CEO of SolarWorld AG, Bonn

“It’s highly motivating to be involved in efforts to create more jobs in Germany”

When did you first get involved with renewable energies? Was there a particular trigger or inspiration?

During my time as a member of the Green Party I wondered why renewable energies had not already been more intensively developed, and I realised that in the photovoltaic sector, there were quite simply not enough people working to commercially promote the technology. And this although the energy comes to us at no cost, and the raw material silicon is pretty much inexhaustible. When politics began to find favour with solar energy, I was absolutely convinced that as the impact of climate change unfolds, the future belongs to these energies.

What motivates you?

There are many positive aspects to promoting the application of solar energy worldwide. Solar energy makes an important contribution to global climate protection and can have a great impact on the economic development of the world’s poorer regions. It is also highly motivating to be involved in creating more and more jobs in the Germany solar industry, which has a promising future.

Where do you think renewable energies will be in the year 2020?

The sector is one of Germany’s most important employers. It’s long been the case that more than a third of the electricity consumed in Germany comes from regenerative sources. In a global market that’s still recording double-digit growth, domestic companies are among the world’s leaders. There are three renewable energy companies on the German DAX index. The importance of the sector has grown enormously worldwide. In the sun-drenched regions of the world in particular, photovoltaic energy has become a key pillar of the economic development of Third World nations. Producing electricity using regenerative technologies is now cheaper than conventional electricity production.

What still needs to be done to achieve this?

Until competitiveness has been attained, political frameworks must remain reliable and stable. Companies now need to continue consistently improving deployed technologies and pass on the cost benefits to the end customer. Listed companies in particular must ensure that growth remains profitable, in order that they continue to attract investor capital.

When the day’s work is done, how do you like to relax and switch off?

For me it’s all about creating a good quality of life. I do this, for example, by sitting in my Maserati and enjoying the beauty of its design and sheer driving pleasure. I also treat myself to a glass of good red wine now and again. Last but not least, I love to spend time outside in natural surroundings, for example when I’m out hunting.

Specialist fields: Photovoltaic energy, energy prices, forecasts, national frameworks/EEG (German Renewable Energies Act), financing and project development, communal use of renewable energies, jobs, climate protection

Press enquiries: Frank H. Asbeck, +49.228.5592013