Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, has been awarded the prestigious Becquerel Prize for 2025 for her significant contributions to solar advocacy, marking her as the third woman to receive this honor since its inception in 1989. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping European solar policies, including the Solar Energy Strategy and Solar Standard. Additionally, she has championed gender equality in the industry through the Women in PV initiative, further solidifying her role as a key advocate for solar energy in Europe.
Walburga Hemetsberger, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of European solar PV lobby association SolarPower Europe (SPE), has become the 33rd recipient of the prestigious Becquerel Prize, winning it for the year 2025. Constituted in 1989 by the European Commission, the European Becquerel Prize for Outstanding Merits in Photovoltaics is awarded annually to individuals for their contributions to the development of solar PV technology in their own capacity. Hemetsberger has become the 3rd woman recipient of the award, following Mechtild Rothe in 2008 and Ulrike Jahn in 2021. The 2024 winner was Frenchman Dr. Daniel Lincot. Hemetsberger was selected for being ‘one of the most important’ ambassadors for solar energy in Europe.
A graduate from the University of Innsbruck/Austria with academic degrees in law and social and economic sciences, Hemetsberger has been leading SPE since 2019. In this capacity, she has been advocating for the deployment of solar energy across the continent, thus contributing to the adoption of the Solar Energy Strategy by the commission and the EU Solar Standard. The Becquerel Committee also recognizes her advocacy for the Women in PV initiative that aims to promote and inspire female leadership in the solar sector.
“Ms. Hemetsberger is widely recognised for her tireless efforts in integrating solar photovoltaics into Europe’s broader energy transition and climate change strategies. With remarkable energy and enthusiasm, she has played a pivotal role in shaping EU solar policy during a critical period for the PV industry,” stated Chair of the Becquerel Committee, Prof. Dr. Stefan Glunz. He added, “Her influence on innovation and research initiatives, such as the Partnership for Photovoltaics, underscores her commitment to the future of renewable energy. Walburga Hemetsberger is truly an inspiring leader in this vital field.”
Hemetsberger will officially receive the prize, named after the French Physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel, during the opening session of the 42nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC 2025) in Spain, in mid-September 2025.
Source: https://taiyangnews.info/people/walburga-hemetsberger-wins-2025-becquerel-prize