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Solar Energy

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

March 20, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Combining solar and wind parks with large battery storage systems at a single location, known as co-location, offers many advantages. For example, the risks for the operators of the renewable energy generation plants are reduced by diversifying revenues, protecting against price cannibalization and shifting generation or feed-in to the evening hours. The economic efficiency of battery storage can be increased by cost savings due to a common grid connection point and a faster grid connection. Advantages for the power supply arise from fewer grid bottlenecks, avoided curtailment of plants and better utilization of scarce grid resources.

So far only small market share for hybrid systems

However, the market for renewable co-location projects in Europe is only just beginning. According to Aurora Energy Research, solar and wind farms with an installed capacity of almost 1.2 gigawatts (GW) were in operation across Europe in 2023, combined with large-scale battery storage. PV plus battery storage was the frontrunner here with 724 megawatts (MW), while onshore wind power plus battery storage was at 475 MW. According to SolarPower Europe, of the 0.8 GW of large-scale battery storage systems with a capacity of 1.1 gigawatt-hours (GWh) installed in Germany between 2021 and 2023, 11 percent were combined with renewable energy plants, primarily solar parks. In the UK, 12 percent of wind and solar farms were combined with battery storage or electrolysers, according to an April 2024 report by industry association Renewable UK.

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However, experts and industry representatives are seeing a significant increase in demand for large-scale battery storage and co-location projects. In Germany, project developers have currently submitted grid connection requests for 161 GW of battery storage capacity, which is a hundred times more than the 1.6 GW currently installed. SolarPower Europe also predicts strong growth in large-scale battery storage in its “European Market Outlook for Battery Storage 2024-2028”. According to a medium scenario, the total installed battery storage capacity is expected to climb to 78 GWh, double the 2023 figure (35.8 GWh).

Growing interest in co-location projects

In a “high scenario”, installed battery capacity in Europe is expected to grow to 135 GWh by 2028. Large batteries, especially grid storage (so-called utility-scale storage), will dominate. Their share of newly installed capacity is expected to rise to 45% by 2028, more than doubling from 2023 (21 percent). As a result, interest in co-location projects is also growing, according to analysts such as Jannik Carl and Eva Zimmermann from Aurora Energy Research. Almost all large-scale PV projects are now combined with battery storage, says Stefan Müller, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the EPC Enerparc.

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

Valerii Lazarev, Projects Bankability Manager at WElink Energy, sees negative electricity prices (at peak times), bottlenecks and high costs for grid access as important drivers for co-location projects. EPCs could benefit from the hybridization of existing solar projects by flattening the production curve and delivering energy on demand and thus at higher prices. And this with comparatively low investment costs because there is no need to set up a new, expensive grid connection.

Largest hybrid plant in Portugal

The international developer, based in Ireland, is currently in the process of expanding a 219 MW solar park in Vaquieros (southern Portugal), which was commissioned at the end of 2021, in several phases into a co-location facility with a capacity of over 1 terawatt-hour, according to Lazarev. Initially, the existing 219 MW of PV capacity will be increased by a further 50 MW, followed by the construction of a 165 MW wind farm and then a 100 MW/400 MWh battery storage facility. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025 and should be completed by the end of 2027.

How to combine agri-PV with wind power and storage?

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

Further cost decline an important driver

The continued decline in costs, particularly for photovoltaics and battery storage, is also an important driver for more co-location projects. According to a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in July 2024, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of solar parks in Germany is between 4.1 and 6.9 euro cents/kWh. When combining ground-mounted PV systems and battery storage, the LCOE is 6.0 to 10.8 cents/KWh.

Large battery storage systems in Europe are all the rage

Should battery prices fall to the predicted levels of 180 to 700 euros/KWh by 2045, the ISE even expects production costs for ground-mounted PV battery systems to be between 3.1 and 5.0 cents. By comparison, the production costs for fossil fuel power plants are significantly higher today: brown coal power plants cost 15.1 to 25.7 cents, hard coal power plants 17.3 to 29.3 cents, combined cycle power plants 10.9 to 18.1 cents and flexible gas power plants 15.4 to 32.6 cents per kilowatt hour. Nuclear power plants are between 13.6 and 49.0 cents/kWh.

Reduce construction and operation costs by 50 %

According to Aurora Energy Research, the actual increases in profitability (IRRs) that can currently be achieved by combining a solar power plant with a battery storage system in key European markets are in the range of one to just over two percent. The IRRs of individual solar parks were compared with those that are combined with a battery storage system.

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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 various reasons why co-location projects are often unable to fully exploit their potential cost advantages in practice and why the number of projects implemented is only gradually picking up speed. “In addition to regulatory issues, this combination of technologies is extremely complex in terms of structure and commercialization. Business models must be considered individually and, depending on local parameters, a single project can often be more attractive than a co-location project,” says Philipp Kraemer, Director Strategic Growth & Digitization at CCE.

Solar Investors Guide: Storage systems to revolutionize the grid

In Germany, for example, the so-called exclusivity principle of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) has so far slowed down the economic viability of solar and wind farms combined with battery storage. It states that EEG-subsidized plants may only be charged with green electricity and not with gray electricity (from the grid) throughout the year, otherwise the EEG plant status or the subsidy will be lost. This severely limits a profitable, flexible operation of the storage system in co-location with a solar or wind farm for shifting the feed-in to high-price hours and for providing balancing energy (during which grid electricity is also charged).

UK, Ireland and Italy already further ahead

According to the solar package I, it should be possible to change the operating mode every two months from June 2025, and to charge the storage system from the grid and the renewable energy system in parallel from June 2026. However, Aurora analyst Zimmermann fears delays in the regulation coming into force in Germany, because the Federal Network Agency, which is responsible for the regulation, has not yet decided on a measurement concept. Other European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy, which allow flexible operation of co-location systems, are already further ahead in this respect, says Zimmermann.

Expert analysis: Battery storage as a business model for PV

Intersolar Europe, which is taking place this year from May 7-9, offers a comprehensive overview of the latest products, technologies and solutions, as well as the major trends in the field of PV hybrid power plants. At the accompanying Intersolar Europe Conference, there will be a session in English from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, titled “Hybrid PV Power Plants II: Strategies for Matching Energy Generation & Power Demand.” On Thursday, May 8, the topic of hybrid power plants will be the subject of a session in English at the Intersolar Forum (Hall A3, Booth A3.150) from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Gigawatt milestone achieved in hydrogen applications

March 17, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The current project integrates photovoltaics, battery storage, and hydrogen production, underscoring Altenso’s strategic focus as a global pioneer in sustainable energy supply.
“We are proud of this gigawatt milestone and of more than 80 successfully implemented hydrogen projects, which mostly produce green hydrogen using PV and wind energy,” said Jens Eiko Birkholz, Head of Sales & Business Development from Altenso.

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“Our team has extensive technological expertise and years of experience in international project management. These skills are essential for successfully implementing increasingly complex projects, including offshore implementations. Overall, the projects we support enable the production of up to 130,000 tons of green hydrogen per year, actively contributing to the decarbonization of industrial processes.”

Integrated hydrogen production with PV, battery storage and power-to-gas

“In the rapidly evolving global market for hydrogen and renewable energy, stable grid integration and efficient load control are crucial,” said SMA CEO Jürgen Reinert. “With SMA’s innovative technologies providing these functions and Altenso’s well established project business, we are making a significant contribution to integrating renewable energies into the utility grid and shaping the future of energy.“

SMA Altenso celebrates ten years of renewable energy projects

For the current project on Namibia’s Atlantic coast, Altenso is not only carrying out the system integration of the battery storage system (BESS) but also serving as a power-to-gas (P2G) solution provider for integrated hydrogen production. The installation and commissioning of the PV farm and battery inverter technology were successfully completed at the end of 2024.

Grid-friendly and efficient IGBT technology

Hydrogen production is scheduled to start in the middle 2025. The rectifier solution, which was specially developed by SMA for hydrogen applications, is based on grid-friendly and efficient IGBT technology. This solution is highly flexible and compatible with various electrolyzer types, such as PEM, SOEC, or alkaline. Integrated grid services, such as fault ride-through (FRT) and dynamic reactive power support, significantly contribute to the success of the system.

MAN Energy Solutions and Quest One building demonstration plant for large-scale electrolyzer

Altenso has developed a cutting-edge energy management system (EMS) specifically for projects like this. This system optimizes sustainable hydrogen production based on PV forecasts and dynamic demand profiles. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Gigawatt milestone in hydrogen applications surpassed

March 17, 2025 ryansheehanrts

SMA: Olaf Heyden joins Managing Board as Chief Transformation Officer

Integrated hydrogen production with PV, battery storage and power-to-gas

SMA Altenso celebrates ten years of renewable energy projects

Grid-friendly and efficient IGBT technology

MAN Energy Solutions and Quest One building demonstration plant for large-scale electrolyzer

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Solar Energy

Trinasolar starts deliveries for integrated project

March 13, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Trinasolar has started deliveries for a co-located solar and energy storage project at Sandon Brook in Essex, UK. Owned and led by global renewable energy company, Low Carbon, it is Trinasolar’s first project to combine the company’s modules, mounting structures and energy storage systems at the same site, all with solutions from Trinasolar.

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Trinasolar will provide almost 80,000 of its n-type dual-glass bifacial Vertex N solar PV modules with up to 700W output power, which will be mounted on more than 1,100 of the company’s FixOrigin fixed-tilt mounting structures. For the battery energy storage system (BESS), Trina Storage will deliver the integrated full AC system including 36 Elementa cabinets, for a total of 70MWh of storage capacity, in support of the site’s arbitrage and ancillary service capabilities.

High compatibilty and optimisation of components ensured

The single-source nature of the project means high compatibility and optimisation of components is ensured, maximizing consistent performance throughout. When completed, the project will have a solar PV generation capacity of 49.9MW. Sandon Brook is one of four Low Carbon sites in the UK where Trina Storage has provided BESS capabilities, making up a total of 190 MWh in storage capacity.

UK: Large solar PV and storage co-location site in Birmingham operational

Justin Thesiger, Managing Director of Global Supply Chain at Low Carbon, said: “We are delighted to see the Sandon Brook project begin to take shape, and further strengthen our partnership with Trinasolar.

Benefits in terms of functionality

“Delivering a combined solar and storage project such as this one is ambitious in its scope, but the fact we can source all core elements of the system from Trinasolar is a major benefit. We look forward to working with the company on similar holistic projects in the future as we look to play a key role in tackling climate change.”

Scotland: 100 MWh storage project of Trina Storage, Clarke and Temporis

Gonzalo de la Viña, President Europe at Trinasolar, added: “We are proud to see our company’s philosophy of implementing integrated smart energy solutions being put into practice in our region. We strongly believe projects of this type are the future of the solar industry given the benefits they bring in terms of functionality and compatibility, and are enthusiastic to see the difference it will make to the local community once completed. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

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

March 3, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Sungrow supplied the PV inverters and the battery systems for the plant. The hybrid park was developed by Solarwork Sverige and Powerworks Energy and is expected to generate over 7,000 MWh of clean electricity annually, as well as increasing the supply of electricity in line with demand. The plant is owned by the company Sperlingsholms Gods.

Sustainable energy with high efficiency

„We have invested in the solar park because we are convinced that society needs sustainable ways to generate electricity“, says Carl Kuylenstierna, CEO of Sperlingsholms Gods. „We produce electricity exactly when it is most needed – in the middle of the day and at low marginal costs.“

UK: Large solar PV and storage co-location site in Birmingham operational

The 6.6 MW PV installation consists of almost 12,000 bifacial PV modules mounted on a ground structure. The majority of the solar power is converted by 20 units of Sungrow’s SG250HX string inverters.

Energy storage to support the grid

To further optimise energy efficiency and support the grid, the hybrid system also includes a 4 MW battery energy storage system from Sungrow’s PowerTitan 1.0. The PV system and the battery system can operate independently of each other to ensure flexibility and reliability.

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„PowerTitan 1.0 with its 1C system enables us to charge and discharge within an hour – perfect for the markets in which we operate. In addition, the liquid cooling significantly reduces operating costs and ensures long-term system stability“, Fredrik Lyckvind, CSO at Powerworks Energy said.

Rapid and flexible installation

The project was able to meet its tight schedule thanks to the efficient installation of the inverters and PowerTitan units. „The 20 SG250HX inverters installed were selected to handle large amounts of energy while providing a flexible installation“, Fredrik Liljehov, Head of Utility at Solarwork Sverige, emphasised.

Large battery storage systems in Europe are all the rage

Setting new standards

„Hybrid projects currently enable the most efficient use of renewable energy. Raphael Henkel, Regional Manager Sweden and Finland at Sungrow, said: „We are pleased to be working with Solarwork Sverige and Powerworks Energy. The successful completion of one of the first hybrid solar projects in Sweden demonstrates the growing demand for integrated PV and ESS solutions“.

Sweden: Attractive PV way up north

As Sweden moves towards a greener energy supply, the Halmstad hybrid solar park is setting new standards in the field of renewable energy and demonstrating how the combination of solar energy and smart storage solutions can create a more resilient grid. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Homeowner saves 450 euros with solarelectrical heating

March 3, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Since the introduction of a fee for feeding solar power into the grid in the Netherlands in August 2024, operators and homeowners have been looking for a way to consume the generated solar electricity on site. With one project, the Austrian supplier of solar electric heating systems My PV is showing how this can be achieved in single-family homes.

By installing the continuously variable AC Elwa 2 electric heating rod, a Dutch owner of a single-family home was able to increase his own consumption of solar power. This enabled him to significantly reduce the grid feed-in and the associated costs. The owner of the 50-year-old single-family home in the Dutch town of Lekkerkerk operates a solar system with an output of 15 kilowatts on his roof. So far, this has covered a large part of his electricity consumption. In addition, he generated a considerable energy surplus with the system, which was actually too large for a single-family home. Since August 2024, this has been accompanied by high feed-in fees.

Plenty of solar power fed in so far

As only two people live in the household, far more electricity was generated than the house actually needed. On sunny days, a large share of the energy remained unused and was fed into the grid, despite the installed electricity storage system with a volume of 10.2 kilowatt-hours. Accordingly, the homeowner focussed on efficiently increasing his self-consumption of solar power through photovoltaic heat.

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Continuously adjustable electric heating element

To do this, however, he had to use a device with continuously variable control. This is the only way he can optimally utilise every surplus kilowatt-hour of available solar power for hot water and space heating. This is now done by the My PV heating rod, which has stepless control and tracking via the My PV cloud.

Self-consumption increased by half

The result shows: By using the solar power with the heating rod, the homeowner was able to increase his self-consumption share from 54 to 85 per cent on two comparable days with almost the same solar power generation of 23 kilowatt-hours. This reduced the amount of electricity fed into the grid from 10.5 to 3.6 kilowatt-hours.

My PV: Farmer relies on solar-electric heat supply

Feeding less electricity into the grid

Based on this improvement in self-consumption in the first few months of system operation, he can achieve savings of over 450 euros in feed-in fees, extrapolated to a full year. This is because with a surplus of 48 per cent of the solar power generated, the homeowner would feed 7,525 kilowatt-hours into the grid each year. This would result in a charge of 787 euros. Due to the higher self-consumption with photovoltaic heat, he would probably only feed in 3,213 kilowatt-hours per year. The planners at My PV calculated that this would only incur fees totalling 330 euros. (su)

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Solar Energy

MAN Energy Solutions and Quest One building demonstration plant for large-scale electrolyzer

February 6, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Electrolyzer manufacturer Quest One has started construction of a demonstration plant for its Modular Hydrogen Platform (MHP) PEM electrolyzer in Augsburg, Germany. The electrolyzer will be installed in a test stand at the Turbocharger Performance Center (TPC) on the Augsburg site of MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), where it will generate data in test operation for continuous optimization.

With the demonstration plant, Quest One is turning large electrolyzers into a tangible experience. Operational constraints often mean that these plants cannot be viewed while they are in use at customers’ sites. The joint project aims to change this: From mid-2025, it will be possible for potential customers as well as for project developers and EPCs to visit the demonstration plant. This will give them valuable insights into the construction phases, dimensions, inner workings and infrastructure.

Also see: Work to extend the ElyLab electrolysis test site for strategic technologies for Europe is starting

A second objective of the joint project with MAN Energy Solutions is to continuously optimize the scale of PEM electrolyzers on the base of field data and to further refine both the system operation as well as the installation and service concept.

Suited for use with renewable energy sources

“It is essential to have industrial-scale electrolyzers to meet the huge demand for green hydrogen in the future. With our new hydrogen demonstration plant we will show that the technology for industrial-scale hydrogen production already exists. In particular, our PEM electrolysis technology is perfectly suited for use with renewable energy sources and stands out with a high hydrogen quality. Prospects can now experience these advantages at our demonstration plant,” says Jürgen Klöpffer, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Quest One and member of the Executive Board of MAN Energy Solutions.

Also see: Spain – 1.5 GW green hydrogen projects of DH2 Energy in Extremadura

“Our MHP is an essential building block for decarbonizing of the industrial sector. The scalable system can be flexibly adapted to increasing hydrogen demands as the industry ramps up. The demonstration plant is an important means for us to further optimize the performance and operating parameters of the MHP. This will ensure that our products continue to produce green hydrogen in a reliable and efficient way in the future,” explains Michael Meister, COO at Quest One.

Joint project implementation

The project underlines the joint efforts of Quest One and MAN Energy Solutions to make green hydrogen a reliable fuel for the decarbonization of the industry. Through the jointly operated test stand, both partners are further expanding their knowledge and skills in the construction, project management, operation and maintenance of large-scale industrial electrolyzers. Quest One is thus also taking a further step in scaling up its own product portfolio for projects ranging from ten to several hundred megawatts of electrolysis capacity. Continuously increasing electrolysis capacity is an important prerequisite for the company’s goal of avoiding up to one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through the implementation of its products.

Also see: Norway – EnBW starts marketing process for green ammonia

Construction started at the end of 2024 with the installation of the freshwater treatment. The plant will be assembled over the course of 2025, so test operations can start by the beginning of 2026. Potential business partners will be able to already gain insights into the construction phase and visit the plant onsite in Augsburg in 2025.

Industrial-Scale hydrogen production

The MHP is currently the largest PEM electrolyzer in Quest One’s product portfolio. Its scalable modular system makes it particularly suitable for industrial production of green hydrogen. Module blocks with an output of 10 megawatts can be expanded and combined to create plants with an electrolysis capacity from 10 to several hundred megawatts. The system is optimized for easy indoor installation on preassembled skids. Each 10-megawatt block is equipped with integrated process water treatment and an electrical power supply.

Funding under the PEP.IN program

The development of the demonstration plant is being funded as part of the PEP.IN research project, a sub-project of the H2Giga hydrogen lighthouse project of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). PEP.IN is exploring new processes for the series production of PEM electrolyzers. It looks at the entire value chain from stack production to final assembly. The aim is to make green hydrogen affordable and competitive. The scope of funding particularly covers feasibility and viability studies as well as the planning of the necessary infrastructure. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Work to extend the ElyLab electrolysis test site for strategic technologies for Europe is starting

February 3, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The project is being funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism Baden-Württemberg in the agenda set out for the “Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform” (STEP). A budget of around € 7.6 million has been set aside for a period of three years. STEP has been set up with a view to supporting strategically important and newly emerging technologies and their respective value chains in order to strengthen the international competitiveness, security and sovereignty of the EU and to reduce relationships of dependence in critical fields of technology.

Also see: New electrolyser for industrial applications

“Our expansion of the testing infrastructure means we are shortening the development times of electrolysis technologies to a significant extent. This will strengthen the ability of our enterprises to compete,” said Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism, on handing over the symbolic grant cheque on 29 January 2025 in Stuttgart. “The ElyLab will allow us to establish the conditions for future growth. This basic framework is more important than ever given the current economic situation,” added Hoffmeister-Kraut.

Electrolysis stack designs up to the multi-MW scale can be validated

Having opened the ElyLab centre, the ZSW already offers its customers the largest range of testing and innovation facilities for electrolysers in southern Germany. 10 test rigs with a power range of up to 500 kilowatts are already in operation in the ElyLab. With currents of up to 20,000 amperes, electrolysis stack designs can also be validated up to the multi-megawatt scale. The approved funding is now earmarked for new laboratory and office space, extending the test site by 400 square metres.

Also see: Spain – 1.5 GW green hydrogen projects of DH2 Energy in Extremadura

In addition to alkaline electrolysis (AEL), the range of tests on offer will also be expanded to include the process referred to as AEM electrolysis (anion exchange membrane). “The planned infrastructure expansions and the new test rigs for stack tests and component tests will almost double our testing capacity, and this will allow us to meet the constantly increasing demand,” said Dr. Marc-Simon Löffler who heads up the department of Renewable Fuels and Processes at the ZSW.

ZSW

Work on the electrolyser stack.

The aim of ElyLab is to boost innovation and to provide support for companies with the development of electrolysis products by way of test facilities and consultancy services. Water electrolysis is the key technology for the green hydrogen market of the future, holding significant opportunities for Germany as a technology hub and offering potential for global export for German enterprises.

Develop suitable accelerated ageing procedures

The rapid expansion of production capacity is essential, and there is also a need for a swift transfer of technology from scientific research to business and for quality control in the development of (upstream) products, in order to be able to achieve the ambitious expansion targets for electrolysers in Germany, Europe and worldwide. Validation procedures for materials and components right through to complete systems must be in step with actual practice in order to make internationally competitive products. Independent innovation and testing centres can make important contributions to this end.

Also see: Italy – Axpo partners for major green hydrogen project

For a successful market ramp-up, it will also be crucial to develop suitable accelerated ageing procedures. This is the only way to put in place the development cycles and quality control systems which are required as part of the product development processes in a much shorter time than has been possible hitherto and, in so doing, achieve the ambitious expansion targets for electrolysis. The test and analysis methods required for this purpose will also be refined and expanded at the ZSW in the course of the new project.(hcn)

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Solar Energy

1.5 GW green hydrogen projects of DH2 Energy in Extremadura

December 20, 2024 ryansheehanrts

These sites, all located in the province of Badajoz, have a combined electrolysis capacity of around 1.5 GW. Overall, these plants are capable of generating more than 75,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year.

Also see: 3H2 pilot project – 1,350 kg green hydrogen per day

According to the latest survey conducted by Spanish hydrogen industry association AeH2, DH2 Energy has the largest portfolio of renewable hydrogen production facilities under development in both Spain and Extremadura.

Favourable conditions in Extremadura

“Extremadura is one of the Spanish regions with greatest potential for renewable hydrogen production because it possesses all the necessary solar and hydro resources in abundance. What’s more, there’s a willingness to encourage deployment on the part of both the regional government and the local councils in the towns where DH2 Energy is building plants”, DH2 Energy’s Managing Director, Marcos López-Brea Baquero says.

“Extremadura also has a favourable regulatory framework that includes specific legislation designed to promote renewable hydrogen. In addition, a section of the hydrogen transport network planned by Enagás will be built in Extremadura. This national infrastructure is set to give renewable hydrogen a major boost in coming years”, López-Brea Baquero underlines.

DH2 Energy

General Director of DH2 Energy, Marcos López-Brea Baquero (right), at the Green Hydrogen panel held at the Expoenergea fair, in Badajoz.

DH2 Energy’s most advanced project in development in Extremadura is Raviza, located in the municipalities of Hornachos, Puebla del Prior and Ribera del Fresno. Raviza will produce 25,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year.

Further 3 projects under development in Extremadura

DH2 Energy has a further 3 projects under development in Extremadura: Badajoz 2, which will generate around 8,500 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year, is located in Mérida; Badajoz 3, set to produce approximately 17,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year, spans the municipalities of Badajoz, Mérida and La Roca de la Sierra; and finally, the output from Badajoz 4, located solely in Badajoz, will amount to 25,000 tonnes per year.

Also see: Increase the rate of expansion for renewables in Europe by a factor 5

DH2 Energy is also the developer of one of the most advanced commercial renewable hydrogen facilities currently planned in Spain: the Hysencia 35 MW electrolysis plant, construction of which will begin in the first half of 2025. Hysencia is a pioneering initiative that won the first European auction held by the Innovation Fund financed by the European Hydrogen Bank.

Headquartered in Madrid, DH2 Energy operates on the Iberian Peninsula and in France, Mexico and Uruguay, among other markets. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Hybrid power plant – Leclanché builds solar storage hybrid power plant on St. Kitts

October 17, 2024 ryansheehanrts

St Kitts is a small island in the Caribbean. At 174 square kilometres, it is just over half the size of Munich. The average electricity consumption per capita of around 3,500 kilowatt hours per year is only slightly lower than that of Great Britain with its industry. To make this electricity consumption more sustainable in the future, Solec Power will build a photovoltaic system including an associated storage unit.

Solec Power is a subsidiary of the Swiss storage manufacturer Leclanché. The intermediate electricity storage facility will also come from there. Solec Power’s specific plans include the construction of a solar park with an output of 35.7 megawatts. This can provide part of the island’s electricity supply. In order to be able to utilise all of the solar energy, Solec Power is building an additional battery storage facility that can temporarily store 43.6 megawatt hours of the solar power produced.

Storage unit provides various functions

The entire solar storage unit hybrid system is controlled by an energy management system developed by Leclanché. However, the battery system will not only balance electricity production and consumption. It can also balance loads and provide a back-up spinning reserve. This means that even if the storage unit is not being charged or discharged, it can step in at very short notice to support the local power grid to which it is connected. An additional emergency power function also reduces outages and increases grid stability.

25 Delivery agreed

In the case of St. Kitts, the solar park supplies electricity to the grid of the St. Kitts Electricity Company (Skelec). The utility has concluded a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the project developer Solec for the electricity from the solar park. This will be supplied at a fixed price over the agreed period. The storage unit will also support Skelec’s grid in the future. This project makes St. Kitts a global pioneer in the integration of renewable energies,” said Konris Maynard, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Sun replaces diesel

With the signing of the PPA and other documents, construction of the plant is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2024. It should be connected to the Skelec grid from 2025. According to Leclanché, it will supply around 62,000 megawatt hours of electricity in the first year of operation and, together with the storage unit, will cover more than a third of the island’s needs.

Also interesting: Holiday resort in England self-supplies using solar power and storage

The PPA will enable significant cost savings of up to 40 per cent compared to the current cost of generating electricity, which St. Kitts mainly covers with diesel generators. The solar storage unit hyrid replace over 4 million gallons of diesel per year.

Saving up to 200 million dollars

It is also a financial gain. This is because the system is estimated to generate savings of between 170 and 200 million US dollars for the utility over the 25-year term of the contract. The fixed price agreement also means that all parties involved in the project are on the safe side. Solec and Leclanché have a secure refinancing of the project and Skelec in turn receives the energy at stable prices. (su/mfo)

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