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The smarter E AWARD 2025: Energy transition pioneers shortlisted

March 21, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The generation of electricity from solar and wind power continues to grow rapidly, and production costs are already extremely low. When it comes to ensuring a comprehensive, safe and renewable 24/7 energy supply, the key challenges lie in the intelligent integration of renewable electricity into the energy system using digitalization and flexibilization solutions. This also includes the massive expansion of battery and energy storage solutions. The mobility sector has a vital role to play in global decarbonization. And above all else, the energy transition is a global task. The five categories recognized within The smarter E AWARD mirror this complex situation.

Modules for new surfaces and integration

The finalists in the Photovoltaics category thoroughly reflect current trends and challenges. Conventional PV modules may have become far more powerful and efficient in recent years, but available space remains a limiting factor when it comes to expanding photovoltaics. Technical developments are therefore trending towards innovations that make previously unused surfaces accessible for PV systems, such as particularly lightweight PV modules or PV modules with very high bifaciality that are suitable for vertical installations. Vertical installations are interesting options, both in an agricultural context and for infrastructure (such as noise barriers). Current trends in the inverter field are aimed at integrating more grid support and safety features, particularly in the commerce and industry sectors as well as for ground- mounted PV systems. Good examples of this include a power supply with phase accuracy, the option to connect to weak grid nodes, grid-forming functionality and enhanced monitoring of cooling or insulation resistance.

Finalists in the Photovoltaics category

7Secondsolar (South Africa) with its AUTOPV planning software solution

Aevy (Norway) with its Aevy asset management platform

Aiko Energy (China) with its ABC INFINITE PV module

Anhui Huasun Energy (China) with its Kunlun Series Ultra-high Bifaciality HJT solar module

LONGi Solar Technology (China) with its Hi-MO X10 module

MBJ Solutions (Germany) with its MBJ Sunlike Lab solar simulator

Seaward Electronic (UK) with its PV:1525-IV testing device

Sungrow Power Supply (China) with its SG350HX-20 string inverter

Sunmaxx PVT (Germany) with its Sunmaxx PX-1 combination module

Weidmüller Interface (Germany) with its PV Inline lightning and overvoltage protection

Current trends in storage technology

This year’s submissions in the Energy Storage category show that many manufacturers have taken installation challenges into account. In the residential storage sector, there is a trend towards systems that can be stacked in a modular fashion and that, therefore can connect with each other automatically. The number of devices suitable for outdoor use is also increasing. Manufacturers are increasingly commissioning industrial and large-scale storage systems and delivering them ready for installation. The trend in cell chemistry is moving strongly towards iron phosphate. Interconnection effort and costs are reduced by individual cells that are becoming increasingly larger. The market for 4h storage is becoming more significant for battery containers, and many containers have a maximum charge/discharge rate of 0.25C. Many systems use artificial intelligence for fault detection and energy management. SiC-based power electronics are increasingly being used to increase efficiency and reduce volume. System safety remains a focus and is being improved by the increased use of arc detection and multi-level safety concepts at the various system levels.

ees Europe 2025: storage industry meets battery research

Finalists in the Energy Storage category

CMBlu Energy (Germany) with its Organic SolidFlow Battery storage system

EcoFlow (China) with its PowerOcean DC Fit residential storage system

EVE Energy (China) with its Mr. Big battery cell

Huawei Technologies (China) with its ESS LUNA2000-215-2S10 storage system

Hydrostor (Canada) with its A-Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES) system

p&e power&energy (Germany) with its Scalable Cell Level Power Electronics Platform inverter system

SAMSUNG SDI (South Korea) with its U8A1 UPS solution

SOL Research (Germany) with its Powerstation 2.500

Sungrow Power Supply (China) with its PowerTitan 2.0 large-scale storage system

Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology (China) with its Power 6.25 MWh 4h BESS battery container

Products and solutions for electromobility

The large number of submissions in the E-Mobility category relating to solar carport solutions is particularly striking. This is a consequence of changes in the law regarding carports for large parking lots. The industry is responding with a comprehensive offering. High-current, high-voltage charging, especially in connection with the new MCS charging standard, is once again proving to be a driver of innovation. Special electrical safety components are now being developed specifically for the new requirements. Another trend is the use of PV on commercial vehicles that allows for the surface of a trailer to be utilized for additional power generation.

The smarter E Europe: Save billions with bidirectional charging

Finalists in the E-Mobility category

Cable-Sherpa (Austria) with its Cable-Sherpa cable management

DEHN (Germany) with its DEHNguard M DC ACI 1250 FM power protection switch

Etecnic (Spain) with its EVcharge Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform

Friedrich (Germany) with its URBANROOF parking lot canopy

GoodWe (China) with its Vela Series Residential Solar Carport

Hive Power (Switzerland) with its Hive Power FLEXO Smart Charge SaaS solution

SAMSUNG SDI (South Korea) with its No Thermal Propagation Technology battery concept

Schaltbau (Germany) with its C330 high-power DC contactor

Shenzhen Kehua Hengsheng Technology (China) with its EV3102-040K-HR-UC SiC charging module

OPES Solar Mobility (Germany) with its O.Motion matrix solar module series

Digital integration is key

The products and solutions submitted in the Smart Integrated Energy category vividly illustrate the intricacy and complexity of one of the key challenges facing the transition to tomorrow’s climate-neutral energy world. For the energy transition to be a success, electricity from renewable sources must be integrated into the energy system in a comprehensive and smart way, in more and more locations and at all grid levels.

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

Finalists in the Smart Integrated Energy category

FENECON (Germany) with its FEMS FENECON energy management system

meteocontrol (Germany) with its mc Assetpilot

fleXality (Germany) with its AI-based fEnOMS software solution

Sungrow Power Supply (China) with its Stem Cell Grid Technology grid-forming inverter technology

Toscano (Spain) with its COMBI-PRO-MAX switching solution

Utiligize (Denmark) with its integrated Forecast & Investment platform

Zählerfreunde (Germany) with its white label energy management SaaS solution for utilities

The energy transition is being addressed worldwide

The finalists in the Outstanding Projects category provide excellent examples of how the energy transition, humanity’s major challenge, is being tackled across the globe. The spectrum ranges from large-scale green hydrogen production and large storage projects that ensure a steady supply of ever greener electricity, to the use of public institutions to generate solar power and projects providing cooling energy for food.

Finalists in the Outstanding Projects category

Beijing HyperStrong Technology (China) with its Beijing Siyuanqiao Integrated Charging Plus Storage Station Project

Beijing HyperStrongTechnology (China) with its 250 MW/1,000 MWh energy storage project in Santanghu

CyberGrid (Austria) with its Theiß Hybrid Storage System

Electricity Authority of Cyprus (Cyprus) with its installation of PV systems in 405 public schools

GIZ Indonesia (Indonesia) with its off-grid Solar Ice Maker project for fishing communities

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology – KIT (Germany) with its BiFlow hybrid storage system project

LONGi Solar Technology (China) with its 3000 Nm³/h Electrolyzer in Hydrogen-Rich Blast Furnace Smelting project

Phaesun (Germany) with its BeCool: Clean Cooling for Markets in Kenya project

Sungrow Hydrogen (China) with its Low Carbon Institute Green Hydrogen Demonstration Project

Xiamen Ampace Technology (China) with its energy storage project integrated into a high-voltage transformer station in Chile

The smarter E

Accelerating Integrated Energy Solutions – that is the goal of The smarter E, the world’s leading alliance of exhibitions for the energy industry. The aim is to create a future-oriented energy world by shining a spotlight on renewable energies, decentralization and digitalization as well as cross-industry solutions from the electricity, heat and transport sectors for a sustainable 24/7 energy supply. This global event series unites four exhibition brands: Intersolar, ees, Power2Drive and EM-Power. They all serve as platforms for presenting innovations that help move the energy industry forward. (hcn)

Further information on The smarter E can be found at: www.thesmartere.com

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Solar Energy

Unlock EV flexibility to save money and optimise the grid

March 10, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Through smart charging, EV batteries can store excess electricity and with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies, they can sell it back to the grid at times of peak demand, helping balance the power grid, reduce congestion and integrate variable renewables. Yet, consumers lack clear economic incentives to provide this service. Unlocking this potential requires clear price signals, enhanced access to flexibility markets, and interoperable data across the e-mobility ecosystem.

114 TWh of battery capacity by 2030 through EV batteries

Flexibility needs are set to double in the next five years in Europe as more renewables enter the system and end-use sectors electrify. The study estimates that EV batteries could provide around 114 TWh of battery capacity by 2030 – enough to power 30 million homes every year – equal to around 4% of Europe’s projected annual power demand. Yet, this potential remains largely untapped.

The smarter E Europe: Save billions with bidirectional charging

“Electric cars are fun to drive. Our study shows they can help EV drivers make money while stabilising the power system, but customers need choice in the market and clear incentives to act“, said Eurelectric’s Secretary General Kristian Ruby.

New report shows ways to facilitate renewable integration into grids

EV sales have passed the early adopters stage and must now convince mainstream consumers. Yet, high upfront costs remain the main barrier to EV adoption, which slightly declined year-on-year in 2024, while already picking up in 2025. By providing flexibility, however, consumers could benefit from much lower running costs, bringing the total cost of EV ownership below that of conventional cars.

8,600 chargers per week

Charging availability is another source of concern. Public chargers grew by 30% in 2024, reaching more than 820,000 units but must grow even faster to get to the Commission’s 3.5 million target by 2030. This means installing 8,600 chargers per week.

UK: Electric car sales reach record high

“For consumers to play an active role in flexibility, the entire e-mobility ecosystem must help them consider EVs as something more than simply a means of getting from A to B. Easy-to-use smart-charging propositions with clear cost benefits are critical to consumer engagement and adoption», added Serge Colle Global Power & Utilities Sector Leader at EY.

€4 billion savings annually for DSOs

On the grid side, distribution system operators (DSOs) could benefit from a projected €4 billion savings annually as higher flexibility partially reduces the need for infrastructure expansion. Yet, this can only succeed if DSO can employ real-time digital monitoring and have access to interoperable data at no cost, as foreseen by the EU in-vehicle act, yet to be implemented. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Electric car sales reach record high

March 5, 2025 ryansheehanrts

This rapid growth is being driven by major investments from car manufacturers, with Volkswagen, Peugeot, Mini, and Renault all recording triple-digit percentage increases in EV sales compared to February 2024. The number of electric Minis registered skyrocketed from just 82 last February to over 1,300 this year, thanks to improvements in range and affordability.

At the same time, sales of petrol and diesel cars continue to decline, with petrol registrations falling by 34.5% year-on-year and diesel down 13.2%. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are also gaining traction, now accounting for 31.38% of the market—up from 25.90% last year.

UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Policy on Track

Under the UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, carmakers are required to meet a 28% BEV sales target this year. However, New AutoMotive’s analysis suggests that compliance can be achieved with closer to 23% EV sales, thanks to policy flexibilities that allow manufacturers to partially offset targets with cleaner hybrid and petrol models.

Thriving in a new electric driven world

This policy has successfully encouraged strong investment in EV technology, with manufacturers expanding their electric line-ups and making zero-emission vehicles more accessible to UK buyers. However, any sudden changes to the mandate could put this progress at risk.

Looking Ahead

With February’s record-breaking sales, the UK’s EV market is on track for another strong year, reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in the transition to cleaner transport. New AutoMotive urges policymakers to provide certainty and stability for manufacturers and consumers by maintaining the ambitious ZEV mandate targets.

Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive: “Motorists are voting with their feet, with one in four confident enough to make the switch to an electric car in February.
“The latest figures show that the UK’s policies to encourage electric vehicle adoption are working. Ministers should stay the course and give businesses and consumers the certainty they need to invest in an electric future. Carmakers have invested billions in bringing EVs to market, and the UK’s energy sector is investing billions in charge points, creating jobs in every nation and region of the UK. Now is the time to build on this momentum, not slow down.

E-car boom in Norway

James Court, Public Policy Director at Octopus Electric Vehicles: “It’s no surprise that we’ve seen another bumper month for EVs. The proof is in the pudding – UK drivers love the tech, the drive, the money savings from EVs. Our research showed that over 90% of drivers don’t go back once they’ve made the switch to electric. The UK must double down now and stick with coherent, consistent, policy that positions us as a world leader for cleaner, more affordable, driving.”

Save billions with bidirectional charging

Ginny Buckley, the chief executive of Electrifying, the electric car advice site: “February’s sales figures prove that an increasing number of buyers are becoming aware of the financial benefits of switching to an electric car. In today’s economy, where every pound counts, the recent EVUK Cost of Driving Electric report revealed that the savings EV drivers enjoy over their ownership mean that making the switch is not only environmentally responsible, but also financially astute.”

Quentin Willson, Founder FairCharge, EVUK advisory board member: “In February EVs continued to be the fastest growing fuel type, up 37% on last year, and now at their highest market share of 25.6%. Petrol sales are down 34% and the steep decline in diesel sales continues with a barely measurable market share. The most significant number is that combined EV and Hybrid sales were almost double those of petrol sales, showing that consumers are buying more low and zero tailpipe emission cars than ever before. This demonstrates a clear change in buying behaviours towards Hybrid and EV power trains and away from combustion.” (hcn)

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Solar Energy

100 charging points for real estate company near Stockholm

February 4, 2025 ryansheehanrts

E-Mobility advise commercial property owners what to consider when planning for new charging infrastructure, and how to avoid mistakes, when preparing and future-proofing parking spaces for new EU requirements on extended charging infrastructure.

Borlänge-based E-Mobility is the Soltech Group’s company with specialist expertise in large-scale installations for electric car charging and high-efficiency charging infrastructure. Since the company was founded, they have designed, installed and maintained thousands of charging points across large parts of southern and central Sweden.

Their new project will be carried out in Nacka, just outside Stockholm. The deal covers the design, installation and operation of at least 100 charging points for the real estate company Elisby Fastigheter, who also chose E-Mobility as a supplier for the operation and maintenance of the installations. Construction will start in April.“

„It feels great to be entrusted with carrying out a new charging infrastructure project for a real estate company that focuses on sustainability. Now we are helping them adapt their parking spaces to the new EU requirements for charging infrastructure“, says Maja Pettersson, Key Account Manager at E-Mobility.

New EU rules from 2025 – expected to be further tightened in 2027

At the turn of the year, a new EU directive came into force, requiring commercial properties, such as shopping centers and sports halls, with 20 parking spaces or more to offer at least one charging point. The basis for the new requirements is the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). However, the EU’s ambition to expand the charging infrastructure in the Union does not stop there. As early as 2027, EU regulations are expected to be further tightened to require at least one charging point for every tenth parking space.

„The new EU rules are beneficial and will make it easier to be an electric car user in Sweden. However, we have noticed that many property owners are not aware of the new regulations or what is expected of them. Therefore, we would like to offer some advice on what to consider when adapting your parking spaces to current requirements, while also future-proofing them to meet even stricter regulations“, says Martin Götesson, CEO of E-Mobility.

Important points to consider

Maya Pettersson and Martin Götesson mention important points to consider as a property owner and to avoid pitfalls:

Map both parking spaces and electrical systems: Start by taking stock of your electrical system and your parking spaces. Check whether your electrical installations can handle the extra load that charging posts entail or if reinforcements are needed. Thorough planning and a careful selection of services reduce the risk of problems later on and can also ensure hassle-free ownership, including operation, monitoring, and individual billing.

Future-proof charging points: The new requirements have just come into force, but in 2027 the requirements will be tightened, as one charging point must be available for every tenth parking space, and 50 percent of the spaces must be prepared for charging. By planning for future needs, you can avoid unnecessary costs for remodeling later on.

Use financial support: Apply for a grant via, for example, Klimatklivet, which can cover up to 50 percent of the costs of installation and materials.

Avoid pitfalls

Deficient analysis: Make sure to carefully analyze your electrical system before installation. If the electrical system cannot cope with the increased load, it can lead to expensive upgrades later.

Installing minimum requirements: Installing only at the minimum level can lead to future renovations and costs as requirements become stricter over time. Think long-term to avoid this.

Starting too late: It is wise to start planning immediately, the new requirements are already in place. If excavation work is required, it can be significantly more difficult to carry it out during the winter when it is cold or the ground is frozen. Being proactive can save both time and money in the long run. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Save billions with bidirectional charging

January 16, 2025 ryansheehanrts

These savings result primarily from a more efficient use of generation capacities, a reduction in curtailments and lower fuel consumption. This could mean a technological and economic breakthrough for bidirectional charging (BiDi) in European markets. However, a regulatory framework that promotes the use of this technology is crucial. Without it, the potential will remain untapped. The smarter E Europe, Europe’s largest exhibition alliance for the energy industry, is responding to current developments. It is dedicating a special exhibition to the topic of 2025 to highlight the opportunities and challenges for the mobility and energy industry. The smarter E Europe will take place from May 7 to 9, 2025 at Messe München and will combine the four exhibitions Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe.

Also interesting: Spain – EMT Valencia receives loan for 145 e-buses

By temporarily storing grid power and feeding it back into the batteries of electric cars, a high degree of flexibility can be provided and enormous sums can be saved: In the T&E study, the commissioned Fraunhofer Institutes estimate the savings potential for energy suppliers and consumers in the EU at up to 22 billion euros annually. That would be around eight percent of the cost of building and operating the EU energy system. According to the researchers, between 2030 and 2040, bidirectional charging technology could save more than 100 billion euros across the EU. In Germany alone, the study finds that annual savings of around 8.4 billion euros are possible by 2040.

Integration of solar power

These large sums can be realized by using the enormous storage capacity of the e-car fleet to integrate more and more electricity from renewable sources, especially solar power, into the energy system. According to the study, the use of vehicle batteries can reduce the need for more expensive stationary storage in the EU by up to 92 percent. In addition, installed PV capacity could increase by up to 40 percent over the same period.

Also see: We drive solar – Utrecht goes ahead

Prosumer benefits

Drivers of battery-powered electric vehicles can benefit directly from bidirectional charging. The study predicts significantly lower electricity costs for prosumers in the EU. And there is a surprising side effect for some people: the lifespan of vehicle batteries is likely to increase thanks to smart bidirectional charging, as the charging status of the batteries is optimized.

France is driving for free

So far, bidirectional charging has only been tested in various pilot projects. However, the Munich-based company The Mobility House and the vehicle manufacturer Renault have launched the first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) offering in France: owners of a V2G-capable Renault 5 can use a specially designed wallbox and a special tariff to charge their car for free, and in return they make their vehicle battery available to the entire energy system. The new offering is also set to be launched in Germany and the United Kingdom this year.

Read more about e-mobility

Next step: adapting the regulatory framework

But there are still a number of hurdles to overcome, especially in the high-volume German car market: the roll-out of smart meters, without which V2G does not work, continues to be sluggish, and the necessary legal framework has yet to be created. The results of the second European Summit for Bidirectional Charging, organized by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, show clear recommendations for action – now it is up to the industry to implement them. Key points could be to abolish the double taxation of temporarily stored electricity through grid fees, levies and surcharges, and to ensure that “green” electricity can retain its properties and funding entitlements under the Renewable Energy Sources Act even when it is temporarily stored in the battery of an electric car.

Special exhibition at The smarter E Europe 2025

A major special exhibition at the upcoming edition of The smarter E Europe will be dedicated to the products, applications and solutions for bidirectional charging that are already available on the market today, as well as a joint look into the future in this field. The exhibition will be located right next to the industry’s meeting place, the Power2Drive Forum, at the heart of the exhibition. Sessions and panel discussions, tours and interactive elements will provide opportunities for exchange, discourse and networking. The special exhibition is being realized in cooperation with strong partners such as Eurelectric, the industry association of the European electricity industry, AVERE, the European industry association for e-mobility, and SmartEn, the European trade association for consumer-oriented solutions for the energy transition.

Also interesting: France sets out clear regulations for mandatory solar installation on car parks

Markus Elsässer, founder and CEO of Solar Promotion GmbH, and Hanna Böhme, Managing Director of Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH (FWTM), make it clear: “We will make the potential and relevance of bidirectional charging visible for Germany and Europe and together we will continue to promote the topic. After all, bidirectional charging is not only an important element for the world of mobility, but also for establishing a 24/7 renewable energy supply in the energy system.”

Also see: Start-ups set the agenda at the smarter E Europe 2025

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

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Solar Energy

France sets out clear regulations for mandatory solar installation on car parks

January 14, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The French government has issued a decree specifying the solar obligation on parking lots that has been in force since 2023 and has issued penalties. The regulations stipulate that all parking lots with a size of 1,500 square meters or more must be at least half covered with solar panels.

Calculating the area

When calculating the area, not only the parking spaces are taken into account, but also traffic routes and other areas that are part of the parking lot. Only green areas, storage areas and logistics, loading and unloading areas are excluded. Areas in which vehicles with dangerous goods are parked are also not considered to be parking spaces.

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If there are several parking spaces next to each other, the respective operators can agree that the joint parking area is counted as a whole. This means that at least half of this joint parking area must be covered by a solar roof and not each area individually.

Solar roofs provide shade and solar power

Exceptions regulated

The solar obligation does not apply if the technical or geological requirements are not met or if there are conservation reasons to the contrary. The solar obligation may also be waived if there is too much shade from trees or if the solar radiation is too low to operate a photovoltaic system economically. The parking lot operator must prove that the installation of a solar system is impossible or uneconomical. Parking lots exclusively used for vehicles with a total weight of more than 3.5 tons are also currently exempt.

Greenyellow builds 350 solar car parks for French supermarket chain

Implementation by 2028 at the latest

This regulation has been in force since July 1, 2023, with transitional periods for smaller parking lots. For example, parking lots with an area of at least 10,000 square meters must be equipped with a solar system by 1 July 2026 at the latest. For parking spaces between 1,500 and 10,000 square meters in size, compliance with the solar obligation has been set for 1 July 2028. However, the departments can still set separate transitional periods.

Penalties loom

If parking lot operators do not comply with the solar obligation, they face drastic penalties. For example, operators of parking spaces with a size of up to 10,000 square meters must expect to pay a fine of up to 20,000 euros per year. Larger parking lots can be fined up to 40,000 euros per year until the solar obligation is implemented.

Axpo and Disneyland Paris commission Europe’s largest solar parking canopy

The new decree also contains regulations for cases in which the parking lot operator passes on the installation of the solar system to a third party, for example through a tender, but the third party does not implement the order or does so too late. All specific regulations are set out in Decree 2024-1023, which can be viewed online in the Official Journal of the French Republic. (su)

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Solar Energy

The smarter E AWARD 2025: Applications can now be submitted

November 7, 2024 ryansheehanrts

The winners will be announced and presented with their awards at an official ceremony on the eve of The smarter E Europe on May 6, 2025 at Messe München.

The categories of the competition demonstrate the diversity and the interconnectedness of the four sub-exhibitions Intersolar, ees, Power2Drive and EM-Power as well as the role of The smarter E as the leading platform in the industry’s key areas.

More about The smarter E Award 2025

The five award categories

The world of energy and mobility is undergoing fundamental and dynamic change, with a focus on deeper and smarter integration of technologies and sectors. The five categories of The smarter E AWARD are a tribute to this diversity and complexity:

Photovoltaics: The Photovoltaics category recognizes “classic” innovations in the solar industry – from solar cells and modules to PV components, mounting and tracking systems, and production technologies.

Energy Storage: Experts are calling this the decade of energy storage, which is a cornerstone of our climate-neutral 24/7 energy supply. For this reason, the Energy Storage category recognizes exceptional innovations in the storage industry – from energy storage technology and components to battery production technologies.

E-Mobility: The mobility sector is key to the success of the energy transition. Prizes in the E-mobility category honor innovations and projects that move the mobility transition forward, especially in the areas of charging infrastructure, intelligent charging solutions, e-vehicles, mobility services or traction batteries.

Smart Integrated Energy: The Smart Integrated Energy category recognizes technologies and solutions for intelligent energy management and cross-sector use of renewable energies in a holistic and flexible system. The focus lies on grid infrastructure, energy services and operator models.

Outstanding Projects: There is an exclusive category for outstanding products and services that were integrated into a global renewable energies project: Outstanding Projects. The products or services eligible for this award can be in any area of the energy system, from photovoltaics, hydrogen, storage technology, mobility to grid operation. Requirement: The project must have been fully realized between January 31, 2023 and January 31, 2025.

Who can apply

Whether you participated in Munich, São Paulo, Mexico City, Gandhinagar or Dubai – all exhibitors of the international event series The smarter E and the associated individual exhibitions can submit their applications for the renowned industry award between November 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025. In the Outstanding Projects category, legal owners of a system or project are also eligible.

An international panel comprised of industry experts will then thoroughly review and evaluate all submissions in terms of pioneering work, innovative power and economical and ecological benefits. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Transportation transition – Thriving in a new electric driven world

October 29, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Ten years from now, most new vehicles will run on electricity rather than fossil fuels. And renewable forms of energy, like wind and solar, will play a crucial role in supporting the transition and meeting increasing energy demands from electric vehicles. Yet, even with all the progress made, many drivers are still at a crossroads when it comes to embracing the move towards zero emissions vehicles.

The road ahead

Despite the availability of government schemes that have been put in place to support the implementation of physical infrastructure, businesses and individuals are still concerned. There are questions surrounding access to charging stations and range anxiety – the fear that electric vehicles, without adequate charging support, will not perform as well on long journeys as their petrol or diesel equivalents.

There are also challenges around the ongoing management of charging infrastructure. For example, as EVs increasingly rely on renewable forms of power that are more intermittent in nature, changes in weather could affect the availability of power.

See also: E-car boom in Norway

For businesses that own or operate fleets, the transition is likely to be even more challenging. These organisations can have hundreds or thousands of vehicles ranging from cars to vans or HGVs. And the tasks involved in managing a fleet of EVs are totally different to those involved in managing the fuel supply for a petrol or diesel fleet. For example, operators need to consider:

· How can EVs get the power to keep moving around the clock?

· How do you manage the charging infrastructure to support a fleet of EVs?

· How do you smoothly process payments and reimbursements for EVs at home, in depots or on the road?

Keeping the wheels moving

When companies seek to make the transition to electric, leaders often don’t know where to start. The challenge is understanding how to effectively manage their EVs and implement a robust and reliable charging infrastructure to keep the wheels moving.

For businesses and fleets to make the switch to electric effectively and reliably, it requires the right management software that can remove the burden of technology and there are three pillars to delivering a seamless, future-proof driving experience.

Monitor performance

You need to be able to review all your EVs and charging stations in a single view and see in real-time any issues arising with charging units – from malfunctioning equipment to power shortages. The main things to monitor are:

· The physical status of each unit

· Overall power consumption

· The output of your system

Too often an EV charger is purchased without giving any thought to how the infrastructure will be managed. However, it is essential that organisations that are managing a large volume of EVs can balance power loads with demand. A lack of available power could have a major knock-on so a robust management platform is a must. You need to be able to track and manage the draw that EVs are having on your power reserves so you can intelligently distribute electricity around your network, without needing to draw extra power from the grid and face unnecessary costs.

Automate payments

Managing payments, and reimbursements for the charging of EVs is an important consideration. Your charge points may be configured as:

· Public – allowing general use for a set tariff

· Private – only allowing permitted users to connect

It’s likely that the appropriate solutions will vary based on the specific scenarios. For instance, a retail business overseeing an electric car park might set-up a fixed charging fee for employees or customers. While a fleet business setting up charging stations for EVs based at the driver’s home might choose to compensate a predetermined portion of the electricity expenses for work-related use. It’s important to be able to set up tariffs on a point-by-point basis, and to determine usage rights in the same way.

Compliance

As environmental regulations and emission standards become increasingly stringent each year, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility with the most up-to-date and rigorous charging station criteria. Likewise, as ESG reporting standards evolve, the right monitoring features will enable you to identify and report on the consumption and performance of your charging infrastructure to fulfil CSRD requirements in the EU and ESG reporting in the UK. By centralising control of charging, it’s possible to ensure compliance with regional requirements.

See also the company website of vaylens

It’s becoming clear that meeting the growing demands of electric transport, and making the investment worthwhile, will require the right tools to be in place. And in a world where there is predicted to be more 525 million EVs on the road by 2035, it’s going to become increasingly importance to deliver a seamless and reliable charging experience to underpin a successful transition. Simplifying how EV charging is managed and monetised to ensure uptime, availability and efficiency will be a pre-requisite for thriving in a new, electric-driven world. (Russel Olive, hcn)

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Solar Energy

Pioneering fast-charging project in Stockholm

October 17, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Stockholm is relying on networked, battery-supported systems and digital solutions to reduce environmental pollution and electrify urban transport. “The cooperation with the smart city of Stockholm is not only an outstanding vote of confidence in our concept of urban fast charging networks. Following our market entry in the Netherlands last May, it is also another important step in the implementation of our European city cluster strategy, with significant impact,” says Maurice Neligan, CEO of Jolt.

Nils Blom, project manager at the City of Stockholm, adds: “The cooperation with Jolt Energy is an important element for us in achieving our ambitious climate targets. This is a good example of a technology that enables ultra-fast charging in areas with limited grid capacity.” According to Jolt CEO Neligan, the company expects that German cities will increasingly follow the example of Sweden in using a space-saving and extremely powerful battery-supported fast-charging infrastructure to make an important contribution to achieving their climate protection goals.

Easy installation without the need for grid expansion

Jolt’s fast charging stations, equipped with a powerful battery storage unit, require only a connection to the low-voltage grid despite a maximum charging capacity of up to 300 kW. This enables quick and easy installation without the need for extensive construction work or grid expansion. Electric cars can be charged at Jolt charging stations in just five minutes for a range of more than 100 kilometers. This means that an electric car can often be charged from around 20 to 80% in the time it takes to visit a supermarket, which is usually around 20 minutes, and meets exactly the demand that citizens have for electric mobility.

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Jolt’s high-performance charging technology is also extremely space-efficient, because significantly more cars can be charged daily at one station than with conventional AC charging technology. “This technology offers significant advantages, especially in densely populated cities where parking space is scarce. The high level of space efficiency frees up additional space for cycle paths, public transport or green recreational areas, which increases the quality of life in cities,” explains Rauno Fuchs, Vice President Government Affairs at Jolt and an expert in sustainable urban development.

HPC charging infrastructure in public spaces all over Europe

Jolt plans, finances and operates fast-charging clusters in metropolitan areas as a Charge Point Operator (CPO). In Germany and the Netherlands. The company is already pursuing a sustainable strategic expansion of its public charging network on private property in major cities such as Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, The Hague and Rotterdam. With the lighthouse project in Stockholm, Jolt is also demonstrating the effectiveness of its city cluster strategy on public land.

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“We invite all German city leaders to learn about our partnership with Stockholm and other innovative European cities and to benefit from these experiences. Together, we can implement solutions for a fast and cost-efficient expansion of HPC charging infrastructure in public spaces – without placing an additional burden on municipal budgets,” says Jolt CEO Maurice Neligan. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Tesvolt Ocean – Joint venture introduces disruptive battery solution for clean shipping

September 25, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Space in ships was often too tight for the compact battery storage systems available on the market, until now. The new “Kaptein Series” power storage system has the advantage that the battery modules can be installed individually anywhere in the ship – even on the floor. Due to its disruptive technology, the new power storage solution also features the highest energy density, the lightest weight, and the fastest charging capability on the market. This makes clean e-drives for shipping easier to implement as well as more cost-efficient.

Two maritime industry experts join forces

Tesvolt Maritime Solutions has supplied battery storage systems since 2018, primarily for workboats, deep-sea applications, and aquaculture, but also for pleasure craft and the yachting industry. Tesvolt Maritime Solutions has already equipped 160 ships with environmentally friendly battery propulsion systems, including the award-winning “E-Spatz,” a working vessel of the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration. Ocean Batteries has been offering modular, safe, and powerful battery solutions since 2019. Tesvolt holds a 51% stake in the joint venture Tesvolt Ocean. The company presented its new “Kaptein” battery storage system at SMM, the world’s leading maritime industry trade fair, in Hamburg.

Long range and fast charging

“We’re entering the market with a best-in-class storage system, offering a technological solution for the biggest pain points of ship owners, system integrators, and shipyards,” explained Kent Thoresen, CTO of Tesvolt Ocean. “The range of ships with electric propulsion, for instance, is still a problem for many owners. Ship spaces are often cramped, so not enough battery modules can be accommodated to achieve the desired range. At 246 Wh per liter, our new Kaptein system has the highest energy density on the market to date, meaning despite its high capacity it takes up very little space.”

Also see: E-Spatz with Tesvolt technology wins award

Most batteries approved for use in shipping did not even have a continuous C-rate of 2 C. At 4 C, the “Kaptein” storage system offers the highest continuous C-rate available in the maritime industry to date. This means significantly shorter charging times for ship owners.

Light, safe, and individually installable

The new storage system also scores highly in terms of weight. At just 4.83 kg per kWh of storage capacity, it will be the lightest battery system for shipping on the market; batteries currently available on the market weigh at least 7 kg per kWh. A unique fire suppression system ensures maximum safety.

Also interesting: Norway pours millions into promoting clean shipping

“We spent three years speaking intensively with customers in six focus groups about what they need. That’s why Kaptein fits their needs so well. It solves real problems in e-propulsion for ships,” added Kilian Hoffmann, CCO at Tesvolt Ocean. “We’ve already had a huge number of inquiries about the new battery system.”

Support right from the start

“Every customer has different goals. That’s why we always tailor our battery system precisely to the individual customer. Kaptein is not an off-the-shelf product. But due to its special cell-to-module design, it’s exceptionally cost-efficient compared to the rest of the market,” said Øystein Kjæreng, CEO of Tesvolt Ocean. “We’re a one-stop shop, offering planning, installation, and commissioning as well as monitoring, maintenance, and recycling. We want to make a significant contribution with this new product toward accelerating the equipping of shipping with clean e-drives — as simply and cost-effectively as possible.” (hcn)

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