hybride wind power PV parks - Elite Home & Solar

Solar Energy

You have to be perceived as a Polish company

June 5, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Mr. Emmerich, please give us the lowdown on GOLDBECK Solar Polska?

GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska Sp. z o.o., based in Poznań, is part of the GOLDBECK SOLAR Group and employs around 60 people. The company focuses on large-scale PV systems and operates from the site of GOLDBECK-Bau, active in Poznań since 1997. Though independent, it benefits from close ties to its German parent.

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

How has your company developed in Poland?

We started in 2019 with freelancers and an initial 7 MW project. We brought our first major project, a 204 MW plant, online in 2020 after a veritable odyssey with various partner companies. Since then, we’ve grown continuously. I’m on-site in Poland every other week.

In your opinion, what are the particular challenges of building solar power systems in Poland?

There are some special conditions. For example, a building permit is required for rooftop systems, and both the construction manager and the electricians must be specially certified. One of the biggest challenges, however, is grid connection: This can only be applied for after the system’s project development has been fully completed, which not only requires financial expenditure that is at risk, but also makes precise scheduling difficult or even impossible. Furthermore, the Polish power grid, like many others in Europe, is not designed for decentralized feed-in. Therefore, there is always a risk that grid connection will not be granted.

Bartosz Majewski of Menlo Electric: “We are navigating a turbulent market”

This is a significant risk. What do you do if the grid connection is not approved?

We have several strategies for such cases. This includes self-consumption by large commercial consumers with very high electricity consumption. These consumers are connected to the PV generator via a direct wire and supplied under a power purchase agreement. If the PV system is located in an area with a heavily congested power grid, there is the option of applying for an alternative grid connection point using a longer cable route.

What role does energy storage play in connecting to the grid?

Last but not least, cable pooling with other renewable energy generators, such as wind turbines, and the use of battery storage systems (BESS) enable grid capacity expansion. We are currently completing the first 90 MWp PV system that feeds into the grid via cable pooling together with a wind turbine. This should be the first utility-scale PV system in Poland to utilize this option. We are also currently calculating the addition of a battery storage system to expand grid capacity for one of our customers.

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

What system capacity do you need to start with in Poland?

In Poland, we generally start with 30 MWp. Our team at GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska also builds substations and high-voltage transmission lines for our customers. This significantly simplifies the unfamiliar and difficult bureaucratic process of dealing with grid operators and is an additional selling point for us. The longest transmission line we have built to date was 32 kilometers long and transports the power of a 200 MWp system. However, our goal is to build grid-connected systems of 100 MW or larger whenever possible, as this capacity offers greater economic synergies.

What are your personal experiences in the Polish PV market?

If you want to be successful in Poland, you need to be perceived as a Polish company. This also makes Polish bureaucracy easier to manage. Nevertheless, PV system development and construction remain challenging. From the project idea through the planning phase to the grid feed-in approval, we estimate it takes about three to four years – anything less than that becomes difficult. We also try to conduct our business with Polish suppliers in PLN as much as possible to minimize currency risk.

Is there a project that stands out in your memory?

Yes, a PV system we built uses the substation of the never-built Polish Żarnowiec nuclear power plant. For me, this is a powerful first symbol of the transformation in Poland’s energy supply. Construction of the Żarnowiec nuclear power plant was halted following significant public protests following the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.

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

How do you assess the Polish PV market over the next 24 months and until 2035?

The market environment will remain challenging over the next 24 months. Project implementations will be delayed, and grid capacity will be far from sufficient. This will lead to increased price pressure on the EPC side, which will lead to a certain market consolidation. There will be very few stand-alone PV projects in Poland in the future. Hybrid systems consisting of PV and other renewable energy generation systems and/or battery storage (BESS) will become the rule rather than the exception. The BESS market will develop rapidly in Poland compared to other European countries. We will see the first large-scale self-consumption projects. All in all, one of the most exciting markets in Europe until 2035 with an increasing number of installations, the biggest challenge of which will be the connection to the electricity grid.

Thank you.

Interview by Manfred Gorgus

Source link

Solar Energy

Construction of new hybrid solar-wind farm to start soon

April 14, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The new project located in Grevekulla, Ydre municipality, will see construction of a solar park adjacent to the existing wind park, with work scheduled to begin in three weeks.

By co-locating wind and solar power, the project maximises the use of both land and grid infrastructure. The complementary production profiles of wind and solar technologies create a more stable and balanced energy output, leading to better efficiency in utilising the grid connection.

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

“The combination of wind and solar power in the same area demonstrates European Energy’s ability to think innovatively and optimise renewable energy deployment,” says Peter Braun, Country Manager at European Energy in Sweden.

“By co-locating, we make better use of the grid, balance production throughout the day and across seasons, and reduce the environmental footprint of new renewable generation.”

Wind park with 36 MW co-located with 38 MW solar park

The existing wind park in Grevekulla comprises six turbines with a combined capacity of 36 MW. The planned solar park will add a capacity of 38 MW, bringing the total expected annual production to a level equivalent to the household electricity consumption of approximately 28,000 homes.

Sweden: Batteries pave the way for more renewable electricity

The development of the solar park follows consultations with local stakeholders and an environmental impact assessment, which identified low ecological values at the site. The County Administrative Board has granted approval, confirming the suitability of the location for solar energy generation. The solar installation will consist of 61,776 panels across just over 40 hectares.

Supporting grid stability and maximising land efficiency

Thorvald Spanggaard, Executive Vice President and Head of Project Development at European Energy, adds: “Hybrid parks are a strategic priority for European Energy. By combining technologies, we can accelerate the energy transition while supporting grid stability and maximising land efficiency. The decision to invest in Grevekulla reflects our long-term commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity in Sweden.”

SolarPower Europe extends its reach to storage and flexibility

The hybrid park is expected to be fully operational during 2026. In addition to contributing to Sweden’s renewable energy supply and supporting long-term energy security, the project will also generate local value through the involvement of regional contractors for preparatory works. (hcn)

Join our Live Events at The smarter E Europe in Munich

Source link

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.

Download now for free: Our new hybrid special

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.

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 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)

Source link

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)

Source link

Solar Energy

Interview EDP – “Investment plan of 17 billion € in the energy transition by 2026”

August 9, 2024 ryansheehanrts

At this year’s The smarter E Europe, EDP campaigned for more climate protection with the We Choose Earth Tour Conference and is also involved in the global Utilities for Net Zero Alliance. What goals have you set yourself for the switch to renewable energies and how far have you already come?

EDP has a 20-year track record in the energy transition, and we have set clear goals going forward. To be 100% green in our energy generation by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality throughout our value chain by 2040. We are well on track, with 98% of the energy we generated in the first half of 2024 coming fully from renewable sources.

EDP is committed to continue this path with an investment plan of 17 billion euros in the energy transition by 2026, of which 2.5 billion euros will be allocated to distributed solar energy projects for families and companies, making a decisive contribution to the energy transition.

The world’s capacity to generate renewable electricity is expanding faster than ever, and EDP is well positioned to capture this growth globally. With a presence across Europe, South America, North America, and Asia-Pacific, we currently have more than 26.6 GW of renewable capacity installed worldwide and aim to add around 3 GW per year of renewables until 2026.

Implementing net-zero pledges demands collective effort, innovation, and stakeholder engagement. Conferences like the We Choose Earth Tour are crucial for mobilizing individuals and corporations to tackle the climate crisis and promote environmental and social preservation.

Are you also active in the field of green hydrogen and green gases – and what role do natural gas and LNG currently play?

Yes, EDP is active in the development of renewable hydrogen projects, having a dedicated business unit responsible for the creation of growth opportunities in this field. We are leveraging on our leading position in renewables, existing assets and competences, and innovation track record to successfully develop green molecules to complement our offer of energy solutions to our clients, supporting the decarbonization of all industries, including those hard to electrify.

EDP’s transition strategy away from fossil fuel operations is providing an opportunity for the development of renewable hydrogen hubs in sites of former coal power plants, maintaining the local and regional socioeconomic dynamics (and employability), leveraging on the know-how, industrial capability and premium location of these sites, our employees and our local business partners.

Today, EDP has a solid pipeline of renewable hydrogen projects, out of which ~500 MW are in advanced stage of development. We have one pilot project in operation in Brazil (1,25 MW that began operation in Dec-2022) and another pilot project under commissioning in Portugal (another 1,25 MW that should begin operations soon).

When it comes to commercial scale projects, our most advanced projects are in Portugal and in Spain, where we have projects between 5 and 150 MW, including 3 IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest) projects, 2 that have received Innovation Funds, and several with public funding secured through both national and European supporting instruments. In total, EDP has already secured ~400 M€ in public funding for the most mature projects and we expect to reach FID (Final Investment Decision) for some of them in the upcoming months.

While there are still significant challenges to overcome, hydrogen production is expected to grow massively by 2030 and beyond, and EDP, as a leader in the energy transition, has a business strategy fully aligned with this vision.

How do you see the future of nuclear power?

The energy transition should be approached in a way that positively impacts the economy and the welfare of citizens. Being realistic about affordability is essential, as the effort required on this transition is significant. So we at EDP advocate and work every day to achieve a diversified energy mix, combining many technologies, that can foster the transition while supporting the economy.

For this reason, it is important to prioritize technologies with a short time to market: in addition to renewables, battery storage is expected to play a crucial role in this diversified capacity mix. Nuclear is expensive and with a very long time to market so we do not see this technology playing a massive role in the next few years, apart from a few countries with specific conditions. Coal is doomed and must be removed from the mix, renewables will play the central part and gas will have a role as backup in the system.

How do you deal with negative electricity exchange prices when switching to more renewable energies? Will this jeopardize the financing of new projects?

We’ve seen a significant drop in energy prices throughout the last year after the spike following the invasion of Ukraine. Current prices reflect not only this normalization, but they’ve also been influenced by specific conditions in recent months: higher production coming from water, wind, and sun.

In Europe we have a high penetration of renewables, so when there’s a lot of renewable production, prices plummet, sometimes even going negative. We will continue to witness volatility in the market, so to keep investment in renewables attractive, it is important to have mechanisms that can give predictability and stability.

PPAs are an example of these mechanisms and give renewable energy producers this visibility while allowing companies that contract them to have price stability and clean energy. At EDP we have a strong track record in creating these partnerships with companies across a wide range of sectors, thus contributing to decarbonization efforts across the globe.

Government-promoted auctions are other mechanisms that are stable. Additionally, it’s crucial to introduce solutions like capacity mechanisms, ensuring certain technologies are available to operate, when necessary.

Are more energy storage, better coordination of energy generation and consumption and more and smarter grids the ideal way to achieve a more efficient, renewable electricity supply?

To meet the expected 60% increase in generation and consumption of electricity by 2030 in Europe, we need more and better investment in grids. To do this, we undoubtedly need to invest more in expanding grids, both transmission and distribution, but also to use the current grid assets more efficiently by investing in automation, digitalization, and just generally making the grids smarter.

We also need to be more innovative in the way we use existing grid connections. By enabling hybrid projects with multiple renewable technologies in the same interconnection point, we enhance grid use and create complementary technologies that promote a steady energy supply to the grid. Storage, on the other hand, can also help us promote a smarter use of the grid and avoid energy to be wasted.

The build-out of networks or the development of new renewable technologies, like other infrastructure projects, still face significant bottlenecks and we need a collective effort and strong political and regulatory support to get the infrastructure in place to accelerate the energy transition.

How much are you investing in this area? Do you already operate hybrid renewable plants coupled with storage systems on a large scale?

Hybridization is a logical growth path in the electricity generation industry, since it can promote a balance in availability of supply, energy prices, infrastructure optimization and a smaller environmental footprint.

So, we are looking to explore hybridization in its multiple forms: we were the first company to put into operation hybrid plants that combine wind and solar sources in Portugal, Spain and Poland and we’re looking to do so in other geographies where regulation allows it. We also inaugurated Europe’s largest solar energy production floating platform on a lake, the Alqueva floating solar plant installed in a reservoir that features the combination of hydro and a photovoltaic plant.

Our ambition doesn’t end here as we are looking to develop more hybrid assets by adding storage systems. We’ve recently launched a 200 MW solar energy park in California that includes a 40 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) that will generate enough energy to power approximately 68,000 average California homes annually. So we keep exploring options depending on the market conditions in which we operate, but always we the same premise of deploying more renewables and creating positive impact in the communities in which we operate.

Interview by Hans-Christoph Neidlein

Source link