative for everyone and a solution to tackle Climate Change and improve our energy security of supply. 

Action

EPIA and ESTIF (European Solar Thermal Industry Federation) targeted the European media and supported national solar energy associations with the production and dissemination of a video message from Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament, and a press conference to celebrate the kick-off of the event.

For more information: www.solardays.eu

Video message of Mr. Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament, supporting the kick-off of the European Solar Days 2009: