Brussels Workshop Gathers Experts to Shape the Future of Photo-Electrochemical Cells

Science For Change (SFC) was invited to the workshop following its role as host of Spain’s national citizen engagement session in autumn 2024. Representing SFC, Sergi López participated in the workshop as a member of the group focused on the Political Significance of PEC technologies.

The two-day foresight exercise aimed to assess PECs across four key dimensions: Technology, Energy Security, Environmental Impact, and Political Significance. These dimensions were explored through a structured methodology combining group work, plenary scoring, and collaborative solution-building. Participants were assigned to pre-planned groups aligned with their expertise, which continued into the second day to ensure continuity and depth in the discussions.

To stimulate discussion and provide a shared vision of the future, the organizers developed a hypothetical scenario set in the year 2060. The scenario described a Europe transformed by widespread PEC deployment—both at industrial and rural scales—highlighting potential societal, environmental, and political consequences. This narrative, enriched by citizen insights gathered in earlier national workshops, was also presented during a keynote session to ensure a common baseline for all participants.

During the workshop, participants identified key challenges and opportunities related to PEC implementation, assessed the proposed technology against a set of criteria, and co-developed strategies to address potential risks or barriers. The outcomes will feed into a comprehensive Technology Assessment report intended to inform EU policy and regulatory decisions and to support broader discussions around solar fuels and carbon capture technologies.

For SFC and other attendees, the workshop offered a valuable platform to integrate citizen perspectives with expert foresight, reinforcing the importance of inclusive governance in shaping Europe’s green energy future.