Walburga Hemetsberger Wins 2025 Becquerel Prize For Solar Advocacy

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 (see Ulrike Jahn Is Winner of Becquerel Prize 2021). 

The 2024 winner was Frenchman Dr. Daniel Lincot (see Daniel Lincot Wins Prestigious Becquerel Prize 2024). 

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 Becquerel Committee, Prof. Dr. Stefan Glunz, who has taken over from the previous Chair Prof. Christophe Ballif. 

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.