funding - Elite Home & Solar

Solar Energy

Hybrid energy parks face headwinds in Europe

July 10, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Combining solar and wind parks with large battery storage systems at a single site, otherwise known as co-location, offers several advantages. For operators, it reduces risk by diversifying revenue streams, protecting against price cannibalisation, and enabling generation or feed-in to shift to evening hours. The economic viability of battery storage improves through cost savings from a shared grid connection and faster grid access. For the power system, benefits include fewer grid bottlenecks, reduced curtailment of plants and more efficient use of limited grid capacity.

So far only small market share for hybrid systems

However, the market for renewable co-location projects in Europe is still in its early stages. According to Aurora Energy Research, solar and wind farms with a combined capacity of nearly 1.2 gigawatts (GW) were operating in Europe in 2023 alongside large-scale battery storage. PV plus battery storage led the way with 724 megawatts (MW), followed by onshore wind plus storage at 475 MW. According to SolarPower Europe, 11 percent of the 0.8 GW of large-scale battery storage systems totalling 1.1 gigawatt-hours (GWh) installed in Germany between 2021 and 2023 were combined with renewable energy plants, mainly solar parks. In the UK, 12 percent of wind and solar farms were co-located with battery storage or electrolysers, according to an April 2024 report by industry association Renewable UK.

Get your free copy of our new hybrid special now

However, experts and industry representatives report a sharp rise in demand for large-scale battery storage and co-location projects. In Germany, project developers have submitted grid connection requests for 161 GW of battery storage capacity – one hundred times more than the 1.6 GW currently installed. SolarPower Europe also forecasts strong growth in large-scale battery storage in its European Market Outlook for Battery Storage 2024–2028. In the medium scenario, total installed capacity is expected to reach 78 GWh, more than double the 2023 figure of 35.8 GWh.

Growing interest in co-location projects

In a high-growth scenario, installed battery capacity in Europe is expected to reach 135 GWh by 2028. Large batteries, particularly grid-scale systems, also known as utility-scale storage, will lead the market. Their share of new installations is projected to rise to 45 percent by 2028, more than double the 2023 level of 21 percent. As a result, interest in co-location projects is also increasing, according to analysts Jannik Carl and Eva Zimmermann of Aurora Energy Research. Almost all large-scale PV projects are now combined with battery storage, says Stefan Müller, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of EPC provider Enerparc.

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

Valerii Lazarev, Projects Bankability Manager at WElink Energy, identifies negative electricity prices during peak times, grid bottlenecks and high grid access costs as key drivers for co-location projects. EPCs can benefit from hybridising existing solar projects by flattening the production curve and delivering energy on demand – and therefore at higher prices. This can be achieved with relatively low investment, as no new and costly grid connection is required.

Largest hybrid plant in Portugal

The international developer, based in Ireland, is currently expanding a 219 MW solar park in Vaquieros, southern Portugal, into a co-location facility with a capacity of over 1 terawatt-hour, according to Lazarev. Commissioned at the end of 2021, the park will be enlarged in phases. First, an additional 50 MW of PV capacity will be added, followed by a 165 MW wind farm and a 100 MW/400 MWh battery storage system. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

A how-to of ombining agri-PV with wind power and storage

Europe’s largest co-location power plant is currently under construction by Spanish energy producer Endesa, also in Portugal, in Pego (province of Santarém). The project combines a 365 MW PV plant, a 264 MW wind farm and a 168 MW battery storage facility. In addition, a 500 kW electrolyser will be installed to produce green hydrogen using surplus energy that cannot be absorbed by the battery system.

Further cost decline an important driver

The continued decline in costs, especially for photovoltaics and battery storage, is another key driver of co-location projects. According to a July 2024 study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for solar parks in Germany ranges between 4.1 and 6.9 euro cents per kilowatt-hour. For combined ground-mounted PV systems with battery storage, the LCOE is between 6.0 and 10.8 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Large battery storage systems in Europe all the rage

If battery prices fall to the projected range of 180 to 700 euros per kilowatt-hour by 2045, the ISE expects production costs for ground-mounted PV battery systems to drop to between 3.1 and 5.0 euro cents per kilowatt-hour. By comparison, fossil fuel power plants are already significantly more expensive: lignite-fired plants cost between 15.1 and 25.7 cents, hard coal between 17.3 and 29.3 cents, combined-cycle gas plants 10.9 to 18.1 cents and flexible gas power plants 15.4 to 32.6 cents per kilowatt-hour. Nuclear power ranges from 13.6 to 49.0 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Reduce construction and operation costs by 50 %

According to Aurora Energy Research, the actual increase in profitability (IRR) currently achievable by combining a solar power plant with a battery storage system in key European markets ranges from one to just over two percent. The IRRs of standalone solar parks were compared with those of projects co-located with battery storage.

Podcast: Prospects and pitfalls for investments in solar and large battery projects

RenewableUK points out the high potential cost advantages of co-location projects if regulatory barriers are removed and approvals are simplified. Combining PV projects with battery storage at the same grid connection point could reduce construction and operating costs by 50 percent. In addition, a more flexible energy system with the integration of storage in the UK would save 16.7 billion pounds (19.8 billion euros) in electricity system costs annually by 2050, which would also benefit electricity customers.

Complexity and regulation as obstacles

There are several reasons why co-location projects often struggle to realise their full cost-saving potential in practice, and why uptake remains slow. “In addition to regulatory issues, this combination of technologies is extremely complex in terms of structure and commercialisation. Business models must be assessed on a case-by-case basis and, depending on local conditions, a standalone project may be more attractive than a co-location one,” says Philipp Kraemer, Director Strategic Growth & Digitisation at CCE.

Solar Investors Guide: Storage systems to revolutionise the grid

In Germany, the so-called exclusivity principle under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) has hindered the economic viability of solar and wind farms combined with battery storage. It stipulates that EEG-subsidised plants may only be charged with green electricity year-round; using grid electricity would result in the loss of EEG plant status and associated subsidies. This severely restricts the profitable and flexible operation of storage systems co-located with solar or wind farms – particularly for shifting feed-in to high-price hours or providing balancing energy, which requires drawing power from the grid.

UK, Ireland and Italy already further ahead

According to the Solar Package I, from June 2025 it should be possible to switch the operating mode every two months, and from June 2026 to charge the storage system both from the grid and the renewable energy system in parallel. However, Aurora analyst Eva Zimmermann warns of possible delays in the regulation taking effect in Germany, as the Federal Network Agency – responsible for implementation – has yet to approve a measurement concept. Other European countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy, which already allow flexible operation of co-location systems, are further ahead in this regard, says Zimmermann.

Expert view: Battery storage as a business model for PV

Intersolar Europe, taking place this year from 7 to 9 May, offers a comprehensive overview of the latest products, technologies and solutions, along with key trends in the field of PV hybrid power plants. At the accompanying Intersolar Europe Conference, an English-language session titled “Hybrid PV Power Plants II: Strategies for Matching Energy Generation & Power Demand” will run from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 May. On Thursday, 8 May, the topic will also be featured in an English session at the Intersolar Forum (Hall A3, Booth A3.150) from 15:00 to 16:30. (hcn)

Stay up to date and sign up for our newsletter

Source link

Solar Energy

IEA – solar PV draws more investment than any other energy tech

June 16, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Investment in clean technologies, including renewables, grids, storage, low-emissions fuels, efficiency and electrification, is set to reach a record $2.2 trillion this year. However, this figure includes nuclear power, which the International Energy Agency (IEA) also classifies as a clean technology. Investment in oil, natural gas and coal is expected to reach $1.1 trillion. This reflects not only efforts to reduce emissions but also the growing influence of industrial policy, energy security concerns and the cost competitiveness of electricity-based solutions, according to the 2025 edition of the IEA’s annual World Energy Investment report.

Stay informed – get our free special PV newsletter for investors

Alongside a comprehensive assessment of the current investment landscape across fuels, technologies and regions, this 10th edition of the World Energy Investment report examines key developments over the past decade.

Energy security as key driver

“Amid the geopolitical and economic uncertainties that are clouding the outlook for the energy world, we see energy security coming through as a key driver of the growth in global investment this year to a record $3.3 trillion as countries and companies seek to insulate themselves from a wide range of risks,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “The fast-evolving economic and trade picture means that some investors are adopting a wait-and-see approach to new energy project approvals, but in most areas we have yet to see significant implications for existing projects.”

ELTIF (I): Expansion of renewables requires immense investments

“When the IEA published the first ever edition of its World Energy Investment report nearly ten years ago, it showed energy investment in China in 2015 just edging ahead of that of the United States,” Birol added. “Today, China is by far the largest energy investor globally, spending twice as much on energy as the European Union – and almost as much as the EU and United States combined.”

Over the past decade, China’s share of global clean energy spending has risen from a quarter to almost a third, underpinned by strategic investments in a wide range of technologies, including solar, wind, hydropower, nuclear, batteries and EVs. At the same time, global spending on upstream oil and gas is increasingly concentrated in the Middle East.

New Age for Electricity – led by solar PV

ChatGPT said:Today’s investment trends clearly indicate that a new Age of Electricity is approaching. A decade ago, fossil fuel investments were 30% higher than those in electricity generation, grids and storage. This year, electricity investments are set to be around 50% higher than the total amount spent on bringing oil, natural gas and coal to market.

Globally, spending on low-emissions power generation has almost doubled over the past five years, led by solar PV. Investment in solar, both utility-scale and rooftop, is expected to reach $450 billion in 2025, making it the single largest item in the global energy investment inventory. Battery storage investment is also rising rapidly, set to exceed $65 billion this year.

IRENA: Solar fastest growing energy source worldwide

Capital flows to nuclear power have grown by 50% over the past five years and are on track to reach around $75 billion in 2025. Rapid growth in electricity demand is also sustaining investment in coal supply, primarily in China and India. In 2024, China began construction on nearly 100 gigawatts of new coal-fired power plants, pushing global approvals to their highest level since 2015.

Not enough grid investments

In a worrying sign for electricity security, investment in grids – currently at $400 billion per year – is failing to keep pace with spending on generation and electrification. Ensuring security of supply would require grid investment to rise towards parity with generation spending by the early 2030s. However, this is being constrained by lengthy permitting processes and tight supply chains for transformers and cables.

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

Lower oil prices and demand expectations are set to trigger the first year-on-year decline in upstream oil investment since the Covid-related slump in 2020, according to the report. The expected 6% drop is driven primarily by a sharp reduction in spending on US tight oil. By contrast, investment in new liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities is on a strong upward trajectory, with major projects in the United States, Qatar, Canada and other regions preparing to come online. Between 2026 and 2028, the global LNG market is projected to see its largest ever capacity expansion.

Africa struggling to mobilise capital

Spending patterns remain highly uneven worldwide, with many developing economies – particularly in Africa – struggling to mobilise capital for energy infrastructure, the report finds. Africa currently accounts for just 2% of global clean energy investment. Despite representing 20% of the world’s population and facing rapidly rising energy demand, total investment across the continent has declined by a third over the past decade, driven by falling fossil fuel spending and limited growth in clean energy.

Multilateral development banks to reinforce climate finance

To close the financing gap in African countries and other emerging and developing economies, international public finance must be scaled up and deployed strategically to attract larger volumes of private capital, the report says. (hcn)

Stay up to date and subscribe to our newsletter.

Source link

Solar Energy

Solar PV attracting more capital than any other technology

June 16, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Investment in clean technologies, including renewables, grids, storage, low-emissions fuels, efficiency and electrification, is set to reach a record $2.2 trillion this year. However, this figure includes nuclear power, which the International Energy Agency (IEA) also classifies as a clean technology. Investment in oil, natural gas and coal is set to reach $1.1 trillion. This reflects not only efforts to reduce emissions, but also the growing influence of industrial policy, energy security concerns, and the cost competitiveness of electricity-based solutions, according to the 2025 edition of the IEA’s annual World Energy Investment report.

Stay informed – get our free special PV newsletter for investors

In addition to a comprehensive assessment of the current investment landscape across fuels, technologies and regions, this 10th edition of the World Energy Investment report explores some of the major changes over the past decade.

Energy security as a key driver

ELTIF (I): Expansion of renewables requires immense investments

New Age for Electricity – led by solar PV

Today’s investment trends clearly show a new Age of Electricity is drawing nearer. A decade ago, investments in fossil fuels were 30% higher than those in electricity generation, grids and storage. This year, electricity investments are set to be some 50% higher than the total amount being spent bringing oil, natural gas and coal to market.

Globally, spending on low-emissions power generation has almost doubled over the past five years, led by solar PV. Investment in solar, both utility-scale and rooftop, is expected to reach $450 billion in 2025, making it the single largest item in the global energy investment inventory. Battery storage investments are also climbing rapidly, surging above $65 billion this year.

IRENA: Solar fastest growing energy source worldwide

Capital flows to nuclear power have grown by 50% over the past five years and are on course to reach around $75 billion in 2025. Rapid growth in electricity demand also underpins continued investment in coal supply, mainly in China and India. In 2024, China started construction on nearly 100 gigawatts of new coal-fired power plants, pushing global approvals of coal-fired plants to their highest level since 2015.

Not enough grid investments

In a worrying sign for electricity security, investment in grids, now at $400 billion per year, is failing to keep pace with spending on generation and electrification. Maintaining electricity security would require investment in grids to rise towards parity with generation spending by the early 2030s. However, this is being held back by lengthy permitting procedures and tight supply chains for transformers and cables.

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

Lower oil prices and demand expectations are set to result in the first year-on-year fall in upstream oil investment since the Covid slump in 2020, according to the report. The expected 6% drop is driven mainly by a sharp decline in spending on US tight oil. By contrast, investment in new liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities is on a strong upward trajectory as new projects in the United States, Qatar, Canada and elsewhere prepare to come online. Between 2026 and 2028, the global LNG market is set to experience its largest ever capacity growth.

Africa struggling to mobilise capital

Spending patterns remain very uneven globally – with many developing economies, especially in Africa, struggling to mobilise capital for energy infrastructure, the report finds. Today, Africa accounts for just 2% of global clean energy investment. Despite being home to 20% of the world’s population and rapidly growing energy demand, total investment across the continent has fallen by a third over the past decade due to declining fossil fuel spending and insufficient growth in clean energy.

Multilateral development banks to reinforce climate finance

To close the financing gap in African countries and other emerging and developing economies, international public finance needs to be scaled up and used strategically to bring in larger volumes of private capital, according to the report. (hcn)

Source link

Solar Energy

BNP-Segen deal brings instant finance to solar and battery buyers

June 11, 2025 ryansheehanrts

UK-headquartered distributor Segen has partnered with BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions to launch Segen Finance, a tailored end-to-end offer that enables commercial and industrial customers (C&I) to install solar and storage systems with no upfront costs.

PV index: Module prices climb as inverters dip

Segen Finance will be available exclusively through Segen’s network of approved C&I installers in the UK and Germany, with plans to expand across Europe. Installers can provide tailored lease quotes alongside their technical solutions, offering a seamless experience for end customers.

Installers can offer financing package

“This partnership addresses one of the key barriers to clean energy adoption—initial investment costs,” says Pascale Favre, Head of Technology Lifecycle Solutions at BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions. “By combining our financial expertise with Segen’s technical knowledge and distribution capabilities, we’re making sustainable energy solutions accessible to more businesses while supporting their cash flow management.”

Expert analysis – key challenges and opportunities for the European renewable energy market

Key benefits for installers:

• Complete solution provider: Installers can now offer financing as part of their installation quote, acting as a one-stop shop for solar and storage solutions.
• Improved cash flow: Access to Segen hardware at zero cost enables installers to free up working capital and scale their businesses more effectively.

Key benefits for end customers:

• Cash-efficient solution: The entire installed system is wrapped in a single lease agreement with fixed, predictable payments for maximum convenience.
• Capital preservation: Cash reserves can be directed towards other strategic business initiatives.
• Full ownership: Customers gain complete ownership of the solar solution upon completion of the payment schedule.
• Spread capex over equipment life.
• Premium components: All system components will be sourced exclusively from Segen, providing customers with access to audited supply chains, authenticity certifications and market-leading warranty coverage. (hcn)

Source link

Solar Energy

AIKO supplies N-type BC modules for Bosnia’s largest solar plant

June 10, 2025 ryansheehanrts

AIKO, a global company known for developing and producing high-efficiency solar technology and the inventor of N-Type ABC (All Back Contact) technology, supplied modules for the Stolac Solami Park project developed by Tibra Pacific. With an installed capacity of 64 MW, it is currently the largest grid-connected ground-mounted PV plant in Bosnia. Launched in 2024, the project uses AIKO’s Stellar 1N+ ABC modules, renowned for their high efficiency and long-term reliability. The PV modules are installed on a classic fixed-tilt ground-mounted substructure with an optimised layout for maximum energy yield.

Myenergi and Greto kick off installer training in Poland

Simulation over three decades provides evidence

A 30-year simulation comparing AIKO’s ABC modules with TOPCon reference systems demonstrated a consistent performance advantage. The total energy production of the AIKO ABC modules reached 2,564.35 GWh in the simulation, corresponding to an energy gain of 38.54 GWh, or 1.54%, compared to the TOPCon system (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact). The yield increase was 0.80% in the first year, with this advantage expected to grow over time. This long-term performance benefit results in higher overall system output and enhances energy security throughout the plant’s operating life, experts say. In addition, the ABC system’s high power density and larger active module area mean fewer modules per installed megawatt, fewer strings, less mounting structure, fewer installation components and reduced cabling. These factors further improve the overall efficiency of the solar farm.

Steffen Emmerich of GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska: “You have to be perceived as a Polish company”

Higher returns

In addition to their technical performance, AIKO’s ABC modules offer notable financial benefits, including a shorter payback period of 16 years and 4 months compared to 17 years and 3 months for TOPCon systems, a lower levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) due to higher energy yields and reduced balance-of-system (BOS) costs, and an improved return on investment (ROI) over the project’s lifetime. These advantages make the ABC system a more bankable and economically efficient option for utility developers aiming to maximise long-term value.

Better durability

Designed for harsh and variable conditions, AIKO’s modules are expected to demonstrate excellent durability against typical installation stresses, temperature fluctuations and mechanical loads at the project site. Their uniform ABC design also enhances resistance to micro-cracks and more effectively suppresses hotspots compared to conventional technologies. The standardised size of 2,382 × 1,134 mm and 30 mm thickness ensures compatibility with common mounting systems.

Video interview with AIKO CEO – new modules define new standards

Milestone with 12 percent more electricity yield says chairman

“This project is a milestone for renewable energy in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Robert Brajkovic, Chairman of Tibra Pacific. “As the largest operating ground-mounted PV plant in the country, we needed a technology that would perform reliably not only in the lab but also in the field. AIKO’s modules deliver 12 percent more energy output and help reduce electricity costs by 3 percent in the first phase compared to the TOPCon setup. As a result, we converted the entire second phase to ABC. Their number-one efficiency and consistency under real-world conditions set a new benchmark for us.” (mg)

Source link

Solar Energy

R.Power secures investor for 92 MW hybrid PV in Poland

June 4, 2025 ryansheehanrts

R.Power, an independent renewable energy producer, has announced a strategic partnership with a financial investor who will acquire a 49.9% minority stake in two of the company’s solar development special purpose vehicles (SPVs). These special purpose vehicles are behind two nearly ready-to-build photovoltaic projects located in Krzyżowa and Lasocice, both located in south west Poland, with a combined capacity of 91.6 MWp.

Patrik Danz of IBC Solar: “It’s a very exciting market”

Financing leverages external capital

Special purpose vehicles (SPVs) are independent legal entities created to manage specific financial projects or assets with financial separation from parent companies. This structure allows investors to pool their resources and focus investments on clearly defined targets while mitigating risks. SPVs are widely used in project financing and asset securitisation, offering the flexibility to tailor each vehicle to its particular financial mission. In line with this approach, the recent deal was formalised through conditional investment agreements and represents a significant milestone in R.Power’s strategy to leverage external capital. By utilising SPVs, R.Power efficiently attracts focused investor participation, enabling the company to scale its renewable energy portfolio while managing financial risks effectively.

Poland’s grid overhaul: Integrating 90 GW of renewables by 2040

Laying the groundwork for hybrid infrastructure

Importantly, the cooperation is not limited to solar. The partnership also includes plans to develop onshore wind capacity at the Lasocice site using the same grid connection point, alongside future integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at both locations. The commercial operation date for the solar assets is targeted for 2027.

From niche to necessity – the PV-boom in Central and Eastern Europe

Partnerships as a pillar of growth

“This is another step in executing our project financing strategy – collaborating with trusted investors allows us to accelerate the energy transition and scale up our investments,” said Katarzyna Suchcicka, Vice President of the Management Board at R.Power.

Tobias Schuessler of Goldbeck Solar Polska: “The demand for solar parks is rising”

Scalable project framework

The agreement also leaves room for further capacity expansion, underlining the project’s flexibility and long-term potential. For European PV experts, this move showcases how hybrid project models combining solar, wind, and storage are becoming the new standard in renewable development. (mg)

Source link

Solar Energy

R.Power secures investor for 92 MWp hybrid PV in Poland

June 3, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Patrik Danz of IBC Solar: “It’s a very exciting market”

Financing leverages external capital

Poland’s grid overhaul: Integrating 90 GW of renewables by 2040

Laying the groundwork for hybrid infrastructure

From niche to necessity – the PV-boom in Central and Eastern Europe

Partnerships as a pillar of growth

Tobias Schuessler of Goldbeck Solar Polska: “The demand for solar parks is rising”

Scalable project framework

Source link

Solar Energy

Enea secures PLN 9.13 billion to modernise grid

May 29, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The financing will be provided by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) as part of investments under G3.1.4 of the Energy Support Fund, Component G, RePowerEU, and will be used to connect both consumers and energy sources to the grid and to expand and modernise the distribution network to meet future-ready smart grid standards. It will also support investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions to further enhance grid operations. These upgrades will extend across nearly the entire service area of Enea Operator Sp. z o.o., the distribution subsidiary of Enea Group, which manages and maintains the power network in western and northwestern Poland.

Poland’s grid overhaul: Integrating 90 GW of renewables by 2040

Future-proof network infrastructure is valued by the market

The company’s efforts have been positively received by the market, with Enea’s stock rising approximately 140% since Q4 of 2023 and about 40% in the first five months of 2025.

Grzegorz Kinelski, President of Enea: “The signing of this agreement with BGK is a major milestone in transforming our power grid. With these funds, we will accelerate the upgrades of our infrastructure, which will improve Poland’s energy security, facilitate connection of renewable energy sources, and allow energy consumers to actively participate in the market. We are implementing on our strategic goals outlined in the Enea Group Development Strategy until 2035, and supporting Poland’s energy transition.”

Grzegorz Rabsztyn: “The EIB is playing a key role in supporting renewables and grid development”

The energy transition in Poland is not an option – it is essential

Mirosław Czekaj, President of BGK comments on the loan- deal: “The energy transition is not optional – it is essential. BGK, as Poland’s development bank, supports investments that drive the energy transition, which is in the interest of the country and all its citizens. Thanks to EU funds under the National Reconstruction Plan, we have PLN 90 billion available for this purpose, including offshore wind farms. Today’s agreement is another step toward deploying those funds. Grid modernisation will be a catalyst for further investment in renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic power and energy storage. A more secure energy system will benefit the entire economy.”

Christian Carraro from SolarEdge: “Going ever-cheaper is high-risk”

Adapting to a shifting energy landscape

Enea Operator will use the loan funds to build and modernise several thousand kilometers of power lines, enabling the connection of new renewable energy sources and additional generation capacity. These investments will support Poland’s climate goals by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project addresses current sector needs and prepares the grid for future challenges such as the growth of distributed generation, electromobility, and evolving energy consumption patterns. A modern, resilient power grid is essential for energy and national security, enabling the full potential of advanced technologies and helping to combat energy poverty.

Ramon Li of Growatt: “Good prospects in a sustainably booming market”

Long-term loan secures infrastructure renovation

The loan will be disbursed in tranches between 2025 and 2036, with principal repayments scheduled from 2034 to 2050. The interest rate on the loan is 0.5% per annum. Over the 2035 planning horizon, Enea Group intends to invest approximately PLN 41 billion in its distribution segment to strengthen the resilience of the Polish power system and facilitate further growth in renewable energy sources. (mg)

Source link

Solar Energy

Romania launches new auction with 1.5 GW allocated to solar

May 27, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The second Contract for Difference (CfD) auction round for renewable energy is under Order no. 427/2025 of the Ministry of Energy. Projects are selected through a tender process based on the price offered by eligible participants in euros per MWh. The price cap for photovoltaics is set at 73 euros per MWh, which corresponds to 7.3 cents per kWh.

Also interesting: Piotr Pysniak of Greto Polska/ “The market is beginning to stabilize”

Conditions and Participation Criteria

Contract terms may be up to 15 years. The commissioning period is set at a maximum of 36 months after contract signing. The participation guarantee is EUR 20,000 per MW. The performance guarantee is EUR 75,000 per MW. The marginal offer can exceed the total subsidized power by up to 120%.

Also interesting: PV wholesaler SegenSolar joins growing wave of companies entering Eastern European markets

Regulatory Updates and Clarifications

Compared to previous auctions, there is no longer a 25% bid cap. The auction initiators expect broader participation by eliminating this cap. If a grid connection permit already exists, it must be attached to the application, otherwise the project will be disqualified. If the grid connection permit is not yet available at the time of application, it must be submitted within six months of the contract signing. Work on a project must not have started before July 20, 2022. “Start of construction” refers to the signing of the EPC contract and binding orders for equipment or physical construction work. All applications must include the following information: price per megawatt-hour in euros, the plant capacity in MWac, the planned commissioning date, and the final acceptance date.

Also interesting: Stellantis decarbonises polish plants with solar power and storage

Key Dates for the Second CfD Auction

Romania officially launched its second CfD auction on May 12, 2025, setting a structured timeline for the allocation of nearly 1.5 GW of photovoltaic capacity. Initial submissions are required by May 30, with responses expected from the authorities by June 16. Full applications must be submitted by July 11, after which the technical offers will be opened on July 14. Applicants will be informed of their eligibility on August 4 and will have until August 8 to file any challenges. These challenges will be reviewed and resolved by August 12, clearing the way for financial offers to be opened on August 13.

Also interesting: PNE AG shines in 2024 – Poland and Central Europe drive record performance

Next Steps and Contracting Timeline

Successful bidders will be notified on August 14, with ministerial approval of state aid expected by August 19. Final bidder documentation must be submitted by August 26. Contracts are to be signed by the successful bidders by September 9 and countersigned by the CfD counterparty by September 16. The process concludes with the submission of bank guarantees by October 7, 2025, solidifying the commitments that will help drive Romania’s transition to renewable energy. (mg)

More information is available in the official PDF from the Ministry of Energy, including access to the CfD documentation in English: LINK TO PDF

Source link

Solar Energy

Respect Energy promotes energy transition learning in Poland

May 22, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The Polish funding programme for educational and environmental projects in renewable energy and environmental protection has launched with a budget of PLN 300,000 (approx. €70,650). Activities and work will be focused on supporting local initiatives that promote renewable energy and sustainability. Eligible applicants include NGOs, schools, universities and municipal cultural centres involved in educational work.

Nina Hojnik of ZSFV: “The focus has been on shaping the legal framework”

Applications are open until July 20, 2025

The programme will offers different funding levels depending on the scope and type of project. A total of six grants of PLN 20,000 each and six grants of PLN 30,000 each are planned. The application deadline is July 20, 2025. The results will be announced on September 12 of this year and projects should be implemented between 30 September 2025 and 30 May 2026.

What is supported

Applications can be submitted for energy and environmental education for children and young people, for projects promoting renewable energy, as well as for activities to improve air quality and local renewable energy initiatives with citizen participation. Implementation can take the form of workshops, campaigns, artistic events or educational events.

Caroline White of SegenSolar: “Poland is emerging as a key market”

How are applications evaluated

In addition to the general compliance of an application with the programme objectives, the organizer’s innovative strength, experience in the field of environmental protection and renewable energy as well as target group size will be assessed as part of applications. Additional points can be earned for the use of the educational materials available on the website czystemocenergii.pl.

Grzegorz Rabsztyn: “The EIB is playing a key role in supporting renewables and grid development”

Free materials for schools

An integral part of the project is the educational platform czystemocenergii.pl, which provides free presentations and worksheets to elementary schools to help children understand the energy transition. The initiator of the funding is the Respect Energy Group. Founded in 2013, the company produces, trades and supplies electricity from 100% renewable energy sources and was the first Polish energy company to offer business customers the option of purchasing electricity from 100% renewable energy sources. (mg)

More information about the funding programme can be found on the initiative website.

Source link

1 2 3 … 14