The solar array on farmer Stefan Jatzkowsky’s field in Bad Sassendorf in the west of Germany should be ready by spring. However, the construction of the tracker system with an installed capacity of 933 kilowatts is not done overnight. That is why the craftsmen from Gridparity wanted to start building the agri-PV system in the summer 2024.

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Construction in a bird sanctuary

However, due to the protracted approval process for the elevated installation in a bird sanctuary, the start of construction was postponed until November 2024. The challenge was that the weather conditions became more difficult at this point. Heavy rain, snowfall, ice and strong winds made the work a real obstacle course. However, despite these unfavourable conditions, Gridparity managed to construct the plant on time by mid-January 2025.

Agri-PV: How to succeed on the path to regenerative and sustainable agriculture

Agriculture still possible

The system consists of trackers elevated at a height of 2.2 metres. The individual rows of trackers are each seven metres apart. This will allow agricultural use to continue almost without restriction. The farmer is only unable to cultivate one strip between the posts of the mounting system. However, this serves to improve biodiversity. This is because insects can colonise the area. It also provides shelter for birds.

How to activate agricultural areas to produce solar electricity? Download our special here!

High yield from the tracker

By using the tracker, the farmer can increase the system’s yield to a whopping 1,248,000 kilowatt hours, which also benefits the sustainability of neighbouring farms. At the same time, farmer Stefan Jatzkowsky can show how small tracker systems close to the farm can be harmonised with different agricultural crops. The semi-transparent double-glazed modules used also ensure an improved microclimate under the solar installation.

Ioannis Chatzichristofis: “a key prerequisite is the modernization of the Polish electricity grid”

Scientific support

Among other things, the scientific monitoring of the project by Haus Düsse, which is located in the immediate vicinity in Bad Sassendorf, focuses on how this microclimate affects the growth of the plants. This is the experimental and training centre for agriculture in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Bad Sassendorf. The researchers also want to find out which plants grow well under the modules. Various organic grain varieties, such as original spelt, are to be cultivated for this purpose. Haus Düsse already operates a small pilot plant with an output of around 17 kilowatts at the site, which is used for demonstration and research purposes. (su)





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As part of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction works carried out under this contract, Nomad Electric will also be responsible for modernizing the existing connection point. Construction work on the site is underway, and its completion is planned for the third quarter of 2025. The investments are located in the West Pomeranian voivodeship which is located on the north-east corner of the Polish map with a direct coastline to the Baltic Sea.

Central inverters for more efficiency

Both solar power plants will be equipped with central inverters, which not only convert with great efficiency direct to alternating current, but also enable advanced monitoring and optimization of the entire system’s operation. This is expected to translate into even higher energy efficiency and therefore more power-output. “We are implementing central inverters, a solution that is not typical for our market, and this requires us to adopt an unconventional approach as well. But this is how we operate, each of our solutions is tailored to the individual needs of the investor”, says Paweł Muszyński, Chief Commercial Officer and Member of the Management Board of Nomad Electric.

Energix Group takes two big leaps into the Polish PV market

For Energix Polska, it will be its second and third photovoltaic power plant in Poland. The construction of these plants adds another 30 MWp to the existing operational portfolio of 314 MW and is seen as an important step in the development of its operations in Poland. “We believe Nomad Electric to be a trusted business partner that guarantees professionalism at every stage of the investment and supports us in achieving our ambitious goals related to the expansion of our portfolio of renewable energy sources”, said Artur Violante, CEO of Energix Polska. Nomad Electric operates in several countries of the European Union and has concluded contracts for the technical service of PV installations with a total capacity of over 1.8 GWp; the EPC company’s project portfolio includes over 700 MWp.

Optimizing Solar Farms with Proprietary SCADA Nomad NX Software

Nomad Electric specializes in Operations & Maintenance (O&M) for large-scale solar farms and provides turnkey EPC construction services, with a project portfolio exceeding 700 MWp. Active in Poland and across the EU, the company has secured agreements for the technical servicing of over 1.8 GWp of photovoltaic projects. Nomad Electric manages PV plants through its modern Monitoring Center and proprietary SCADA Nomad NX software. (mg)

 





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GridX, a smart energy company, published an estimate on the development of the European market for Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) in 2024, according to which the surveyed countries, Denmark, Germany, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Spain will “grow by a factor of around 11 by 2030”. Of course we will only know in 2030, whether this prediction is correct. But one thing is already certain: Demand is rising swiftly, and the market is growing dynamically.

Regulatory and market requirements

The latest regulatory requirements and market developments are driving growth. Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG), for example, provides for “dimming” the output of heat pumps, EV-chargers or battery storage systems. A powerful EMS can limit the need for purchasing power from the grid by re-routing electricity from the PV installation or the storage device in such a way that the grid operator’s control signal does not reduce comfort in the customer’s home. Electricity customers will only truly benefit from dynamic electricity tariffs if they combine their PV system with a powerful EMS.

The challenge of interoperability

There are still a lot of unanswered questions about the interoperability of individual components. So far, there are no universal standards and technical rules for communication protocols. The benefits of manufacturer-independent products and components are clear: Customers can freely choose from what the market has to offer.

Also see: Kärnten Netz – Feed-in connection application processed within 30 minutes

The leading minds of the international energy industry will meet at The smarter E Europe, its four sub-exhibitions, Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe, and the accompanying conferences and programs, where they will talk, debate, do business and network. The question of how to ensure maximum interoperability will certainly be an intensively discussed topic at the events.

Also see: The smarter E Europe – Save billions with bidirectional charging

In 2018, the OpenEMS Association took a leading role in supporting efforts to create open and manufacturer-independent standards for energy management systems. OpenEMS is not a communication protocol, such as EEBus, but a software platform. The Association counts universities and research institutes, grid operators and industry associations as well as energy management companies among its members.

Home energy management in focus

Home energy management is also going to be discussed on the second exhibition day, May 8, 2025. Two interactive sessions will shed light on key aspects of quality photovoltaics and storage projects in the small and utility-scale sectors.

Also see: Intersolar Europe 2025 – Positive outlook in the face of strong market momentum and further cost reductions

The smarter E Forum will be organizing a dedicated session for prosumer home energy management systems. On Friday, May 9, the key role of HEMS for modern energy management and grid stability will be discussed starting from 1:30pm.

Munich becomes the center of the energy world

In May, at Messe München, innovation will meet practice, and visions will meet concrete solutions. The smarter E Europe shows how the sectors electricity, heat and transportation can be intelligently connected to create a decentralized, digitalized and flexible energy world. From large international corporations and SMEs to tradespeople and start-ups.

Stay informed, get our free newsletter twice a week

The smarter E Europe brings together relevant players from around the world at four exhibitions, showcasing the latest market developments, trends and products. From May 7–9, 2025, Messe München is fully booked – the organizers expect more than 3,000 exhibitors and over 110,000 visitors at the exhibition ground covering 206,000 square meters across 19 exhibition halls and the Outdoor Area. (hcn)





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GridX, a smart energy company, published an estimate on the development of the European market for Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) in 2024, according to which the surveyed countries, Denmark, Germany, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Spain will “grow by a factor of around 11 by 2030”. Of course we will only know in 2030, whether this prediction is correct. But one thing is already certain: Demand is rising swiftly, and the market is growing dynamically.

Regulatory and market requirements

The latest regulatory requirements and market developments are driving growth. Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG), for example, provides for “dimming” the output of heat pumps, EV-chargers or battery storage systems. A powerful EMS can limit the need for purchasing power from the grid by re-routing electricity from the PV installation or the storage device in such a way that the grid operator’s control signal does not reduce comfort in the customer’s home. Electricity customers will only truly benefit from dynamic electricity tariffs if they combine their PV system with a powerful EMS.

The challenge of interoperability

There are still a lot of unanswered questions about the interoperability of individual components. So far, there are no universal standards and technical rules for communication protocols. The benefits of manufacturer-independent products and components are clear: Customers can freely choose from what the market has to offer.

Also see: Kärnten Netz – Feed-in connection application processed within 30 minutes

The leading minds of the international energy industry will meet at The smarter E Europe, its four sub-exhibitions, Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe, and the accompanying conferences and programs, where they will talk, debate, do business and network. The question of how to ensure maximum interoperability will certainly be an intensively discussed topic at the events.

Also see: The smarter E Europe – Save billions with bidirectional charging

In 2018, the OpenEMS Association took a leading role in supporting efforts to create open and manufacturer-independent standards for energy management systems. OpenEMS is not a communication protocol, such as EEBus, but a software platform. The Association counts universities and research institutes, grid operators and industry associations as well as energy management companies among its members.

Home energy management in focus

Home energy management is also going to be discussed on the second exhibition day, May 8, 2025. Two interactive sessions will shed light on key aspects of quality photovoltaics and storage projects in the small and utility-scale sectors.

Also see: Intersolar Europe 2025 – Positive outlook in the face of strong market momentum and further cost reductions

The smarter E Forum will be organizing a dedicated session for prosumer home energy management systems. On Friday, May 9, the key role of HEMS for modern energy management and grid stability will be discussed starting from 1:30pm.

Munich becomes the center of the energy world

In May, at Messe München, innovation will meet practice, and visions will meet concrete solutions. The smarter E Europe shows how the sectors electricity, heat and transportation can be intelligently connected to create a decentralized, digitalized and flexible energy world. From large international corporations and SMEs to tradespeople and start-ups.

Stay informed, get our free newsletter twice a week

The smarter E Europe brings together relevant players from around the world at four exhibitions, showcasing the latest market developments, trends and products. From May 7–9, 2025, Messe München is fully booked – the organizers expect more than 3,000 exhibitors and over 110,000 visitors at the exhibition ground covering 206,000 square meters across 19 exhibition halls and the Outdoor Area. (hcn)





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Different alternatives exist to decarbonise industry such as biomethane, hydrogen, carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS). While all solutions will be needed, direct electrification remains the most energy efficient and cheapest options for industrial processes below 500 °C. Yet, the electrification rate remains stuck at 33% when studies currently suggest that it could reach 90% by 2035 with available technologies. It’s time to find new incentives to boost industrial electrification.

Also see: Europe’s industry requires greater electrification

Eurelectric calls on the European Commission to establish an Electrification Bank within the upcoming Electrification Action Plan and coordinated with the Clean Industrial Deal. The Bank should centralise expertise, funding options and de-risking instruments under one stop-shop managed by the Commission and supported by the European Investment Bank as well as Member States. This instrument should provide compensation for critical capital expenditure (Capex), as well as conditional support for operational expenditures (Opex) during industries’ transition period.

The new position paper of Eurelectric (Union of the Electricity Industry) details how this bank would work.

Expertise

The Bank does not entail the creation of a new investment firm, but rather a comprehensive financing instrument to bring new EU and MS’s funding opportunities under one simplified point of access.

An Electrification Forum of relevant experts would inform the bank’s work by analysing industries in need of support and identifying existing market barriers.

Eligibility

The allocation of funds should differentiate between industrial consumers based on their heat processes to ensure a fair competition among bidding projects. Therefore, there should an auction call for those industries with low-to-medium-heat processes (below 500 degrees Celsius) – such as chemicals, transport, food and beverage that already have access to commercially mature large-scale heat pumps or electric boilers – and a separate auction call for  industries with higher temperature heat processes – such as cement, steel, glass, iron that may need more innovative electrified solutions.

Project applications should contain a credible electrification strategy backed by a quantitative business case and impact assessment.

Funding

Funding should be allocated based on auctions at EU level and auction-as-service where MS can allocate national resources to projects on the basis of auctions organised at EU level. The Commission should decide on the exact source of funding.

Beyond the upcoming Competitiveness fund, there are at least five EU funding mechanisms in place that should be considered for investments into industrial electrification: The Innovation Fund, Horizon Europe, Recovery and Resilience, Just Transition Fund, and the Modernisation Fund.

Unspent funds by Member States under the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) could also be channelled to electrification projects in those MSs.  

At the Member-State level, a significant portion of ETS revenues should also be re-directed towards industrial decarbonisation within that MS.

De-risking

The EIB should be closely involved in the vetting and implementation of projects under the Electrification Bank, as it can improve electrification projects’ risk profile through budget guarantees, equity investments or loans.

In particular, the EIB should allocate budget guarantees to derisk long-term PPAs. By securing the industrial buyer’s creditworthiness, guarantee schemes can reduce the market barriers which prevent industrial consumers from signing PPAs, while ensuring effective price signals remain on the electricity market.

Also see: New report shows ways to facilitate renewable integration into grids

„Direct electrification can improve industries’ energy efficiency, reduce operational costs over time, and enhance energy security by lowering dependence on imported fossil fuels. The Electrification Bank is the way to add a demand pull to the supply push“, Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of Eurelectric said. (hcn)





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A larger exhibition area with a redesigned event layout to increase business and networking opportunities. Greater international scope with the involvement of an increasing number of buyers, delegations and qualified operators from all over the world. Focus on innovation and the green skills needed to achieve the energy transition. New projects and thematic areas for a complete view of the energy of the future.

These are the credentials with which the new edition of KEY – The Energy Transition Expo, the event organised by IEG (Italian Exhibition Group) on energy transition and efficiency. The new appointment, scheduled from 5th to 7th March 2025 at Rimini Expo Centre is expected to see a growth of more than 20 % of exhibiting brands, according to IEG.

Also see: KEY Rimini 2025 – Focus on renewable opportunity for the Mediterranean region

The topics of the event will range from agrivoltaics to Renewable Energy Communities, green residential and industrial redevelopment, electric mobility, hydrogen, the role of local administrations, reflections on energy cost containment, regulatory aspects and new financial opportunities up to artificial intelligence and nuclear power.

KEY 2025 wants to consolidate its role as a global reference network capable of bringing together all the players involved in the energy transition and favouring meetings, debates and dialogue with the Institutions. The aim it to create a system and contribute to speeding up the decarbonisation process.

Also see: Italy – Kostal and EPC utilise former industrial roof for PV

Moreover, the event also provides a opportunity for companies and professionals that want to rationalise their consumption and reduce the energy and environmental impact of their activities, to learn about possible solutions and the latest technologies available on the market.

Over 90,000 m2 exhibition area

With over 90,000 m2 of exhibition area, KEY’s new layout includes the very first opening of the West Entrance, an addition to the South and East Entrances. The layout of the halls has also been reorganised, a total of 20 compared to the 16 at the 2024 edition, equally distributed along the East and West wings of the Expo Centre. The seven product sectors – solar and photovoltaic, wind energy, hydrogen, energy storage, energy efficiency, electric mobility and sustainable cities – are all confirmed, flanked by special areas dedicated to transversal projects, networking, innovation and training.

Also see: Agri-PV project with 48 megawatts of power to be built in Sardinia

The new arrangement aims to plot a defined exhibition route through the seven, well-defined yet interconnected thematic areas, maximise existing synergies and improve the visitor experience, the organizers announced.

Thematic focus on hydrogen and electrification of ports

The layout’s new features include an enhancement of the hydrogen area and a thematic focus on ports: HYPE – Hydrogen Power Expo supported by Hydrogen & Fuel Cells: a real trade show organised by Italian Exhibition Group and Hannover Fairs International GmbH (HFI), the Italian branch of Deutsche Messe AG, where the topic of hydrogen and its importance for the energy transition will be explored.

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Su.port – Sustainable Ports for Energy Transition: an exhibition focus, to be inaugurated at KEY 2025, dedicated to the electrification of port docks, essential for reducing emissions, promoting sustainability in ports and accelerating the development of off-shore wind power, particularly floating wind farms.

Green Jobs & Skill initiative

For the first time, KEY will host the Green Jobs & Skill initiative to foster the encounter between labour market supply and demand with the aim of helping to bridge the green skills gap that is still common within companies. The project is a valuable training and career guidance opportunity for students and young workers, but also an opportunity for companies to meet potential candidates and intercept the most promising talents.

Unlock the future of PPA

On Tuesday 4th March 2025, the eve of KEY, at Rimini’s Palacongressi conference centre, the second edition of KEY CHOICE – Unlock the future of PPAs, KEY – The Energy Transition Expo’s B2B event on Power Purchase Agreements, organised by IEG (Italian Exhibition Group) in collaboration with Elemens.

More about KEY

Also Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) and Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo have entered into a collaboration to promote the activities of the trade fair Ecomondo and KEY. The objective is to intensify relations with African and Middle Eastern countries in 2025-2026 through the network of accredited embassies in Italy, the Italian diplomatic network and key local stakeholders. Ecomondo 2025 will be held at the Rimini Fair from November 4 to 7. (hcn)





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Founded in 2015, Vrijopnaam has been a pioneer in delivering 100% solar energy and CO2-compensated gas to its customers. The company is best known for its ‘Paneelopnaam’ concept, which allows individuals to own a piece of a solar park and benefit from its energy production. Fora nominal fee, customers can purchase a panel generating 250 W, which they own for nine years, enabling them to produce their own solar energy and contribute to the renewable energy transition.

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To incentivize participation, Vrijopnaam guarantees a minimum annual yield of 250 kWh per panel, which is then deducted from the customer’s energy bill. Vrijopnaam partnered with Exide Technologies’ Customized Energy Systems (CES), which brought its expertise in advanced energy solutions, particularly in energy storage and grid support. Together, they developed a bespoke solution that integrates solar energy into the existing grid while optimizing energy use.

Leverage both generation and storage – for small consumers

The system stabilizes fluctuations in solar power generation, providing a consistently reliable energy supply. It also offers both ‘in-front-of-themeter’ and ‘behind-the-meter’ capabilities. The former sends power through a meter before it reaches its destination, while the latter supplies energy for on-site use without passing through a meter. This setup gives customers more control over their energy consumption while also allowing better integration with the grid.

Also see: Dutch mounting systems provider announces new leadership

With the installation complete, Vrijopnaam can now leverage both generation and storage, as parts of its assets to provide energy to small consumers. Bas Wijnen, founder and co-owner ofVrijopnaam, said: “We chose Customized Energy Systems to be our installation partner for this project because, with the liquid-cooled energy storage system Solition Mega Three, they offered the most innovative solution.”

Also see: How to approach battery energy storage systems in Europe

Jeroen van Hapert, Sales Director CES, said: “Our partnership with Vrijopnaam has demonstrated how Customized Energy Systems’ innovative solutions, particularly in energy storage and grid management, can drive meaningful progress in the renewable energy sector. Together, we have overcome operational challenges, and Vrijopnaam and Dutch citizens are now able to benefit from this sustainability drive.” (hcn)





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The European Investment Bank Group (EIBG) signed its first synthetic securitization transaction with Inbank, an Estonian financial technology company, to back solar panel loans for private individuals in Poland. This transaction, Inbank’s first securitization, will enable the bank to provide up to PLN 701 million (160 million Euros) in new lending over three years to individuals installing solar panels and heat pumps.

European initiative for more green energy in private homes in Poland

EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska highlighted that this agreement supports the energy transition in Poland, helping private individuals with green investments. It is the EIB-Groups first fully green InvestEU securitization in Poland, which demonstrates the EIB and EIF’s (European Investment Fund) initiative to maximizing the impact of green energy investments.

Shared risk burden

Under the agreement EIF offers protection on the senior tranche, valued over PLN 549 million, half of which is counter-guaranteed by the EIB. EIF also protects over PLN 76 million of the riskier mezzanine tranche, which is counter-guaranteed by the European Commission’s InvestEU program. Finally, the junior tranche of around PLN 10 million is retained by Inbank. The structure features synthetic excess spread and pro-rata amortization of the senior and mezzanine tranches, subject to performance triggers. EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt said, “We’re pleased to partner with Inbank on their first securitization. This agreement will inject new funding into Poland’s economy for sustainable investment and has a direct impact on individuals.” A securitization is a capital relief instrument that transfers part of the credit risk from a loan portfolio to the protection seller, allowing the buyer to lend more. In a synthetic securitization, the buyer retains the portfolio on their balance sheet.

Empowering private households for the energy transition

Inbank’s new offering targets the purchase of solar panels and heat pumps for private households in Poland, projects that reduce CO2 emissions, improve air quality, support climate mitigation, and contribute to REPowerEU goals for energy autonomy and a green transition.

Background Information on the mentioned organisations:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the EU’s financial institution, owned by its 27 member states. It provides long-term financing for projects that boost competitiveness, innovation, sustainability, cohesion, and a fair transition to climate neutrality. In 2023, the EIB Group granted a total of €88 billion in new financing to more than 900 projects, of which €49 billion was earmarked for green investments.

The European Investment Fund (EIF) is part of the EIB Group and supports Europe’s Small and Medium Enetrprises (SMEs) by improving access to finance through selected intermediaries like banks, leasing firms, and equity funds.

The InvestEU programme boosts EU funding by leveraging private and public investment for sustainable growth. It supports key priorities like the Green Deal and digital transition, streamlining EU financial instruments. Backed by a €26.2 billion guarantee, it aims to mobilize at least €372 billion in investment.

Inbank is an EU-licensed fintech connecting merchants, consumers, and financial institutions through its embedded finance platform. Partnering with 6,200 merchants, it manages 881,000+ contracts and operates in seven European markets. Its bonds are listed on Nasdaq Tallinn. (mg)





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“Eurelectric welcomes the Baltics synchronisation to the European electricity grid. It represents another milestone for energy solidarity and will strengthen the region’s energy security and support the implementation of the Green Deal by ensuring secure, clean and affordable power across borders. We have already seen from Ukraine, the security benefits of being integrated in European energy systems and we look forward to enlarging those benefits to the Baltic region“, said Eurelectric’Policy Director Cillian O’Donoghue.

Second largest synchronous electrical grid worldwide

Also known as Continental Synchronous area, UCTE is the second largest synchronous electrical grid in the world. It supplies over 400 million customers in 24 countries including most EU countries – and as of March 2022 – Ukraine and Moldova. Managing this grid is the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E).

Also see: Large-scale battery storage for a stable Latvian power grid

“We should be proud that we have the world’s largest interconnected electricity market that prioritises the most efficient power source. We coordinate hundreds of kilometres of interconnected networks delivering power across borders in times of need, and especially during crises. Diversity is a strength, let’s put it to use», added O’Donoghue.

The Baltics’ integration into the EU electricity grid has been a priority for the European Commission (EC) for many years, receiving substantial EU funding. This successful integration story is even more remarkable if we consider the complexities synchronising to the power grid entails.

Also see: Latvia – New 115 MW solar park

“When the work first began, some questioned the necessity of such a massive undertaking, but today we can all see it was the right decision. More than €1.6 billion has been invested to ensure our transmission grids are up to the task. New 330 kilowatt (kV) powerlines have been built together with batteries and synchronous condensers to make sure the Baltic grids can maintain system balance even during challenging times. In addition to the new infrastructure, we also have frequency markets that are generating new sources of revenue and driving innovation in the energy sector – largely thanks to this synchronisation project», explained Mihkel Härm, CEO at Elektrilevi, Estonia’s largest distribution system operator (DSO).

Stabilise prices – integration of more renewables

Beyond ensuring security of supply, joining the European grid will also provide more competitive energy prices to consumers.  “Local energy production, combined with imports from Nordic and Central European markets, will maintain stability. Integration with Europe’s energy market will stabilise prices, as the Baltic States will gain access to more competitive and diverse electricity sources, including renewables», confirmed Darius Maikštėnas CEO of Lithuanian utility Ignitis Group.

Looking at the big picture, synchronising grids represents a crucial step in the EU integration process at times when external actors are threatening the block’s security.

Also see: New report shows ways to facilitate renewable integration into grids

“The leading companies of the Baltic energy sector have systematically demonstrated professionalism, perseverance and determination to renew and modernise their generation fleet, attract EU funding to strengthen the transmission system and implement this ambitious project. This is the moment when we become part of a united Europe again, taking responsibility for our own systems», concluded Mārtiņš Čakste,  CEO at Latvian utility Latvenergo AS.

Also see: Double investments in power distribution or lose race to net-zero

With energy security topping the agenda of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council, member states should strive to stay united even in their power transmission and distribution systems. The Baltics case showcases how grid synchronisation can offer a way out from depending on unreliable trade partners. (hcn)





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The recent photovoltaics boom is a challenge for distribution system operators: For each feed-in connection application, they have to analyze the grid capacity and provide a fast response to the applicant. At Kärnten Netz GmbH (KNG), this process has been automated, so that applicants can find out in just 30 minutes whether, and to what extent, a connection is possible at their location.

Also see: Clear regulation required for grid digitalisation

The Austrian grid operator has introduced automation in response to the surge in connection applications. Thanks to excellent subsidies, the number of applicants grew 15-fold between 2018 and 2022. The staff at KNG were simply unable to cope with the flood of applications with manual processing. The company would have needed a considerable number of new staff. Instead of hiring new people, KNG decided to standardize the process from the point at which the application is submitted, right through to the customer accepting the offer, allowing a switch to a fully digital process. This required complete customer data and up-to-date grid data, including electrical topology (digital twin).

The digital process: how does it work?

Today, the process has been fully established. Customers submit their applications through a web portal. When the process had first been introduced, KNG’s staff still checked the customer data and installation data for plausibility, but even this step has since been automated. The system checks the application based on an up-to-date grid calculation for KNG’s entire low-voltage grid.

Also see: Artificial intelligence – the key to transforming renewable energy systems?

This ensures that for each new application, the current free capacity is used as a basis. The calculation also includes the load flows of 160,000 connections within the grid area. The program is based on MATLAB, a software tool, and uses electrical and local data from the geographic information system, as well as SAP customer master data. MATLAB is a KNG in-house development.

Also see: Expert analysis – as we rebuild the grid, we must rethink its management

If connecting a PV installation with the capacity requested by the customer is possible, the information is transferred to the grid customer information system. If the capacity requested exceeds what is possible, the system will notify the customer of the available grid usage rights (20 kilowatts maximum) and will reserve the capacity for the customer. If expansion work on the local grid becomes necessary to enable a connection, the respective team will receive an automatic order to schedule and carry out the work within the next twelve months.

10.000 automated offers for PV connections

If a connection can be confirmed, all the necessary documents will be created and signed by the software, and sent to the customer in digital format. At the same time, the available grid capacity is recalculated and updated. According to KNG, the automation has meant that applications are now processed within 30 minutes, rather than two or three days. So far, the system has created 10,000 automated offers for PV connections. (hcn)

This article was first published by The smarter E Europe as part of a new series called “Learning from Europe”. It presents innovative and successful projects from across Europe that show how a renewable 24/7 energy supply can work. pv Europe is media partner of The smarter E Europe.





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