The Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy (Energy Union strategy) is built on the ambition to achieve a fundamental transformation of Europe's energy system in a cost-effective way. This will be achieved by moving to more sustainable, smarter, more flexible, more decentralized, more integrated, secure and competitive ways of delivering energy to consumers. Most importantly, meeting this ambition will require that energy producers and suppliers innovate in terms of energy production, transportation and services. As innovation is the basis to the Energy Union, it is vital to support researchers and companies at key stages in the development of new products and processes.

The Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) as part of the Energy Union strategy is at the forefront of European energy technology policy. The integrated SET Plan identifies ten actions needed to accelerate the EU energy system transformation in a cost-effective way. Renewable technologies are at the heart of the new energy system with photovoltaic solar energy (PV) as a main pillar.