Ruggero Schleicher-Tappeser is working as independent policy advisor in the fields of energy policy, renewable energies, photovoltaics and sustainable industry strategies. Since 2013 he coordinates the European photovoltaic industry initiative xGWp European Gigawatt Fab.
Ruggero has a broad experience in combining and mediating between different cultures, disciplines and professional roles, aiming at sustainable development: Born in 1952, he grew up in Italy. After a degree in physics at the University of Bern/Switzerland, he first worked as science journalist and consultant on energy policies. In Germany since 1985, he turned to research on innovation, technology policy and regional development, and increasingly towards European territorial policies including transport. For fifteen years he was founder and director of the EURES Institute for Regional Studies in Europe in Freiburg. More recently he served as Acting Secretary General of the Alpine Convention, an international treaty for the sustainable development of the Alpine area. Back as consultant on energy policy since 2008, he advised the German government in the foundation process of the International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA, tried to forge a European Alliance for 100% Renewable Energy, works for foundations, associations and industries. Ruggero is fluent in five languages and has worked with public and private structures in many, mainly European, countries and the EU.
