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Solar Energy

Innovation Hub makes its debut

April 11, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The ees Innovation Hub brings together the energy storage industry under the theme ‘Research meets Industry’. From research institutes and start-ups to market leaders, innovative storage experts will showcase the latest research, studies, products, battery technologies, applications, solutions, and business models at the exhibition and on the ees Innovation Hub Stage.

PV Guided Tours: Up close with the innovations

Visitors can expect a diverse programme of talks on the ees Innovation Hub Stage. Topics will cover the use of artificial intelligence and self-learning software in battery research, energy trading, and the increasingly important issue of recycling. The partners of the ees Innovation Hub Stage include the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and RWTH Aachen.

ees Europe: Strong focus on hydrogen

Commenting on the new format, Sabine Kloos, Exhibition Director of ees Europe, said: ‘The goal of the ees Innovation Hub is to connect research and industry. Exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest trends and witness innovative developers in action.’

From Munich to Curaçao: research teams in a live competition

One of the special highlights on the stage is the kick-off of a live competition on the first day of the fair (May 7): the ees Island Challenge. In this competition, three interdisciplinary teams led by top universities and research institutes will develop innovative concepts for transforming a former refinery site on the Caribbean island of Curaçao into a sustainable community space.

ees Europe 2025: storage industry meets battery research

Visitors to the trade fair can watch the teams in action and interact with them on 7 and 8 May in Hall B0 (Stand B0.160). A five-person jury, composed of technology and business experts, will select the winner with input from the audience after the concept presentations on 9 May.

The competition was inspired by the global initiative ‘Greening the Islands Foundation’ developed in collaboration with the German Solar Industry Association (Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft e.V. – BSW).

Expert analysis: Battery storage as a business model for PV

Gianni Chianetta, Chairman of the ‘Greening the Islands Foundation’, explains: “The 100% RES Islands Initiative creates specific case studies for islands that serve as global models. There is no one-size-fits-all solution: islands need tailored, integrated renewable energy roadmaps, with storage as a fundamental element. We look forward to the ees Island Challenge with Curaçao and BSW as a pioneering, globally relevant innovation project.”

Networking with influencers

The ees Innovation Hub will also enhance the visibility of exhibitors. Throughout the three days of the exhibition, the ten finalists and winners of The smarter E AWARD in the Energy Storage category will showcase their award-winning products in the Hall of Fame. Additionally, the hub will serve as a key destination for influencers and podcasters, and will host networking receptions.

ees Europe, along with the concurrent events Intersolar Europe, Power2Drive Europe, and EM-Power Europe, will take place from May 7-9 2025 at Messe München as part of The smarter E Europe, Europe’s largest exhibition alliance for the energy industry. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Premiere for the Innovation Hub

April 11, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The ees Innovation Hub connects the energy storage industry under the motto ‘Research meets Industry’. From research institutes and start-ups to market leaders – innovative storage experts present the latest research results, studies and innovative products as well as battery technologies, applications, solutions and business models in the exhibition and on the ees Innovation Hub Stage.

PV Guided Tours: Up close with the innovations

Visitors can look forward to a comprehensive programme of talks on the ees Innovation Hub Stage. Topics range from the use of artificial intelligence and self-learning software in battery research to energy trading and the hot topic of recycling. The partners of the ees Innovation Hub Stage are the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and RWTH Aachen.

ees Europe: Strong focus on hydrogen

Commenting on the new format, Sabine Kloos, Exhibition Director of ees Europe, said: ‘The aim of the ees Innovation Hub is to bring together research and industry. Visitors to the exhibition can discover the latest trends and see the most innovative developers at work.’

From Munich to Curaçao: research teams in a live competition

One of the special highlights on the stage is the kick-off of a live competition on the first day of the fair (May 7): in the ees Island Challenge, three interdisciplinary teams—led by leading universities and research institutes—are developing innovative concepts for transforming a former refinery site on the Caribbean island of Curaçao into a sustainable community space.

ees Europe 2025: storage industry meets battery research

Visitors to the trade fair can watch the teams at work and interact with them on 7 and 8 May in Hall B0 (Stand B0.160). A five-person jury of technology and business experts will select the winner with the help of the audience after the concept presentations on 9 May.

The impetus for this competition came from the global initiative ‘Greening the Islands Foundation’. The competition was developed jointly with the German Solar Industry Association (Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft e.V. – BSW).

Expert analysis: Battery storage as a business model for PV

Gianni Chianetta, Chairman of the ‘Greening the Islands Foundation’, explains: ‘The 100% RES Islands Initiative creates specific case studies for islands that serve as global models. There is no one-size-fits-all solution: islands need tailored, integrated renewable energy roadmaps, with storage as a fundamental element. We look forward to the ees Island Challenge with Curaçao and BSW as a pioneering, globally relevant innovation project.’

Networking with influencers

The ees Innovation Hub will also boost the visibility of exhibitors: On all three days of the exhibition, the ten finalists and winners of the The smarter E AWARD in the Energy Storage category will present their award-winning products in the Hall of Fame. In addition, the hub will be the first port of call for influencers and podcasters, and will host networking receptions.

ees Europe and the concurrent events Intersolar Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe will take place from May 7–9, 2025 at Messe München as part of The smarter E Europe, Europe’s largest exhibition alliance for the energy industry. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Batteries pave the way for more renewable electricity

April 8, 2025 ryansheehanrts

2023 was an extreme year for solar power in Sweden, with a turbulent European energy crisis creating a unique interest in PV. In 2024, installations returned to the level of 2022. At the same time, recent figures from the Swedish Energy Agency show that investments in batteries are now increasing significantly, strengthening the opportunities to integrate more weather-dependent, renewable power generation into the energy system.

We see fewer PV installations in 2024, which is to be expected as 2023 was an extreme year. At the same time, we see a lot of interest in batteries, which is more than gratifying,’ says Anna Werner, CEO of Svensk Solenergi (Swedish Solar Energy Association).

High interest in larger solar installations

It is mainly the residential market for PV systems that has decreased compared to 2023. Interest in larger solar plants remains high, with a large number of applications awaiting decisions.

Co-located solar park for a resilient grid completed in Sweden

“We see that smaller solar parks, up to 10 hectares, receive decisions relatively quickly. Here, the county administrations have become much better, thanks to more experience and some precedent-setting decisions. For larger parks, approvals still sometimes take an unreasonable amount of time and the queues are long,” says Anna Werner.

Fivefold increase of commercial and utility-scale batteries

According to figures from Svensk Solenergi and the Swedish Tax Agency, the installation of residential battery systems will increase by 40 percent by 2024. Batteries are important for integrating more solar power into the electricity system, as they enable the storage of intermittent electricity and provide flexibility and stability to the grid.

Sweden: Batteries are not a ‘threat to the grid’

“Batteries allow us to store electricity that is dependent on the weather throughout the day. But they are also very effective in reinforcing the electricity grid, as they can quickly balance the grid in the event of rapid power outages and can be used for frequency regulation – maintaining the balance between production and consumption,” says Anna Werner.

Market for hybrid power plants in Europe still in the starting blocks

In addition to the great interest in residential battery installations, large battery parks are also on the rise in Sweden. Svensk Solenergi estimates that the capacity of commercial batteries and large-scale battery parks will increase fivefold from 200 MW in 2023 to more than 1,000 MW by the end of 2024. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

3rd Germany Solar & Storage Conference 2025 discusses new trends

April 8, 2025 ryansheehanrts

With record-breaking solar PV installations and an increasingly sophisticated storage market, stakeholders across the energy sector—investors, developers, EPCs, utilities, and policymakers—must navigate a rapidly evolving landscape to unlock new opportunities and overcome pressing challenges.

Surging investments in solar & storage

Germany reinforces its status as Europe’s largest solar market. With the government targeting 215 GW of solar PV by 2030, demand for commercial & industrial (C&I) and utility-scale projects is skyrocketing. However, this growth is accompanied by increasing grid congestion and volatility, fueling the demand for advanced energy storage solutions.

Expert analysis: Battery storage as a business model for PV

Battery storage installations are expected to triple by 2030, driven by policy incentives, falling costs, and the rising need for grid stabilization and flexibility services. Innovations in hybrid solar-plus-storage systems, virtual power plants (VPPs), and AI-driven energy management are reshaping the industry, offering lucrative opportunities for investors and project developers.

Solar Investors Guide #4: Long-term storage with iron flow technology

Key market trends to watch

Corporate PPA & RE100 commitments

Large-scale corporate energy buyers are accelerating the adoption of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), ensuring long-term price stability and supporting carbon neutrality targets.
RE100 companies in Germany are increasingly looking at onsite solar + storage solutions to optimize energy consumption and reduce grid dependency.

Grid modernization & storage integration

With grid constraints posing a major bottleneck, battery storage and demand response solutions are playing a crucial role in balancing renewable intermittency.

Co-located solar + storage projects are gaining traction as developers seek to maximize returns by capturing peak energy prices and participating in ancillary services markets.

Regulatory evolution & market incentives

The German government is introducing new storage-friendly policies, including tax incentives, capacity markets, and reforms to grid fees, making battery projects more financially viable.
The EU’s Green Deal Industrial Plan is set to accelerate investment in energy storage manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening Europe’s supply chain.

Join the conversation May 6 in Munich

To gain deeper insights into these market dynamics and connect with leading investors, developers, EPCs, and policymakers, don’t miss the 3rd Germany Solar & Storage Conference 2025.

Date: May 6, 2025, Location: Leonardo Royal Munich, register here. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

navigating market growth, trends, and technologies

April 3, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Surging investments in solar & storage

Expert analysis: Battery storage as a business model for PV

Solar Investors Guide #4: Long-term storage with iron flow technology

Key market trends to watch

Corporate PPA & RE100 commitments

Grid modernization & storage integration

With grid constraints posing a major bottleneck, battery storage and demand response solutions are playing a crucial role in balancing renewable intermittency.

Co-located solar + storage projects are gaining traction as developers seek to maximize returns by capturing peak energy prices and participating in ancillary services markets.

Regulatory evolution & market incentives

Join the conversation May 6 in Munich

To gain deeper insights into these market dynamics and connect with leading investors, developers, EPCs, and policymakers, don’t miss the 3rd Germany Solar & Storage Conference 2025.

Date: May 6, 2025, Location: Leonardo Royal Munich, register here. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

storage industry meets battery research

February 28, 2025 ryansheehanrts

According to a joint analysis by Roland Berger and RWTH Aachen University, the global demand for battery storage systems will grow by a factor of three, reaching up to 4.6 terawatt-hours by 2030. The authors of the study highlight the dominant role of East Asian, specifically Chinese, manufacturers. The overcapacities in the region have been leading to falling prices for some time, which causes major challenges for European producers. At the same time, Europe has the potential to become a key player in battery production thanks to innovations, high-quality process technology and ecological, sustainable production processes.

Call for long-term subsidy strategy

In 2023, a heavy blow was dealt to subsidies for the research and development into battery technology, when the German Federal Constitutional Court ruled that the government’s climate and transformation fund – the main source for these subsidies – had to be consolidated. The ruling meant that no more subsidies were available. There was to be no financial support for new battery research projects in 2025 either, but the competent German Federal Ministry of Education and Research provided 25 million euros from other sources. This meant that new projects could be launched – an urgent decision for the future of German battery research, according to many observers.

The smarter E 2025: Energy management systems a „must have“

Professor Heiner Heimes, Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University, welcomed the news: “The bridge funding for battery research is a positive and urgently needed signal.” He also stressed the necessity of continuity and long-term strategic thinking: “Everybody has to be aware of the fact that to prevent the field being left open to Asian players, the new German government must return to a long-term subsidy strategy as soon as possible. Only a long-term strategy will enable strong research into high-performance battery technology and secure the future of the German industry. This will require much more than 25 million euros for individual projects.”

ees Innovation Hub: presentations, discussion, networking

Professor Heimes’ alma mater, RWTH Aachen University, has partnered with ees Europe and has its own booth at the ees Innovation Hub in hall B0. This exhibition area provides an attractive stage for research institutes, start-up companies and international companies to showcase their work. For visitors and exhibitors alike, the ees Innovation Hub Stage will be a hotspot for forging new business relationships on all three exhibition days. Research partners and industry players will be presenting and discussing their latest projects and products here, shedding the spotlight on important industry topics, such as best of battery research, artificial intelligence in battery production and recycling.

Large battery storage systems in Europe are all the rage

In addition, community and networking events – such as meeting the finalists and winners of The smarter E AWARD – will form an integral part of the ees Innovation Hub. The “4 o’clock beer” meetup will be an opportunity for an informal chat, and a dedicated meeting point will bring together influencers, podcasters and TV teams. All of this will contribute to making the stage more than a knowledge forum, but a thriving meeting point.

ees Forum and ees Europe Conference: Expert knowledge for the energy storage industry

On all three exhibition days, high-caliber experts will be presenting and discussing the industry’s hot topics at the ees Forum (hall C2, booth C2.230). The range of topics will cover everything from battery markets and technology to ees AWARD finalist presentations and exciting new applications. Some of the presentations are in German, others in English. Participation in the forum is free for all exhibition visitors with no registration needed. Here is a highlight of the ees Forum on the morning of Thursday, May 8, 2025.

The smarter E Europe: Save billions with bidirectional charging

The leading international battery manufacturers – such as ees exhibitors CATL, EVE Energy Storage and Hithium – outline their strategies for Europe and the global market. The session will be chaired by Florian Mayr, partner at Apricum – The Cleantech Advisory and ees Europe Conference chairman. The ees Europe Conference starts one day ahead of the exhibition and is aimed at C-level managers, leaders and decision makers from the storage industry, the solar industry and the energy industry.

ees Europe – the international industry meeting point

ees Europe does not just attract the leading international battery cell manufacturers, but also the most important storage system producers. Alfen, E3/DC, Fenecon, RCT Power, SAFT, SENEC, sonnen and Tesvolt are just some of the key players represented in Munich in May. For the fourth time running, there will be a cooperation with the South Korean InterBattery exhibition. At this year’s ees Europe, the InterBattery Europe Showcase will offer a view of the South Korean battery industry and a networking forum for the European automotive industry. Collaborative partner COEX expects around 200 companies at the InterBattery Europe joint booth in hall C3.

ees Europe, and the parallel events Intersolar Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe, will take place from May 7–9, 2025 as part of The smarter E Europe, Europe’s largest alliance of exhibitions for the energy industry, at Messe München. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

RE-Source Platform – Battery regulation risks undermining PPAs

October 25, 2024 ryansheehanrts

PPAs have significant benefits: they enable European companies to procure clean energy at competitive and predictable prices. They increase companies’ energy autonomy and security. They help accelerate the roll-out of much-needed renewables. In short: PPAs can be a key driver of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal.

However, the EU’s institutions must have a consistent and supportive approach to PPAs to facilitate these benefits. The EU must build-in incentives across all EU policies for corporates to sign PPAs and other procurement tools.

EU regulation draft for EV batteries as risk

Despite the recently adopted EU Electricity Market Design revision, which mandates Member States to promote PPAs, the European Commission is currently undermining the sustainable growth of PPAs. The Commission is drafting rules to determine the carbon footprint of Electric Vehicle batteries which would ban the use of PPAs and green energy certificates to demonstrate reduced emissions.

Also see: RE-Source 2024 offers energy buyer-supplier match meetings

“With this approach, the EU would be giving with one hand and taking with the other by promoting PPAs in one policy, and building in disincentives in another. This is hugely problematic as we know that the EV battery rules will be copy-pasted for other policies.“

„The incoming European Commissioners have been instructed by the Commission President to draw on Draghi’s report in their work – this includes his recommendation to promote PPAs as a tool for industrial competitiveness. Dan Jørgensen, the Commissioner-Designate for Energy & Housing has also been instructed to unlock private financing. PPAs tick this box”, commented Annie Scanlan, RE-Source Platform’s Director.

10.7 GW PPAs already signed this year

2024 is set to become another record year for the European PPA market, with 10.7 GW signed already this year. Europe needs to accelerate this positive advancement in the energy transition. Corporates stand ready to finance new wind and solar assets – for the benefit of all society. Give them the policy framework which will help them do more, not less!

Fortunately, the methodology for the carbon footprint of EV batteries is still in a drafting phase – meaning the EU can still act to stop this hugely damaging approach to PPAs being set in EU law.

Also see: Joachim Goldbeck: “Negative electricity prices are a bad fit with PPAs”

PPAs, alongside green energy certificates, are part of many critical EU energy decarbonisation policies, therefore a consistent and supportive approach is critical to support PPAs, as a route to market for new wind and solar which uses private financing for the transition to net zero. An ambitious regulatory framework in the EU will spur renewables development globally, given that imported products would also have to follow these rules. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

SolarPower Europe report – Large battery storage systems as new champions

July 30, 2024 ryansheehanrts

The latest analysis by SolarPower Europe shows that 17.2 gigawatt hours (GWh) of new battery energy storage systems (BESS) will be installed in Europe in 2023, supplying 1.7 million additional European households with electricity – an increase of 94% compared to 2022. This is the third year in a row in which the annual energy storage market in Europe has doubled.

Also see: Battery costs fallen by more than 90%

According to the “European Market Outlook for Battery Storage 2024-2028” by SolarPower Europe, battery storage systems with a capacity of 35.8 GWh were installed in the EU at the end of 2023. In addition to photovoltaics, growth was primarily driven by home batteries. In the wake of the energy crisis, European citizens turned to batteries to increase their energy self-sufficiency.

Home storage systems have dominated so far

With 63% of total installed BESS capacity, the residential segment led the way, followed by large-scale battery systems with 27% and commercial and industrial systems with 10%. In 2023, the share of domestic battery storage systems grew by 70%, the share of large-scale battery storage systems by 21% and the share of commercial storage systems by 9%.

Germany maintained its position as the leading market in Europe with installations of 5.9 GWh last year and significant growth of 152%. It was closely followed by Italy with a record 3.7 GWh (+86%) and the UK with 2.7 GWh (+91%).

Slower market growth – boost for large battery storage systems

For the years 2024 to 2028, SolarPower Europe forecasts further growth in the European battery storage market, albeit at a slightly lower level, to a total capacity of 78 GWh in 2028. The industry association expects annual market growth of 30% to 40%, which will be driven primarily by large-scale battery storage systems. Their share of newly installed capacity is expected to rise to 45% by 2028, the share of commercial storage systems to 25%, while the share of home storage systems will fall to 29%.
According to SolarPower Europe, the declining importance of home battery storage systems is primarily due to falling electricity prices and signs of saturation in the previously dominant markets of Germany, Italy and Austria.

Longer electricity storage

The increasing importance of large-scale battery storage systems is primarily due to the rising demand for grid stabilization services and the shifting of peak loads as a result of the growing proportion of fluctuating solar and wind power. At the same time, large battery storage systems that can store electricity for slightly longer than today are expected to become increasingly popular. “With the increasing demand for flexibility in the electricity grid and the shifting of energy, we will see a significant increase in BEES capacity duration from around 1.5 hours today to 4-8 hours,” the report states.

Still a number of obstacles

However, according to Dries Acke, Vice President of SolarPower Europe, there are still a number of hurdles that are currently slowing down the potential of large battery storage systems to stabilize the energy system. These include double grid charges for the storage and withdrawal of electricity, restrictive regulations for the operation of large battery storage systems that are linked to solar and wind farms, or different standards in the EU member states, for example in terms of fire protection.

Call for EU electricity storage strategy

“While politicians have focused on batteries for the electrification of the automotive industry, their crucial role in the transition of the European electricity system to environmentally friendly technologies has been largely overlooked. Flexibility through battery storage is not just a technical issue for regulators and standardization bodies, but requires immediate political attention and prioritization,” emphasizes Michael Schmela, Director Market Intelligence at SolarPower Europe.

The industry association is therefore calling for a comprehensive EU electricity storage strategy and a target of at least 200 GW of installed battery storage capacity in the EU by 2030. (hcn)

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