SolarPower Europe has elected Barbara Flesche as its new President following board elections held on 7 May. Flesche succeeds Aristotelis Chantavas in the role.

SolarPower Europe CEO Walburga Hemetsberger welcomed the appointment, saying the association was “delighted” with Flesche’s election and confident she would continue “the excellent work of the association,” guiding the sector “through the final fossil fuel crisis and into the solar+ era.”

Hemetsberger highlighted Flesche’s experience as Executive Vice President Europe at Statkraft, describing her as uniquely positioned to represent solar energy and battery storage “as a mature, mainstream and fundamental component of the European energy system.” She also thanked outgoing President Aristotelis Chantavas and interim President Francisco Beirão for their leadership and contribution to the association.

Speaking after her election, Flesche said she was taking on the role “at a decisive moment” for both the sector and Europe.

“Solar power and battery storage have become strategic assets for Europe’s energy security, industrial competitiveness and climate objectives,” she said.

Flesche also praised SolarPower Europe’s growing influence in the European energy debate, noting that the organisation has established itself “as a unified voice for the sector” and “a trusted partner” in shaping Europe’s energy future.

The elections also confirmed two Vice Presidents: Alexandra Sombsthay was re-elected and Stefano Lorenzi was elected for the first time.

In addition, six directors were elected or re-elected to the board:

• Fredrik Andrén-Sandberg, RWE Renewables
• Julius Beutel, Weidmüller
• Jörg Ebel, IBC Solar
• Philipp Kunze, Nextpower
• Lars Stephan, Fluence
• Carlo Zorzoli, ContourGlobal

Meanwhile, the new Chair and Vice Chair of SolarPower Europe’s National Associations Committee were also confirmed as board members:

• Paolo Rocco Viscontini
• Nold Jaeger

Hemetsberger said the new board members represent “strong and diverse actors” from across the solar and battery storage market, adding that their expertise would help accelerate the goal of making solar and storage the European Union’s leading source of electricity by 2030.

SolarPower Europe’s board is composed of 20 directors in total.