iL-CURRENT
September 3, 2025
Keynote speaker Gunter Erfurt: "Technology alone is not enough"
"Without an active industrial policy and genuine domestic value creation, we will lose economic strength and sovereignty. Europe's opportunity lies in consistently scaling innovation," says Dr. Gunter Erfurt in the iL expert interview, with which we open our series "Five questions for ...". He believes that Europe must take the energy transition into its own hands. With a doctorate in physics, he headed the Swiss solar group Meyer & Burger until 2024, where he drove forward the radical transformation from mechanical engineering company to photovoltaic manufacturer. With his vision of bringing state-of-the-art solar cell production back to Europe, he became a key figure in the industry - and was awarded the 2023 Becquerel Prize.
On October 15, he will be the keynote speaker at our CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY & SOLAR TAP INDUSTRY DAY at the Heidelberg Congress Center (HCC) - and will talk about the opportunities and risks of a clean, independent energy future.
Keynote speaker on October 15 at the Heidelberg Congress Center: Dr. Gunter Erfurt gets the experts in the mood for hydrogen and solar technology at the CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY & SOLAR TAP INDUSTRY DAY. Picture: Private
Five questions for ... Gunter Erfurt
Mr. Erfurt, You have Meyer & Burger strategically realigned realigned and consistently on European solar production production. What were from were view the decisive success factors - and which lessons can can from this for other technology companies draw?
Gunter Erfurt: There were three main reasons for our success: Firstly, the courage to make a clear cut - away from mechanical engineering and towards becoming a solar manufacturer with a focus on technology. Secondly, the unique selling point of high-performance technology, instead of just producing more cheaply. And thirdly, strong partnerships with politicians, researchers and investors. The lesson for others: Sometimes it takes a radical strategic bet, consistently implemented, to reinvent entire industries. Unfortunately, the project ultimately failed because there was a lack of industrial policy will and Europe surrendered to China's dependence without putting up any resistance.
The structure of a European photovoltaicvalue chain is as essential for the energy and security of supply. Where do you see do you currently the biggest gaps - and how can how can these be closed?
Erfurt: In fact, all European manufacturers have currently ceased production or are insolvent. The biggest gaps are therefore not only in the preliminary stages, but in the entire industrial value chain. This gap can only be closed by a coordinated European industrial policy that safeguards production and demand in equal measure - similar to the example set by the USA and China. Without such a framework, Europe will remain completely dependent on imports.
Meyer & Burger has itself early on highly innovative cell technologies such as HJT and tandem cells concentrated. Which technological breakthroughs do you see breakthroughs by 2030 as market relevant to - and what danger goes thereby from global competitors from global competitors?
Erfurt: From around 2030, tandem solar cells will begin to shape the market - with realistic efficiencies of up to 35%. At the same time, new materials will pave the way for lightweight, flexible modules for building integration and agri-PV. Organic PV will also play a role in niches such as transparent or highly flexible applications. In addition, the connection of PV with AI systems will be crucial for end customers - from smart control to autonomous energy communities. Global competition remains the biggest threat: countries such as China and the USA are immediately introducing innovations on a gigawatt scale. Europe has the technologies - the decisive factor is whether it can also implement them on an industrial scale this time.
You have repeatedly repeatedly on the necessity an active European industrial policy has been expressed. What must now happen, so that Europe in the global competition not only keeps up, but leads the way?
Erfurt: The Net Zero Industry Act is European law - now the 27 member states must deliver. What is at stake is nothing less than the preservation of domestic value creation in the key technologies of solar, wind, batteries and hydrogen. If we do not consistently secure demand, promote production locally and establish entire value chains, we will lose industrial strength and sovereignty to other regions. Europe's opportunity lies in differentiation: tandem cells up to 35 percent, lightweight modules for building integration and agri-PV as well as AI-networked systems.
To which topics are you are at the CLEAN TECH INNOVATION DAY & SOLAR TAP INDUSTRY DAY 2025 in Heidelberg especially - and what would you the community with your keynote with your keynote?
Erfurt: I am looking forward to exciting discussions on CleanTech - from tandem solar cells to batteries and hydrogen - and especially to courageous people who are leading the way instead of hiding in a dusty past.
With my keynote, I would like to give the community a message: Technology alone is not enough. Without an active industrial policy and genuine domestic value creation, we will lose economic strength and sovereignty. Europe's opportunity lies in consistently scaling innovation.
Has more than 20 years of experience in the solar and energy industry: Gunter Erfurt. Picture: Private
About the person
Dr. Gunter Erfurt (born 1973) is a physicist, engineer and internationally experienced leader with more than 20 years of experience in the solar and energy industry. From 2020 to 2024, he led Meyer Burger as CEO through its strategic realignment to become an integrated solar technology company. Previously, he held senior positions at SolarWorld and Deutsche Solar. Today, he is active as a supervisory and advisory board member as well as a partner in various companies - including in the solar, battery, hydrogen and clean tech sectors. He contributes his expertise in industrial policy, technology development and international corporate management to European and transatlantic innovation networks.
About current engagements/functions/responsibilities:
- Chairman of the Supervisory Board Next2Sun AG (Germany)
- Partner & Supervisory Board Agnostic Industries AI Holding GmbH & Co. KG (DE)
- Advisory Board Swift Solar Inc (USA)
- Advisory Board ElementarHy GmbH (DE)
- Advisory Board Atreus GmbH (DE)
- Member of the Board of the German Solar Industry Association (DE)
- Board Member SolarPower Europe in Brussels (Belgium)
- Scientific Advisory Board Institute for Solar Energy Research Hameln (DE)
Venue and registration
Heidelberg Congress Center (HCC)
October 15 , 2025 - all day
Register now register:
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Further Further information:
On our website you will find regular updates on the program, the speakers and the planned session content.
So feel free to drop by regularly!
We look forward to your participation - and to an inspiring day full of ideas, impulses and innovations in the exciting clean tech sector!
Joachim Klaehn
Head of Communications
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