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Solar Energy

Opportunity for renewables and European manufacturing

February 27, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The Clean Industrial Deal includes measures to unite climate action and competitiveness under a single economic and industrial growth agenda. The Commission confirmed that the plan is set to support energy-intensive industries and clean tech manufacturing by driving renewables, electrification, grids, and storage.

“The Clean Industrial Deal brilliantly sets electrification as a key pillar for industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation, including a new 32% electrification target by 2030. We see that as a floor, not a ceiling. There are plenty of energy uses that are low-hanging fruit to electrify», Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said.

Eurelectric: call for Electrification bank in the EU Clean Industrial Deal

„However, dedicated financial support for electrification needs to materialise. The new Industrial Decarbonisation Bank risks pitching electrification against gas-dependent solutions that look good on paper but miss the irrefutable benefits of electrification. Flexible, renewable-based, electrification can reduce day-ahead energy prices by 25% by 2030. Investment in electrification must be prioritised over short-term fossil-based solutions“, Hemetsberger underlined.

Integrate energy storage in the Grids Package

„Getting the upcoming Grids Package right is critical to the success of the competitiveness agenda. It should be a Grids and Storage Package. Battery storage is the absolute shortcut to lower, less-volatile energy prices. Where is Europe’s battery storage strategy?“, Hemetsberger said.

SolarPower Europe welcomes new EU Competitiveness Compass

„We’re glad to see that today’s publication provides a specific boost for European solar manufacturers. The intention to prefer EU-made products in public procurement should strengthen the Net-Zero Industry Act, but we urgently need to complement that with financing support for building and operating factories. We need to see EU products better rewarded in public procurement while staying clear of unnecessary barriers to solar deployment.

Right framing of the Affordable Energy Action Plan

The Affordable Energy Action Plan has the right framing, focus and sequence of actions points, starting with freeing electricity bills from unnecessary taxes and levies, and then making electricity structurally cheaper by boosting grids, flexibility and faster RES permitting. The plan is right, time to action. We do caution against plans to finance more LNG infrastructure, and any expectations that this would help reduce fossil fuel price volatility.

Battery regulation risks undermining PPAs

Under the Omnibus packages, aligning the scope and obligations between the CSRD and CSDDD is sensible as long as it doesn’t water down regulatory objectives. Simplification should not mean deregulation. We are pleased to see Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives maintain their central role under the CSDDD, which should be aligned under the Forced Labour Regulation (and other relevant due diligence legislation). Such initiatives will only become more important as routes-to-compliance“, Hemetsberger said.

Important commitment for a Citizen Energy Package

The Commission’s Action Plan on Affordable Energy, which makes up part of the CID, presents a set of welcomed actions that aim to decrease energy prices for citizens, business and communities across the EU, REScoop.eu (European federation of energy communities) declared. In particular, REScoop.eu would welcome the Action Plan’s commitment for a Citizen Energy Package to be published later this year to enhance the ability of local communities, citizens, municipalities, and companies to join forces through an energy community, and through other citizen-initiatives such as energy sharing.

EU Farming Strategy emphasizes the role of solar

The Citizen Energy Package would be particularly important, as most Member States have yet to implement enabling frameworks for energy communities required by existing EU legislation. Furthermore, the Action Plan proposes other actions that should also benefit energy communities, for instance on network charges, power purchase agreements (PPAs), permitting, boosting flexibility, and grids, just to name a few.

Integrating energy communities into sector coupling

Moving forward, it would be of utmost importance to create strong links and synergies between the Affordable Energy Action Plan and more concrete and targeted support under the Citizen Energy Package for social economy and local community-led approaches.

Simplication of regulations for energy communities

“Energy communities are social economic actors that make up a growing and innovative segment of Europe’s industry that will help deliver the energy transition. To succeed in reinvigorating Europe’s economy, the Clean Industrial Deal must be a social deal at heart; it must prioritise the simplification of regulations for local ownership of production, sharing and supply of renewable electricity and heat by energy communities, along with citizen-led approaches to renovations and energy savings“, Dirk Vansintjan, President of REScoop.eu, said. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

New report shows ways to facilitate renewable integration into grids

January 26, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Europe’s power system is undergoing a massive transformation which is challenging the reliability of its infrastructure. The massive influx of renewables has increased our power supply variability, grid connection requests have skyrocketed in EU countries – Lithuania alone registered a 1425% increase in 2022 – and so has grid congestion due to the many distributed assets coming online. Meanwhile, cyber-attacks and extreme weather events have only grown in number.

Existing technologies can help face this complexity, optimise the existing grid, facilitate renewables integration and lower the overall investment bill according to Eurelectric’s report on Technologies supporting Grids for Speed.

Also see: Increasing focus on integrated PV development

“When reinforcing our grids, we must do it in a way that keeps system costs in check. Today we launch new tools to help policymakers control costs while increasing investments.”– said Eurelectric’s Secretary General Kristian Ruby. Real-life examples are:

On load tap changer transformers to keep voltage levels in check

Maintaining voltage levels in an adequate array is crucial to protect consumers equipment, but it’s not easy. Today voltage fluctuations are more common due to variable wind and solar power generation as well as the more dynamic loads caused by EV charging. On Load Tap Changers (OLTC) can dynamically regulate voltage without having to switch off transformers, unlike manual tap changers.

During periods of high power supply and low demand, distribution system operators (DSOs) can tap the transformer down to maximise renewables’ integration allowing the voltage level to rise while staying within limit. During peak demand, on the contrary, DSOs can tap the transformer position up to, for example, maximise electric vehicle (EV) penetration, allowing the voltage level to decrease thus staying within limit. This becomes practically infeasible if carried out manually, considering how frequently this would happen, making OLTC indispensable.

Their installation and operation, however, require skilled resources, advanced monitoring and control systems. In addition, OLTCs must be coordinated with other smart devices and the remaining grid equipment to ensure an optimal system performance.

Dynamic line rating to maximise grid capacity in real time weather

The conductivity of an overhead distribution power line or underground cable varies in real time based on temperature, solar radiation, wind speed and direction. Weather conditions can affect the power lines’ temperature and how far down they hang, a characteristic known as sag. The lines cannot sag too much, as they risk touching vegetation and cause a power cut.

Traditionally, grid operators have not been able to quantify external conditions to determine a line’s capacity at each period of time. DSOs conventionally take extra precautions when determining a maximum capacity, making sure that lines are stable even in the worst-case scenario. Such approach is known as conservative or static line rating. Dynamic line rating (DLR), instead, can measure the maximum current a conductor can safely carry in real time, thus optimising grid capacity at any time.

This is possible thanks to sensors and control systems. For instance, on a cool, cloudy and windy day, more power can flow through an overhead line than on a hot, sunny and calm day. DLR not only reduces the risk of power cuts, but also mitigates grid congestion and contributes to security of supply. Their implementation however can be hampered by high upfront costs and lack of standardised regulation for its operation.

High-temperature low sag conductors to increase power line capacity

High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors are conductors specifically engineered to handle higher operating temperatures with minimal sag compared to conventional ones. Traditional aluminium conductors tend to sag significantly under high temperatures limiting the amount of power that can be transmitted and posing safety risks. HTLS conductors, instead, are designed to operate efficiently at temperatures up to approximately 250°C, compared to the typical 90°C to 150°C range for conventional ones thanks to the use of advanced materials.

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

These technologies are tailored to specific situations. Their use will therefore depend on the issue, and topology at hand. To accelerate their deployment, Eurelectric identified four enablers:

1. Policy: regulation should adopt a forward-looking approach that incentivises investments in in a neutral way. Existing disincentives such as investment caps and outdated remuneration structures should be urgently addressed, especially if using the technology increases operating expenditure (OPEX).
2. Innovative investment strategies: new ways of working are necessary to support the implementation of these technologies. These include, for instance, anticipatory investments and higher flexibility.
3. Collaboration: partnerships among governments, regulators, system operators, market parties and customers are needed to drive innovation.
4. Skilled workforce: workers capable of implementing and managing these advanced technologies are essential.

Digitalisation as key

Last but not least: Digitalisation is the key pre-requisite for running these technologies. This includes digital systems to manage and control the grid, like Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS). To provide these systems with accurate data, it’s crucial to collect information using smart meters, sensors, and other remote control and metering devices. Additionally, a reliable and secure communication network is essential to ensure smooth data flow between devices, substations and control centers.

Also see: Clear regulation required for grid digitalisation

New data: Eurelectric’s new report was complemented by a new interactive DSO map to show EU countries’ national infrastructure investment need, energy consumption and supply data. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Key challenges and opportunities for the European renewable energy market

January 17, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The renewable energy landscape in Europe faced several notable challenges in 2024, highlighting the complexities of transitioning to a cleaner energy future. Here are some of the key hurdles energy producers, investors and purchasers had to face:

Underinvestment in energy storage and grid infrastructure

While renewable electricity generation has surged, investment in the supporting infrastructure has lagged behind: Energy Storage: Europe currently has around 8 GW of installed battery storage capacity, while the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that 200 GW will be needed by 2030 to support the grid.

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

Grid modernization: More than 150 critical grid reinforcement projects, requiring €180 billion in investment, have been identified to handle the demands of a renewables-heavy energy system. Without these investments, the clean energy transition risks bottlenecks in system reliability.

Resource shortage: In many countries, the large upgrade requirements cause a shortage of engineering and skilled labour resource, which means that even where the investments are being made, significant bottlenecks in the execution and delivery of the modernization programmes might cause multi-year delays. This also applies to some extent to component supply.

Geopolitical and global market dynamics

Energy security risks: Continued geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East and Russia-Ukraine, underscore vulnerabilities in energy security.

Government support and limited project availability: Generous government incentives in markets such as the UK, Italy, and France have made renewable projects increasingly competitive. In the UK we saw record-breaking auctions for Contract-for-Difference (CfD) support awarded 9.6 GW, but this has strained the pipeline for private buyers, potentially increasing PPA prices. In Italy oversubscription in agrivoltaics auctions (700 MW over capacity) signals strong demand but also heightened competition for project access.

As a result, buyers and developers are navigating a landscape of reduced project availability, rising PPA prices, and fierce competition against public auctions.

Looking ahead: opportunities and growth potential for 2025

Addressing these challenges requires greater investment in energy storage and grid infrastructure, along with proactive strategies to mitigate pricing and geopolitical risks. But there are also already growth opportunities visible both from a structural and a geographical perspective. These include:

Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)

We see a consolidation in Corporate PPA (Physical and Virtual) as most of them are increasingly prioritizing renewable energy sourcing to meet sustainability goals. Also, Hybrid PPAs (solar + BESS or solar + wind) have emerged this year and it is expected to further increase in 2025, offering enhanced grid reliability and optimized revenue streams, reducing shaping cost. Across key markets in Europe, a significant pipeline of hybrid assets is ready to take if contractual arrangements can make the financial model bankable.

Also see: Expert analysis – The three strongest solar energy trends in 2025

Corporate buyers, particularly in the tech and manufacturing sectors, are showing the greatest interest in renewable energy. These industries are driven by decarbonization commitments and cost predictability through long-term PPAs. Additionally, utilities and grid operators are investing in energy storage to enhance grid stability and integrate intermittent renewable sources effectively.

Multi-buyer, cross border and hydrogen PPA

Multi-buyer PPAs will also grow in 2025 as sellers are trying to standardize and simplify the contract structure. This structure entails an efficient way to mitigate the purchasers’ credit risk in a PPA. Typically, there is has the financial strength and credit rating to balance out non-investment grade corporates.

Cross-border PPAs are also expected to grow in the next year. This structure is mainly driven by Guarantees of Origin considerations and the search for a competitive PPA price.

Co-location projects

Co-location projects e.g. combining solar plants and storage becoming crucial as they enable better utilization of grid connections, reduced costs, and optimized energy dispatch. Solar plants with integrated storage can mitigate intermittency issues, participate in ancillary services, and maximize revenue through peak shaving and arbitrage opportunities. Econergy’s response to these developments is a drive to expand our co-location developments, aiming to add BESS to existing solar developments where possible.

Geographical growth markets in Europe

As Econergy experiences continued growth in demand across Europe, we anticipate robust expansion in Italy, Romania, and Poland in 2025.

In Italy the updated PNIEC targets and the FER-X mechanism provide solid incentives for renewable energy projects. However, competitive and accessible frameworks for energy storage are critical to enhancing grid reliability and supporting Italy’s ambitious energy transition goals.

Also see: SolarPower Europe report – EU solar market with only weak growth

Romania has a significant pipeline of solar and storage projects, positioning it as a key growth region, bolstered by favorable policy measures and market demand. In Poland the ongoing transition from coal is driving the need for clean energy solutions, with opportunities for both solar and storage projects to gain momentum.

The UK will remain a key market for storage and PPAs due to a mature PPA ecosystem and robust opportunities in the energy storage market.

Specific trends and hurdles in project financing and asset management

A shift towards long-term, flexible financing mechanisms is becoming increasingly prominent, with asset management adopting digitalization and AI-driven tools for performance monitoring and predictive maintenance. These advancements are improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Also see: Romania – Econenergy secures financing for large-scale solar projects

Project financing trends differ by market, country, and revenue type (e.g., PPA, CfD). A significant trend is the reduced availability of funding for merchant solar PV projects in Europe, often coupled with lower leverage due to declining electricity price forecasts. However, this challenge is partially offset by the current reduction of key interest rates, which eases financial pressures.

Additional information about Econergy can be found here

Key hurdles include regulatory uncertainty, lengthy permitting processes, and grid connection bottlenecks. For technology providers, scaling production to meet rising demand and innovating cost-effective solutions are ongoing challenges. Addressing these hurdles requires:

– Policymakers to streamline permitting processes and establish clear, stable regulations.

– Grid operators to invest in infrastructure upgrades and enhance grid connection processes.

– Technology providers to focus on scalable, efficient solutions and collaborate with planners to tailor innovations to market needs.

These trends highlight the need for adaptable financing strategies tailored to specific market conditions. Technology integration and sustainable practices must be emphasized to drive project success and maintain construction surge. (Wolf Dietrich/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

Southeastern Europe – Montenegro on the road to more solar PV

November 12, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Montenegro has a variety of energy resources that include: hydropower, wind energy, solar radiation, biomass and coal reserves. In the total installed power production capacity, hydropower plants take a share of 66.05%, thermal power plant 21.08%, wind power plants 11.06% and solar power plants 1.81%. Our power system is characterized by coal generation, with TPP “Pljevlja” (225 MW) that provides baseline power generation and typically generates 42-55% of Montenegro’s gross energy production.

Already in 2021 Montenegro fulfilled national goal of 33% share of energy from renewable energy sources (RES) in gross final consumption, mainly due to the production in two large HPPs (HPP “Perućica” (307 MW) and HPP “Piva” (342 MW)). Two wind power plants (WPP “Krnovo” and WPP “Možura” (118 MW)) and six solar installations (2,319 MW) have been a part of the power generation mix since 2017 and 2019 respectively, but their contribution remains limited.

Distributed PV increasing – first solar park operating

Since about 75% of renewable energy generation in the total amount of electricity supplied by RES comes from hydro, there is a problem of overdependency on hydropower which varies dependent on the hydrological situation. The new Energy Community target for the share of RES in gross final energy consumption for Montenegro is 50% in 2030.

Also see: More PV and wind to save Balkan rivers

Montenegro has a great potential for using solar energy, i.e. the number of hours of insolation is over 2.000 h/year or 200 days/year for the greater part of the territory. In relation to the distributed solar generation and the “consumers-producers” concept, the increase in production from solar power plants is driven by the activities of state-owned energy company Eletroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), which in 2021 launched the Solari 3,000+ and Solari 500+ projects. Projects envisaged subsidized installation of 3,000 solar systems at the rooftops of residential buildings and 500 solar systems at the rooftops of buildings owned by legal entities.

Also see: COP29 – IRENA is calling for ambitious NDC updates

A total of 3,351 PV installations were put into operation, with an installed capacity of 33,913 MW. The implementation of the Solari 5000+ project is underway. So far, 1,260 PV rooftop systems were put into operation, with a total capacity of 9,445 MW. In addition, in December 2023, the first “ground mounted” SPP “Čevo” (3.25 MW) entered trial operation, followed by the issuance of a license to perform electricity production activities.

World Bank Group

Montenegro has a very high photovoltaic power potential.

Despite this growing trend in the valorization of solar radiation energy through the construction of low-power facilities, the construction of a large production capacity is still lacking. In that part, the construction of the solar park “Briska Gora” (250 MW) is planned and in the pipeline are couple of solar projects mainly in the area of Nikšić. Planned large-scale energy storage projects, if strategically implemented, can contribute to energy security and make solar energy a backbone of Montenegro’s grid.

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

While the shift towards solar is promising, there are challenges Montenegro must address. Integrating decentralized, renewable energy sources like solar requires significant upgrades to energy grid, originally designed for centralized power sources. The amortization rate of the energy infrastructure in Montenegro is high and its revitalization and technological modernization is needed. Here, energy storage becomes essential.

Battery energy storage project approved

Building on this momentum, EPCG is now taking critical step with the recent approval of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. The next step is the announcement of a Public Call for the preparation of a Feasibility Study and Conceptual Solution. This initiative aims to install lithium-ion battery storage at key locations across Montenegro nearby large power plants for storing electricity based on lithium-ion batteries.

Also see: EBRD promotes renewable energy in Montenegro

This is relevant since the generation profile of intermittent renewables would not always match demand profiles, leading to temporal mismatching of supply and demand of electricity and heavy demand on interconnection. The goal is to use the available network infrastructure to connect to the transmission network. By enabling the storage of surplus energy from renewable sources, BESS will improve power system flexibility and balancing, support the energy exchange and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Important regulatory support and colllaboration with regional partners

For solar energy to truly take hold, Montenegro needs continued regulatory support. Simplified processes for installing and connecting solar panels, as well as accessible financing options for both solar and storage solutions, are needed. The support and incentive programs for energy generation from renewable sources for own use (the Law on RES adopted in August 2024) in Montenegro should spur demand for green technologies and services.

Also interesting: Battery manufacturer BMZ establishes production in North Macedonia

Also, by incentivizing private adoption of smaller battery storage systems, the pressure on the main grid can be alleviated, especially in remote areas. Collaboration with regional partners in the Balkans and CEE region can also bolster Montenegro’s efforts, as cross-border energy exchanges create additional avenues for balancing supply and demand. In this way, Montenegro will also improve alignment with the EU Energy Policy, implement the Electricity Integration Package and create a functional energy market ready for integration into the European single market. (Ivana Vojinović/hcn)

About the author

Ivana Vojinović is a leading expert in the field of environment, climate change and EU integration in Montenegro and was one of the panelists of CISOLAR 2024 in Bucharest. Out of the 20 years of professional experience, Mrs Vojinovic spent 10 years in the Government of Montenegro on the position of a Deputy Minister/General Director for environment and climate change. Since Montenegro opened negotiations with the EU, Government appointed her for conduction of Montenegro’s negotiation process with the EU in Chapter 27-Environment and Climate Change. Currently she is a Director of the Centre for Climate Change, Natural Resources and Energy of University of Donja Gorica. Ivana Vojinović holds PhD degree in the area of environmental economy and EU integration and possess 13 years long teaching experience at the University of Donja Gorica.

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Solar Energy

New report shows ways to facilitate renewable integration into grids

November 8, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Also see: Increasing focus on integrated PV development

On load tap changer transformers to keep voltage levels in check

Dynamic line rating to maximise grid capacity in real time weather

High-temperature low sag conductors to increase power line capacity

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

These technologies are tailored to specific situations. Their use will therefore depend on the issue, and topology at hand. To accelerate their deployment, Eurelectric identified four enablers:

Digitalisation as key

Also see: Clear regulation required for grid digitalisation

New data: Eurelectric’s new report was complemented by a new interactive DSO map to show EU countries’ national infrastructure investment need, energy consumption and supply data. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Energy transition – Increase the rate of expansion for renewables in Europe by a factor 5

November 4, 2024 ryansheehanrts

In their study on the European energy transition, researchers from the Jülich System Analysis have for the first time also included the decarbonization needs of air and sea transport in order to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality in Europe by 2050 in line with the Green Deal. Accordingly, the demand for green hydrogen for the production of synthetic fuels (Power to Liquid, PtL) is half higher than in previous studies.

The Jülich research team estimates that in 2050, Germany alone will need 700 terawatt hours (TWh) of hydrogen annually to produce PtL. This estimate takes into account the high efficiency losses in PtL production. The basic demand for hydrogen, which is needed for the decarbonization of industry, to cover periods of dark and cloudy weather, and for other applications, is in line with earlier studies in 2050 at around 400 TWh per year. Overall, it is expected that green hydrogen production in Europe in 2050 will require about 44 percent of electricity generation (4600 TWh).

However, institute director Detlef Stolten expects that from 2050 onwards, the direct, more efficient use of hydrogen via fuel cells will also increasingly come into play – at least in shipping – and that the high proportion of hydrogen for PtL production can thus be reduced again.

Strong together

To meet the high demand for green hydrogen and the correspondingly higher demand for renewable electricity, the Jülich research team is counting on the expansion of the European energy network. This could make Spain, Norway, Italy and Greece important hydrogen exporters for other European countries in the future. According to the study, the main customer is Germany, with an import quota of 77 percent (550 TWh, 2050), followed by the Netherlands.

Also see: Spain – DH2 Energy receives environmental permit for green hydrogen plant

However, a central prerequisite for such a European hydrogen market, with an estimated volume of 100 billion euros, is an even more massive expansion of renewable electricity generation in Europe. The study calculates that the expansion rates for renewables in Europe would have to be increased by a factor of five. The Jülich research team also emphasizes the advantages of a European network for renewable electricity, both for reasons of security of supply and economic efficiency. For Germany, a domestic electricity supply of 66 percent is forecast for 2050 (430 TWh of imports).

European hydrogen production competitive

The study concludes that Europe could cover its own demand for electricity and hydrogen at low cost. This would give Europe the option of securing its own supply without relying on imports from other countries.

European hydrogen production would be competitive up to an import price of 3.20 euros per kilogram in 2030. However, this would only apply if renewable energies were expanded more. Otherwise, the import of green hydrogen or its products would be necessary, which would increase the total costs by six percent compared to a European solution.

More transport networks and H2 storage

In estimating the costs, the Jülich researchers also take into account the need to expand the infrastructure, especially the transport networks and the interconnection capacities (between countries). For Germany alone, additional interconnection capacities of 90 gigawatts (GW) for electricity and 200 GW for hydrogen are estimated by 2050. Stolten emphasized that the implementation of existing grid expansion plans is now crucial as a first step.

Also see: IEA calls for more investment in grids and energy storage

In addition, hydrogen could be stored in salt caverns to bridge dark and cloudy periods and seasonal fluctuations in wind and solar power. According to the study, existing underground storage facilities for natural gas could be converted for hydrogen storage. Nevertheless, the construction of more than 50 TWh of additional storage capacity in Europe would be necessary, which would correspond to the construction of around 200 salt caverns, 80 of which would be in Germany.

Nuclear power too expensive

According to the analysis by the Jülich researchers, nuclear energy does not play a significant role in a secure, climate-neutral and cost-effective European energy supply. It is not competitive compared to photovoltaics and wind power, even when storage and increased transport costs are taken into account. This applies at least as long as the real investment costs for nuclear power plants do not fall below 6,600 euros per kilowatt (kW).

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Even the newest Finnish nuclear power plant, Olkiluoto 3, is above this threshold at €6,875/kW. The French reactor Flamanville-3 is at €10,875/kW, and Hinkley Point C (Great Britain) is at €17,500/kW. Stolten emphasized that this calculation does not include the costs for disposal, which has not yet been clarified.

At a panel discussion held in Berlin to present the study “European Energy Transition – Germany at the Heart of Europe” of Jülich Research Center (Forschungszentrum Jülich), Stolten also recently expressed skepticism about the much-hyped Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). According to the Jülich institute director, it is not to be expected that these could be operated economically in Europe by 2050 with the appropriate safety standards. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Eastern Europe – Increasing focus on integrated PV development

October 21, 2024 ryansheehanrts

One of the fastest growing photovoltaic markets in Europe is currently Romania. In 2023, systems with a capacity of around 1 gigawatt (GW) were installed, an increase of over 300 percent compared to the previous year. At the end of 2023, solar power systems with a capacity of almost 3 GW had been installed in Romania. This figure is expected to double by the end of 2025.

According to the National Institute of Statistics, energy production from PV systems rose by more than 60 percent to 2.57 billion kilowatt hours between January and August of this year alone. High levels of solar radiation, falling costs, various incentive programs and the desire for greater energy independence and climate protection are driving the expansion of photovoltaics in the EU country.

Already over 200,000 prosumers in Romania

The Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association (RPIA) currently has over 60 companies as members, including German project planners such as BayWa r.e., as Policy Officer Irene Mihai reported. More than 200,000 prosumers in Romania generate some of their own electricity using solar power and are increasingly using battery storage.

Also see: Central and Eastern Europe increasingly in the solar gigawatt class

PV systems on commercial buildings and solar parks are also on the rise. In the second week of October alone, the energy regulatory authority ANRE approved licenses for the commercial use of solar park power generation capacities with a total output of 62 megawatts (MW).

Expansion of PV production must be flanked

However, the rapid expansion of photovoltaics and wind power is creating a number of challenges, as is also the case in other regions. “Grid capacity and grid connections are one of the biggest hurdles for the further expansion of photovoltaics, not only in Romania,” says Mihai.

Also see: Market moves up and down, generally with good prospect

This must be accompanied by the expansion of battery storage, demand-side management (load control), the promotion of energy communities, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and the reduction of bureaucracy, as other industry representatives emphasized at the CISOLAR & GREENBATTERY 2024 conference (October 15-17, 2024) in the Romanian capital.

Karl Moosdorf

Discussion panel at CISOLAR & GREEN BATTERY 2024 in Bucharest: Hans-Christoph Neidlein (pv Europe), Gabriel Avacaritei (Energyomics), Bianca Dragusin (Keno Energy) v.l.

Among other things, regulations for the implementation of PPAs and large PV battery projects, as well as a reform of the double grid fee for storage projects and fewer bureaucratic hurdles for energy communities (as actually provided for by EU law) are urgently needed, it was stated at the three-day event (October 15 to 17).

Moldova relies on resilience and renewables

Carolina Novac, Secretary of State in the Moldovan Ministry of Energy, made similar comments. From 2023, the small country will be completely independent of Russian gas supplies for the first time. By 2025, Moldova will also no longer be dependent on electricity supplies from a major power plant in the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria. The expansion of the country’s own renewable energy supply, the expansion of the energy infrastructure and the increase in energy efficiency played an important role in this, Novac emphasized.

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According to the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by 68.6 percent by 2030, while the share of renewable energies in total energy consumption is to be increased to 27 percent and in the electricity mix to 30 percent. Primary energy consumption is to be limited to under 3,000 kilotons of oil equivalent (ktoe) and final energy consumption to under 2,800 ktoe. The potential of wind energy for electricity generation from renewable energies is estimated at around 20.8 GW, with photovoltaics at 4.7 GW, plus 840 MW of hydropower and 850 MW of biomass. In 2023, wind turbines with 132.7 MW and photovoltaic systems with 76.9 MW will be installed.

Focus on an integrated approach

“We are taking an integrated approach to expanding the renewable energy supply,” emphasized Novac. This includes, on the one hand, the recently launched first tender for wind and solar projects, coupled with 15-year PPAs and CFDs (Contracts for Differences), and, on the other hand, the promotion of storage projects, energy communities and active energy consumers, biogas and energy generation from waste for dark and cloudy periods and peak times, as well as the expansion of the electricity grid.

Also see: EBRD supports renewables in Romania and Moldova

An important role is played by the expansion of the grid connection with Romania and thus with the EU. These plans are also influenced by the country’s increased European orientation, which a narrow majority of voters in an EU referendum on October 20 voted in favor of, as it stands now. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

World Energy Outlook 2024 – IEA calls for more investment in grids and energy storage

October 18, 2024 ryansheehanrts

The latest edition of the World Energy Outlook (WEO) of the International Energy Agency (IEA) examines how shifting market trends, evolving geopolitical uncertainties, emerging technologies, advancing clean energy transitions and growing climate change impacts are all changing what it means to have secure energy systems. In particular, the new report underscores that today’s geopolitical tensions and fragmentation are creating major risks both for energy security and for global action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The report’s projections based on today’s policy settings indicate that the world is set to enter a new energy market context in the coming years, marked by continued geopolitical hazards but also by relatively abundant supply of multiple fuels and technologies. This includes an overhang of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply coming into view during the second half of the 2020s, alongside a large surfeit of manufacturing capacity for some key clean energy technologies, notably solar PV and batteries.

Downward pressure on prices

“In the second half of this decade, the prospect of more ample – or even surplus – supplies of oil and natural gas, depending on how geopolitical tensions evolve, would move us into a very different energy world from the one we have experienced in recent years during the global energy crisis,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “It implies downward pressure on prices, providing some relief for consumers that have been hit hard by price spikes. The breathing space from fuel price pressures can provide policymakers with room to focus on stepping up investments in clean energy transitions and removing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. This means government policies and consumer choices will have huge consequences for the future of the energy sector and for tackling climate change.”

Based on today’s policy settings, the report finds that low-emissions sources are set to generate more than half of the world’s electricity before 2030 – and demand for all three fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – is still projected to peak by the end of the decade. Clean energy is entering the energy system at an unprecedented rate, but deployment is far from uniform across technologies and markets.

Age of Electricity

In this context, the WEO-2024 also shows that the contours of a new, more electrified energy system are coming into focus as global electricity demand soars. Electricity use has grown at twice the pace of overall energy demand over the last decade, with two-thirds of the global increase in electricity demand over the last ten years coming from China.

“In previous World Energy Outlooks, the IEA made it clear that the future of the global energy system is electric – and now it is visible to everyone,” said Birol. “In energy history, we’ve witnessed the Age of Coal and the Age of Oil – and we’re now moving at speed into the Age of Electricity, which will define the global energy system going forward and increasingly be based on clean sources of electricity.”

“As with many other global energy trends today, China is a major part of what is happening,” Birol added. “Whether it’s investment, fossil fuel demand, electricity consumption, deployment of renewables, the market for EVs, or clean technology manufacturing, we are now in a world where almost every energy story is essentially a China story. Just one example: China’s solar expansion is now proceeding at such a rate that, by the early 2030s – less than ten years from now – China’s solar power generation alone could exceed the total electricity demand of the United States today.”

Infrastructure not keeping pace with clean energy transition

Global electricity demand growth is set to accelerate further in the years ahead, adding the equivalent of Japanese demand to global electricity use each year in a scenario based on today’s policy settings – and rising even more quickly in scenarios that meet national and global goals for achieving net zero emissions.

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

For clean energy to continue growing at pace, much greater investment in new energy systems, especially in electricity grids and energy storage, are necessary. Today, for every dollar spent on renewable power, 60 cents are spent on grids and storage, highlighting how essential supporting infrastructure is not keeping pace with clean energy transitions. Secure decarbonisation of the electricity sector requires investment in grids and storage to increase even more quickly than clean generation, and the investment ratio to rebalance to 1:1. Many power systems are currently vulnerable to an increase in extreme weather events, putting a premium on efforts to bolster their resilience and digital security.

Also see: Battery costs fallen by more than 90%

Despite growing momentum behind clean energy transitions, the world is still a long way from a trajectory aligned with its net zero goals. Decisions by governments, investors and consumers too often entrench the flaws in today’s energy system, rather than pushing it towards a cleaner and safer path, the report finds. Reflecting the uncertainties in the current energy world, the WEO-2024 includes sensitivity analysis for the speed at which renewables and electric mobility might grow, how fast demand for LNG might rise, and how heatwaves, efficiency policies and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) might affect electricity demand going forward.

Lack of access to energy remains the most fundamental inequity

Based on today’s policy settings, global carbon dioxide emissions are set to peak imminently, but the absence of a sharp decline after that means the world is on course for a rise of 2.4 °C in global average temperatures by the end of the century, well above the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. The report underlines the inextricable links between risks of energy security and climate change. In many areas of the world, extreme weather events, intensified by decades of high emissions, are already posing profound challenges for the secure and reliable operation of energy systems, including increasingly severe heatwaves, droughts, floods and storms.

Also see: IEA: Three times more renewables by 2030

A new energy system needs to be built to last, the WEO-2024 emphasises, one that prioritises security, resilience and flexibility, and ensures that benefits of the new energy economy are shared and inclusive. In some regions of the world, high financing costs and project risks are limiting the spread of cost-competitive clean energy technologies to where they are needed most. This is especially the case in developing economies where these technologies can deliver the biggest returns for sustainable development and emissions reductions. Lack of access to energy remains the most fundamental inequity in today’s energy system, with 750 million people – predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa – without access to electricity and over 2 billion without clean cooking fuels. (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.

Also see: Direct current with great potential

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.

Also see: E-car boom in Norway

“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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