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“EU energy storage action plan needed”

May 13, 2025 ryansheehanrts

21.9 GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) was installed in Europe in 2024, marking the eleventh consecutive year of record breaking-installations, and bringing Europe’s total battery fleet to 61.1 GWh. However, the annual growth rate slowed down to 15% in 2024, after three consecutive years of doubling newly added capacity.

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The BESS market in Europe is set to grow faster in the next years, although not at the levels required. In the most-likely scenario for 2025, 29.7 GWh of battery storage will be installed in Europe, representing a 36% annual growth. By 2029, the report anticipates a sixfold increase to nearly 120 GWh, driving total capacity to 400 GWh (EU-27: 334 GWh). However, this remains far below the levels required to meet flexibility needs in a renewable-driven energy system. According to our Mission Solar 2040 study, EU-27 BESS capacity must reach 780 GWh by 2030 to fully support the transition.

Large-scale battery segment growing rapdidly

Europe’s 2025 growth hinges on the large-scale utility battery projects set to come online in the course of the year. The large-scale battery segment is growing rapidly, and for the first time, is set to represent most of battery installations on the continent this year.

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

Historically, home batteries have driven the European battery storage market, but 2025 will mark their drop to represent 33% of the market. As the effects of the energy crisis wane – and related support schemes – European citizens are less inclined to install batteries at home. On the other hand, commercial & industrial battery storage is set to grow slightly in 2025, as businesses tap into the energy security and cost effectiveness that solar and storage can offer.

Sweden: Batteries pave the way for more renewable electricity

In 2024, the top five national markets added 78% of Europe’s new battery capacity, though there was some movement in their exact standings. Germany maintained its leading role despite a drop in residential installations and the slow uptake of larger batteries. Italy’s home battery segment also decreased, but the large-scale segment’s capacity surge brought the market to new heights. The UK experienced a temporary slump due to project delays at the large-scale level, but remained at a higher altitude than Austria and Sweden, which both reached the GWh scale for the first time thanks to a very strong growth in the residential and commercial and industrial (C&I) market.

Political recommendations

Alongside the market analysis, SolarPower Europe makes a number of recommendations to reach the required levels of batteries in Europe by the end of the decade:

1. The European Commission must adopt an Energy Storage Action Plan within a broader Flexibility Package, to harmonise markets, remove regulatory barriers, and ensure storage is integral to national energy strategies.
2. Grid connection procedures and pricing frameworks must be reformed to facilitate access, prioritise hybrid systems, and fairly allocate costs.
3. BESS must have full and fair access to electricity markets, with clear revenue streams, updated Guarantees of Origin frameworks, and permission to stack revenues.
4. Balancing markets must become fully competitive and accessible to storage, through harmonised technical standards and transparent procurement.
5. Europe must enhance smart metering and data communication standards to enable real-time energy management and seamless BESS integration.

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said: “With solar energy mainstreaming across the continent, now is the time for European decisionmakers to put batteries at the centre of a flexible, electrified, energy system. We urge the European Commission to double-down on their efforts here and come forward with an EU Energy Storage Action Plan as part of a broader Energy System Flexibility Package. The recent electricity outage in the Iberian Peninsula is a stark reminder of why this is important.”

The European Market Outlook for Battery Storage report was launched at ees Europe under the umbrella of The smarter E Europe.(hcn)

Join the free webinar on Wednesday 14 May, 14:00-15:30 CEST, to discover the key takeaways from the European Market Outlook for Battery Storage 2025-2029.

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Solar Energy

Call for an EU “Inverter Security Toolbox“

May 1, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The EMSC bases its analysis and demands on the recently published report by DNV on behalf of SolarPower Europe.

“Today, over 200 GW of European PV capacity is already linked to inverters manufactured in China – the equivalent of more than 200 nuclear power plants,” said Christoph Podewils, the ESMC Secretary General. “This means Europe has effectively surrendered remote control of a vast portion of its electricity infrastructure.”

Significant cybersecurity threats

“The risk is not theoretical“, Podewils underlined. Modern inverters are required to be connected to the internet to fulfill essential grid functions or to participate in the power market. However, these connections also allow for software updates – meaning any manufacturer can alter the performance of these devices remotely.

SolarPower Europe calls for action plan to save the European PV inverter industry

This introduces significant cybersecurity threats, including the potential for deliberate interference or mass shutdowns. The DNV report would reinforce this concern and warns of the real possibility of cascading blackouts caused by malicious or coordinated inverter manipulation.

Further concerns include:

• 70% of all inverters installed in 2023 came from Chinese vendors, mainly Huawei and Sungrow.

• These two companies alone already control remote access to 168 GW of PV capacity in Europe (DNV Report, p. 40).

• By 2030, this figure is projected to exceed 400 GW – comparable to the output of 150–200 nuclear power plants.

• One of these vendors is already banned from the 5G sector in many countries and is currently under investigation in Belgium for bribery and corruption.

Restrict remote access from high-risk vendors

In light of these findings, the ESMC calls for the immediate development of an EU “Inverter Security Toolbox”, modeled after the successful 5G Security Toolbox. This would involve:

• A comprehensive risk assessment of inverter manufacturers.

• A requirement that high-risk vendors must not be permitted to maintain an online connection to European electricity systems.

• Consideration of outright bans for such vendors from connecting to the grid.

• A replication of Lithuania’s proactive legislation – banning inverters from China – across all EU Member States – ensuring security measures apply to PV systems of all sizes.

“Europe must act now to prevent a future energy crisis that would rival the gas dependency on Russia,” said Podewils. “We support the European Commission’s upcoming assessment of cybersecurity risks in the solar value chain and are ready to contribute our expertise.” (hcn)

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Solar Energy

SolarPower Europe extends its reach to storage and flexibility

March 28, 2025 ryansheehanrts

There was a sense of optimism at this year’s SolarPower Summit, which took place in Brussels yesterday and on Wednesday (26-27 March). Around 500 participants attended the event. The focus was on the efficient further development of the energy transition and decarbonisation with an even stronger integration of photovoltaics into the energy system and grids, as well as sector coupling and strengthening resilience in Europe through more energy security, more products made in Europe, stronger European supply chains and more cyber security.

SolarPower Europe’s close cooperation with the European institutions and the EU Commission became clear, also through the participation of several high-ranking EU representatives.

Call for European Energy Union

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said: “SolarPower Europe has represented the full European solar value chain for 40 years. From 50 MW of solar globally in 1985, to 350 GW alone in the EU last year, we are so proud to be powering the equivalent of 75 million EU households today. Each panel designed, built, and installed is one step forward for our energy security, our competitiveness, and our climate goals.”

EU Commissioner for Affordable Housing and Energy, Dan Jørgensen said: “In today’s challenging context, we are at a defining moment for Europe. We need to boost our competitiveness, and bring down energy costs. We need to increase our security, to protect Europe’s place in the world. And we need to accelerate decarbonisation, to ensure the future of our planet. Our response to these challenges is clear: we need to deliver the full benefits of a true Energy Union. An Energy Union that is cheaper, cleaner and more connected. To achieve this, I strongly welcome SolarPower Europe’s decisive push to ramp up solar energy in Europe.”

Resilient grids and hybrid PV systems – new reports

Complementing SolarPower Europe’s flagship flexibility reports, like the annual ‘EU Battery Energy Storage Systems Outlook’, or Mission Solar 2040, the Association has published two further reports today. ‘Flexible Buildings, Resilient Grids’ and ‘Embracing the benefits of Hybrid PV systems’ focus on distributed and utility flexibility respectively.

Hemetsberger continues: “We’re hard at work ensuring that solar continues to deliver for Europe for another 40 years. Solar, storage, and flexibility are the fast track to a more secure, competitive energy system. We’ve adjusted our tagline accordingly, recognising our own work and acting as a call to action to policymakers.”

Expert analysis: 10 must-know technological trends driving solar and storage development

The new reports underline the potential of solar and storage delivering European energy security and competitiveness. ‘Embracing the benefits of Hybrid PV systems’ – which includes solar hybrid projects with storage, wind, or both – estimates that hybrid projects have a 10% lower Levelised Cost of Electricity compared to standalone projects. The report modelling also reveals how hybrid projects enhance security of supply by ensuring electricity generation even after sunset.

UK outstripping the EU with solar hybrid utility projects

However, with regards to solar and battery hybrid utility projects specifically, the UK is outstripping the EU, hosting 62% of Europe’s ‘PV+BESS’ projects alone. By comparison, leading EU countries host much fewer solar and storage projects (Germany only hosts 6% of Europe’s total for example).

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

‘Flexible Buildings, Resilient Grids’ unpacks how electrified buildings, with digital flexibility tools, contribute to secure grids. Flexible buildings can provide more than half of the European energy systems daily flexibility needs, and around a third of the system’s annual needs. Importantly, a larger reliance on electrified flexible buildings to meet flexibility needs also means a lower dependence on fossil fuel imports and strengthened EU energy security.

New battery storage platform

The suite of SolarPower Europe storage and flexibility reports are set to be included on a new dedicated battery storage platform. The Battery Storage Europe platform will highlight storage case studies and regulatory best practices across Europe and operate as SolarPower Europe’s external arm of reinforced advocacy work on storage policy at the European-level. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

New export initiative for European-made solar products

March 4, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI) was launched in Brussels in the presence of representatives from the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, with a statement of support from eight European solar manufacturers.

EU Clean Industrial Deal: Opportunity for renewables and European manufacturing

Máté Heisz, Director of Global Affairs at SolarPower Europe said; “EU legislation, like the Net-Zero Industry Act, and the new European competitiveness agenda is driving demand for resilient solar products at home. ISMI is set to complete the picture by driving demand for European products and expertise abroad, while simultaneously helping Europe’s partners to deliver their economic and sustainability goals.”

Key goals of the initiative

ISMI has four key goals:
1. Supporting European solar manufacturing companies in tapping into the enormous global clean-tech demand pull.
2. Advocating for export and development cooperation policies that will boost European competitiveness and the development goals of EU partner countries.
3. Working to secure public financing from the EU Global Gateway strategy, European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) to realise concrete manufacturing projects and export opportunities.
4. Building a stronger and more resilient global solar PV supply chain.

Eight European manufacturers participate – more to come

The first participants in ISMI include solar manufacturers based in five European countries (IT, ES, FR, DE, CH), who are active amongst several steps in the value chain including manufacturing equipment, solar modules, mounting systems, inverters, as well as system connection solutions.

Following companies have signed the launch statement of the initiative so far: Ecoprogetti, Holosoli, K2, Mondragon, SMA, Staubli, Unex and Weidmuller. „We expect to add more in coming weeks and months“, Bethany Megan, spokeswoman of SolarPower Europe told pv Europe.

Mobilise up to €300 billion of investments

Through ISMI, SolarPower Europe will act as a facilitator between the EU Global Gateway strategy, DFIs, and ECAs to secure public financing and access to global markets for European solar manufacturers.

SolarPower Europe calls for action plan to save the European PV inverter industry

Between 2021 and 2027, the Global Gateway strategy will mobilise up to €300 billion of investments. This will allow EU partners to develop their societies and economies, but also create opportunities for the EU Member States’ private sector to invest and remain competitive, whilst ensuring the highest environmental and labour standards, as well as sound financial management. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Baltics join the European grid — tailwind for energy transition

February 10, 2025 ryansheehanrts

“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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Solar Energy

SolarPower Europe welcomes new EU Competitiveness Compass

January 30, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The Compass lays out the Commission’s strategy, reflecting the findings of the Draghi report on Competitiveness, and guiding the EU executive’s work for the coming five years. It comes ahead of the anticipated Clean Industrial Deal, expected in February 2025.

“The European Commission’s commitment to competitiveness begins in earnest with this new publication. The Competitiveness Compass points to the right problem: our structural fossil fuel dependency. It also points to the right solutions: more renewables, faster electrification, and stronger system flexibility“, Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said.

Decarbonisation can go hand-in-hand with economic prosperity

„It is also good news that the European Commission will set out a 2040 climate target – decarbonisation goes hand-in-hand with Europe’s economic prosperity. Solar is the key competitiveness solution for our citizens and industry. Together with wind, solar saved the EU € 59 billion in fossil fuel import costs in 2024. Solar has been the fastest growing technology in the last five years, but is approaching slowdown. We now expect decisionmakers across Europe to lift the remaining barriers to offer clean, affordable, homegrown energy to industry“, Hemetsberger underlined.

Also see: ELTIF – Expansion of renewables requires immense investments

Arthur Daemers, Senior Policy Advisor, SolarPower Europe, said: „Solar PV is synonymous with affordable energy, but we still need to unlock its full potential. The announced Electrification Action Plan and European Grids Package must accelerate all those solutions; the Grids Package should become the Grids and Flexibility Package. There is no time to waste to decarbonise Europe with our most efficient, competitive asset: renewable electricity.

Also see: SolarPower Summit 2025 – Welcome to the solar flex era

The Affordable Energy Action Plan must help industry access it through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and better market integration, but can also support them with the non-energy parts of their energy bills; grid fees and taxes.”

Good news for the European inverter industry

Anett Ludwig, Head of Supply Chains at SolarPower Europe said: “We need a strong industrial base for solar PV manufacturing in Europe and resilient value chains. It is encouraging to see that the European Commission is ready to use various policy instruments to promote clean tech manufacturing, to be adapted to each technology’s specificities.
We are looking forward to seeing funding, and especially Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs), made simpler and open to new sectors. This is potentially good news for our European inverter industry, which is key for the continent’s cyber- and economic security.” (hcn)

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Solar Energy

New EU Solar Rooftop Standard unlocks huge potential

January 20, 2025 ryansheehanrts

A preliminary analysis conducted by SolarPower Europe suggests that the EPBD could drive the installation of 150 to 200 GW of rooftop solar in the next years, leveraging the potential of EU’s rooftops. This is assuming that 60% of public buildings are suitable and fall under the scope of the EU Solar Rooftop Standard. The EPBD will tap into the vast potential of rooftops, estimated at 560 GW by the EU Joint Research Centre earlier this year.

Join our webinar: Mastering C&I rooftop design – from complex geometry to seamless installation

Jan Osenberg, Senior Policy Advisor at SolarPower Europe said: “Like the essential integration of smoke detections years ago, this new law propels rooftop solar toward becoming the standard. More buildings, businesses, and citizens will have access to clean, renewable, economical solar energy.”

Mandate that all new building be solar-ready

The new law mandates that all new buildings be solar-ready, making it more straightforward and appealing to seek solar. According to Bloomberg NEF, proactive solar standards (as seen in some EU countries) can boost return on investment by 8 to 11%, compared to retroactive installations. Additionally, the Solar Standard is set to empower a wider portion of society, easing obstacles to solar adoption in multi-apartment buildings.

The EU Solar Rooftop Standard applies to new non-residential and public buildings from 2027, to existing non-residential buildings undergoing major renovations by 2028 , to new residential buildings from 2030 and on all suitable existing public buildings by 2031. The Solar Rooftop Standard will most importantly unlock the potential of large rooftops such as those installed on offices, commercial buildings, or car parks. Certain buildings such as agricultural and historic structures may be excluded.

Rooftop PV as gateway to smart electrification

Osenberg continues: “Rooftop PV needs to be the gateway to smart electrification. Solar-powered heating and cars will reduce the costs of sustainable homes. Smart pairing of rooftop solar with EVs and heat pumps will also reduce the impact on the grid, and even provide direct support to the grid by providing flexibility services at times of grid stress. This will require removing the bottlenecks to electrification and ensuring grid operators can tap into this flexibility potential.”

Total rooftop solar capacity in Europe stood at more than 170 GW at the end of 2023 and is expected to grow to 355 GW by the end of 2027. In addition to the obligatory solar installations under the Solar Standard, the growth of rooftop solar on homes is also likely to increase, as citizens seek to shield themselves from fossil price volatility. (hcn)

Register for our free webinar: Mastering C&I rooftop design – from complex geometry to seamless installation

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Solar Energy

SolarPower Europe calls for action plan to save the European PV inverter industry

December 10, 2024 ryansheehanrts

While the production of solar modules and cells is already largely dominated by Chinese companies, inverter production was previously the strongest link in the solar value chain in Europe. As recently as 2023, PV inverters with a capacity of more than 80 GW were still being manufactured on the continent, with the main focus (86 %) on string inverters, which are particularly suitable for PV rooftop systems on residential buildings and small commercial applications, according to SolarPower Europe.

However, for several months now, the European inverter industry has been struggling with difficulties caused by global overcapacity in production and a corresponding drop in prices, as well as a slowdown in the installation of rooftop PV systems in some key European markets.

Job cuts at SMA and Fronius – Fimer insolvent

In mid-November, SMA announced that it would cut up to 1,100 jobs by the end of 2025, two-thirds of them at the company’s headquarters in Niestetal, Hesse. This would mean the loss of every full-time job at Germany’s best-known inverter manufacturer. Overall, the company wants to save 200 million euros.

Also see: SMA expands production its capacity

In June of this year, Fronius, Austria’s best-known inverter manufacturer, was forced to lay off 350 employees in its solar division. In mid-July, the group cut a further 450 jobs in Austria and 200 at subsidiaries in Germany and the Czech Republic. As recently as 2022 and 2023, the company invested around 420 million euros in the expansion of production lines at its Austrian sites in Sattledt and Krumau and hired 2,000 new employees.

In 2022, the Italian inverter manufacturer Fimer, which had taken over ABB’s solar inverter business two years earlier, went bankrupt. A few days ago, the company, which is now under special administration, announced the sale of its assets to MA Solar Italy, a subsidiary of the British McLaren Applied Group.

SolarPower Europe calls for rescue package

In view of these developments and the strategic importance of solar inverters for the energy transition and the stability of energy supply, SolarPower Europe is now calling on the EU and its member states to put together a rescue package.

‘Inverters are the brain of the energy system, connecting solar power to grids, batteries and other clean energy technologies that are becoming increasingly important as energy systems in Europe become more electrified and digitalised. Europe simply cannot afford to lose this critical industry and must act now,’ urges the European solar industry association.

Also see: European inverter industry under pressure – IPCEI initiative

SolarPower Europe calls for an action plan to examine all options, including enforcing the highest cyber and energy security standards and providing direct financial support mechanisms to increase competitiveness at the global level while ensuring a level playing field.

Ensure EU leadership in critical communication components

In addition, the association calls on European decision-makers in Brussels and the member states to consider an ‘Important Project of Common European Interest’ (IPCEI) for smart and secure electrification in order to make better use of public funds and to ensure EU leadership in critical communication components of future energy systems such as solar inverters. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

FuturaSun manufacturing project selected for EU funding

October 30, 2024 ryansheehanrts

The project, named FENICE (FuturaSun advancEd italiaN manufacturIng CEntre), has entered the Grant Agreement Preparation stage, marking a crucial milestone towards establishing a state-of-the-art factory specializing in next-generation photovoltaic modules.

FENICE Project: leading the way in solar energy for Europe

The FENICE project is a groundbreaking initiative, as it will introduce the production of photovoltaic modules based on advanced technologies like n-type and xBC (Back Contact) in Italy and Europe. This project positions FuturaSun as a key player in a strategic sector, delivering modules with efficiency rates above 24%, fully developed in Europe.

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In a market where more than 95% of modules currently come from China, FENICE offers a new path toward an independent, resilient, and sustainable supply chain.

Supporting the energy transition and sustainability

The new factory aims to produce over 7.6 GW of high-efficiency photovoltaic modules within its first 10 years of operation. This will make a significant contribution to Europe’s energy transition goals, as the EU targets 49% of energy in the building sector to come from renewable sources by 2030.

A technological and employment hub

In addition to its environmental benefits, the project will have a strong economic and employment impact. The factory, fully powered by renewable energy and with an annual production capacity of 1.4 GW, will create more than 250 direct jobs and 380 indirect jobs, becoming a technological hub for the local community.

Strategic collaborations and continuous innovation

The project is part of a larger effort to develop a European supply chain, with Italian suppliers providing encapsulants and backsheets, and European suppliers delivering glass, ribbons, and frames.

Also see: Stringer pioneer focuses on innovation and “made in Europe”

FENICE also includes plans for a research center open to collaboration with universities and other institutions, encouraging the ongoing development of new photovoltaic technologies like IBC, n-type, and Tandem Silicon-Perovskite. This will complement the research already being pursued by FuturaSun through its Rome-based start-up, Solertix.

A strong commitment to Europe’s energy future

FuturaSun has been growing steadily for over a decade and continues to invest in innovation and sustainability. With a strong presence in Europe and globally, the company is ready to scale up distribution of the modules produced at the FENICE factory, aiming to help build a sustainable, resilient, and competitive energy future for both Italy and Europe. The project will be covered by direct funding from the European Union through the Innovation Fund with 21 mln €.

Also see: TrinaSolar emphasizes the efficiency advantages of TopCon PV modules

The next major step for the project will be the preparation and signing of the Grant Agreement with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), the granting authority, to officially secure the funding. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Southern Europe – Cyprus: Rooftop PV systems for 405 public schools

September 11, 2024 ryansheehanrts

At the current stage almost all installations have been completed and we are proceeding with the final certification and commissioning of the systems. As of today about 2/3 of the systems are already on line and the rest are planned to go online by year’s end. The project has been approved for funding under the EU Resilience and Recovery program.

In the context of increasing the Renewable Energy share in the Republic of Cyprus and being in line with the EU energy regulations for public buildings, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) and the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth signed a cooperation agreement in 2019, for the installation of rooftop PV systems, water insulation and thermal insulation systems in existing public schools, in Cyprus. The agreement covers 405 public schools with a total PV capacity of nearly 5 MWp under a Net-Metering scheme. Under the agreement, EAC has undertaken the complete management of the project, on the behalf of the Ministry. The project has been approved for funding under the EU Resilience and Recovery program.

Estimated 40% energy savings

After EAC analyzed ~730 school electricity bills, visited and inspected ~530 public schools, the final parametrization indicated that:

– 405 schools can receive a rooftop PV system

– The PV systems can be categorized in 4 typical system sizes of 3kWp, 5kWp, 10kWp and 20kWp, for a total PV capacity of 4,85 MWp

– A total rooftop area of ~48,000m2 was in need of waterproofing works

– A total rooftop area of ~88,000m2 needed thermal insulation works

The combined effect of the installation of the PV systems and the thermal insulation works has been estimated to yield a 40% energy savings in the schools.

Several tenders to encourage participation of local companies

Considering the size, geographical extent, nature and needs of the project, it was deemed that allocating the project as a whole would present several problems. The residential/commercial PV market in Cyprus is characterized by many small- to medium-sized companies. Setting participation criteria for the entire project would mean that most, or all, of the local companies would be ineligible to participate, unless they form consortia and submit joint bids, thus limiting competition. Also, awarding the entire project as a single contract would mean that the successful Tenderer would be hard-pressed to meet the project deadlines.

Did you miss that? Solar school project in Essex cuts utility bills

The project was divided in 11 packages, each having approximately 30 – 40 schools and each Tenderer could submit bids for any, or all, packages and could be allocated up to 3 packages depending on their techno-economic capability.

EAC

Another PV installation on a public school in Cyprus.

Based on the above, EAC designed a special, novel and a fully transparent Public Tendering Procedure, driven by a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) algorithm, which allocated the packages in a way that minimized the total project cost. The method was published as an article at the highly respected Renewable Energy Journal, under the title of “Enhancing expansion of rooftop PV systems through Mixed Integer Linear Programming and Public Tender Procedures”.

The main outcomes of this approach are:

– 16 Tenders were received showing that the project drew the attention of various small-medium and big sized PV companies

– A high-level of competition was achieved with an average bidding price of ~1300 €/kWp, including roof waterproofing and thermal insulation works, compared to the initial estimated budget of ~1750 €/kWp

– EAC signed 5 different Design and Build Contracts with different Contractors, in early 2021, at a price of ~€5,9 mil.

– Compared to the estimated initial budget of €8,4 mil, with this novel method of public procurement, EAC managed to achieve savings of ~30%.

In cooperation with the Contractors, the work methods were adjusted to minimize any disruption to the normal school operations and strict H&S processes were put in place to ensure the safe completion of the works. In spite of various difficulties and unforeseen situations faced during the project, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, at the current stage nearly all installations have been completed and EAC is proceeding with the final certification and commissioning of the project. As of today, about 2/3 of the systems are already online and the rest are planned to go online by year’s end.

Planned monitoring platform

Finally, to enable the effective monitoring and management of the PV systems, EAC has proceeded with an open tender procedure for purchasing a platform specialized in intelligent monitoring and asset management for rooftop PV systems. At the current stage, EAC has finished the evaluation of the tenders received, and is expected to sign the Agreement for the monitoring platform within the current month.

The successful completion of the project is a significant milestone in upgrading public sector buildings in Cyprus, in line with EU guidelines. (hcn)

Did you miss that? Sharp expands partnership with Eurosol for the Greek PV market

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