The world's largest conference on solar photovoltaics will be held in Vienna from September 23 to 27, 2024

The 41st edition of the European Photovoltaic Energy Conference (EU PVSEC), the largest international gathering dedicated to the latest advances in solar photovoltaic energy, will be held in Vienna, Austria, from 23 to 27 September 2024.

Created by the European Union in 1977, this annual conference covers the entire spectrum from fundamental research to industrial, economic and social developments. It offers a unique platform to take stock of progress made in a sector that is booming worldwide, including in France where installed capacity now stands at 23 GW.

French researcher receives prestigious Edmond Becquerel Prize

This year, the conference is of particular importance for France with the award of the Edmond Becquerel Prize to Daniel Lincot, a renowned French researcher. This is the first time since its creation in 1989 that this prize, which rewards an exceptional contribution to the development of photovoltaics, has been awarded to a French scientist.

A 46-year journey dedicated to solar energy

Daniel Lincot began his work in the field in 1978, before joining the CNRS in 1980. He has witnessed and been a player in the spectacular evolution of the sector, from its beginnings to its large-scale deployment today. Among his many achievements, in addition to his many scientific works, we can cite:

• The creation of the Île-de-France Photovoltaic Institute (IPVF) in 2013, of which he was scientific director until 2019
• Its involvement in the development of links with civil society, notably through the promotion of local initiatives and citizen collectives for the energy transition
• The organization of public conferences throughout France
• The initiative of the symposium “Solar energy, climate emergency and collective commitment” held at the Collège de France on December 12, 2023

The Edmond Becquerel Prize will be awarded to Daniel Lincot during the opening session of the congress, on Monday, September 23 at 9:30 a.m.

A French scientific heritage

It is important to remember that the photovoltaic effect was discovered by the Frenchman Edmond Becquerel in 1839. His son, Henri Becquerel, discovered radioactivity in 1896, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903, shared with Marie and Pierre Curie.

To commemorate this legacy, a symposium was organized at the IPVF on December 7, 2020, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Edmond Becquerel.

For more information :

– Official website of the EU PVSEC conference: https://www.eupvsec.org/

– Photovoltaic Institute of Île-de-France (IPVF): https://www.ipvf.fr

– Symposium “Solar energy, climate emergency and collective commitment”: https://www.soleilethumanite.com

– Edmond Becquerel Prize: https://www.eupvsec.org/index.php/becquerel-prize

– Press contact: Ms. Sonia HAOUKA – sonia.haouka@ipvf.fr