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Eastern Europe – Moldova pushes investment in renewables – first tender launched

November 21, 2024 ryansheehanrts

The country, which covers an area of 33,843 square kilometers, is about the same size as Belgium and has a population of less than three million. It used to be heavily dependent on Russian energy imports, especially gas and electricity from the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria.

In order to make itself less dependent on Russia, the country is focusing on making its energy supply as renewable as possible and promoting the efficient use of energy, emphasized Carolina Novak, Secretary of State in the Moldovan Ministry of Energy recently at CISOLAR 2024 in Bucharest. The government is trying to encourage appropriate investments through targeted incentives.

The first renewable auction for PV and wind was recently launched. Successful investors receive fixed price guarantees for the electricity generated for a period of 15 years. The tendering phase runs until March 31, 2025.

First tender for 60 MW PV and 105 MW wind

The first tranche includes 60 MW of photovoltaics and 105 MW of wind power. The capacity limit for solar parks is 1 MW and for wind parks 4 MW. The ceiling prices for wind power is 77.88 €/MWh and for solar 86.7 €/MWh. The guaranteed fixed price will be determined through the auction procedure, but cannot exceed the ceiling price. Operational power plants can participate in tender, if the equipment is not older than 36 months from the commissioning date of the power plant. Also, large producers of renewable energy that win the auction will receive prioritized grid connection permits. The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) is the competent authority for the tenders.

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

“Through this auction, we aim to offer local and international companies the opportunity to invest in the Republic of Moldova,” said Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov. Private investment of €190 million is expected, along with an increase of almost 8% in the share of renewables in the national electricity mix, one year after the plants that have been awarded contracts go into operation. At the end of 2023, renewables accounted for 10.5% of national electricity consumption. In 2030, renewables are expected to contribute 30% to the national electricity mix and 27% to final energy consumption.

Solar potential of over 4.5 GW – promotion of energy efficiency

According to the International Renewable Agency (IRENA), Moldova had 87 MW of cumulative installed solar capacity by the end of 2023, up from 60 MW in 2022. Moldova has significant renewable energy potential, with estimates of 20,868 MW for wind energy, 4,648 MW for solar energy, 840 MW for hydro energy, and 850 MW for biomass.

Also interesting: Commercial Risk Guarantee Fund can secure doubling of 10 GW RES in Ukraine

Moldova aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 68.6 percent (compared to 1990 levels) by 2030 according to the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). To achieve this, the government is focusing not only on investment incentives for renewable energies but also on energy efficiency. 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.

Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Carolina Novac, talking at the scientific conference “Energy, Efficiency, Ecology and Education”, organized by the Association of Installation Engineers of the Republic of Moldova (AIIRM) in October 2024.

Secretary of State Novac, also stresses on the importance of the Energy Efficiency Fund in the residential sector, which foresees that in the next three years, about 507 thousand square meters of housing, of which about 75% residential buildings and 25% individual houses, will undergo renovations that will bring energy savings of up to 40%.

Also interesting: Montenegro on the road to more solar PV

“It is very important for us as a country, not having fossil energy sources, to reduce energy consumption as much as possible, and residential consumption accounts for 49 percent of the total energy consumed in Moldova. Energy efficiency measures are aimed at reducing our dependence on these resources that we import, we are committed to launching some programs and to give a boost to the national economy, to attract as many people as possible in this sector,” State Secrectry of the Moldovan Ministry of Energy, Novac says.

Whole package of measures for the energy transition

Further measures to establish a climate-neutral and secure energy supply in Moldova include incentives for battery storage, pumped storage, biogas and energy generation from waste to stabilize the grid and for dark, cloudy days, the promotion of energy sharing and energy communities, and grid expansion and digitization.

Also see: Central & Eastern Europe – Utility-scale storage market set to increase fivefold by 2030

The country is counting on closer integration with the EU, which was recently enshrined in the constitution by popular vote. Moldova also intends to join the International Solar Energy Alliance (ISA), which brings together 98 countries committed to expanding solar energy projects. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

ReBuild Ukraine – Commercial Risk Guarantee Fund can secure doubling of 10 GW RES in Ukraine

November 19, 2024 ryansheehanrts

After the large-scale war started by Russia since 2022 against Ukraine, more than a thousand attacks at energy infrastructure led to the total loss of available capacity of over 9 GW, half of which was restored; more than 18 GW of generation capacities are occupied.

Ukraine needs substantial quantities of new generating capacities, and thus it requires significant investments. Due to the cost competitiveness, safety, and speed of the construction, renewable energy is a solution. This was the topic described at the panel Renewable energy as an integral part of Ukraine’s energy system security and economic strength during the conference ReBuild Ukraine, on November 13-14, in Warsaw, moderated by Oleksandra Gumeniuk from European Energy.

The latest investments in RES in the conditions of war

Olga Yeriomina, Associate Director, Senior Banker, Energy Europe, EBRD, informed the audience about the latest deals in the energy sector, among others aimed at loan and equity financing RES during the war. Since the start of the war, the Bank has invested around €5 billion in Ukraine, with circa €2 billion directed towards the energy projects. In the course of 2024, EBRD lended €60 million for its first private biofuels investment in wartime Ukraine and formed a renewable energy joint venture with the GOLDBECK SOLAR Group for Ukraine that targets development of up to 500 MWp of solar PV projects. The Bank has also mobilized new de-risking and risk-sharing tools from the European Union and other development organizations for over €600 million and more new announcements to come.

We are open for new investments in the renewable energy sector in Ukraine; the regulatory framework is improving, and reforms are aligned with the EU requirements progressing; however, there is still a problem of project bankability, specifically the offtake agreements, uncertainty of the revenue streams, and electricity market volatility, stressed out Olga Yeriomina.

The concept of the Commercial Risk Guarantee Fund

Following the point of the bankability challenges, Oleksandr Melnyk, Board Member, European-Ukrainian Energy Agency (EUEA) and Partner at GOLAW, presented the Commercial Risks Guarantee Fund concept, which was initiated by the EUEA and the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association.

To be established by the international financial organizations Commercial Risks Guarantee Fund will secure private RES companies from fluctuations on the electricity market by guaranteeing a minimum price for electricity, explained Oleksandr Melnyk. „We support the concept of Fund, as it can be a key driver for future investment viability, aiming to increase the resilience of the Ukrainian energy system and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects in Ukraine“, added a EBRD representative.

Successful cases of the private sector

OKKO Group’s €20 million investment in Battery Energy Storage Systems and the acquisition of a 150 MW wind project in Volyn underscore private sector engagement.
KNESS, a leader in BESS development, shared its success in winning TSO Ukrenergo’s ancillary service auctions for 79 MW and emphasized the transformative potential of BESS as a key instrument for developing new business models beyond ancillary service, contributing to the creation of Ukraine’s new energy system.

Also see: Partnership for more solar and battery storage in the Ukraine

While sectoral associations like the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine contribute to the development of RES instruments as the active consumer model, solar power plants for self-consumption, and corporate PPAs, renewable initiatives are bolstered by international cooperation, like Deloitte’s Future of Ukraine Program, which emphasizes partnerships and knowledge sharing.

NedZero, the wind energy association of the Netherlands, emphasizes partnership and knowledge sharing. With this in mind, the organization will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association later this month during the Offshore Energy Exhibition and Conference in Amsterdam. NedZero is also aiming at setting up a consortium of Dutch companies with the purpose of implementing concrete wind energy projects in Ukraine, pointed out Bert van der Lingen, Vice Chairman, NedZero.

Also see: Backup solar power for Ukrainian hospitals

During two days of the whole Energy Conference at ReBuild Ukraine, prominent speakers from the Government of Lithuania reiterated the necessity of energy independence, supporting Ukraine’s aim for resilience. The UK, Poland, and Norway government representatives stressed renewables as essential for security, and the European Commission detailed ongoing efforts to de-risk investments through structured dialogues with financial sectors.

27% RES target by 2030

DFC’s political risk insurance, IFC support, as well as the Energy Community’s Energy Support Fund are making an incredible contribution to the energy sector recovery and development, which is crucial taking into account the clearly established 27% RES target by 2030 to double the current 10 GW of capacity within five years in Ukraine under the National Energy and Climate Plan.

In closing, panelists reaffirmed that renewable energy is not only crucial for a sustainable future but also integral to Ukraine’s national security and resilience. Immediate support and innovative investments are essential for rebuilding Ukraine’s energy landscape with advanced, clean technologies. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

IRENA is calling for ambitious NDC updates

November 11, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Released at the opening of the UN Climate Conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Agency’s 1.5°C Scenario outlines a net-zero path by midcentury, offering a framework for governments to develop energy transition strategies that better align energy planning with climate policies to channel investment.

The Outlook shows that current country pledges could cut global energy-related CO2 emissions by 3% by 2030 and 51% by 2050. Achieving the global goals of tripling renewable power capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, as agreed at COP28, would keep the energy transition on track for net-zero emissions by 2050. These 2030 targets are crucial to limiting global temperature rise to below 1.5°C, as underscored by the UAE Consensus.

However, a significant gap remains between political announcements and actual county plans and policies. National plans and targets are set to deliver only half of the required growth in renewable power by 2030. Investments in renewable power, grids and flexibility, energy efficiency and conservation must increase dramatically to meet the renewable energy and efficiency goals, totalling USD 31.5 trillion from 2024-2030.

Large geographical disparities regarding renewable investments

There are also large geographical disparities in terms of renewable additions and investments, causing inequalities in the global energy transition. While renewable investment has generally been on the rise, it remains concentrated in a few countries, leaving much of the Global South behind.

Also see: Azerbaijan – More renewables and more gas for Europe

Moreover, with over 70% energy supply, fossil fuels continue to dominate the energy mix in several of the biggest economies, the world’s largest CO2 emitters. To meet the 1.5°C target, the G20 must triple its installed renewable power capacity by 2030, reaching 9,400 gigawatts (GW), and expand it seven-fold by 2050 to 24,900 GW, compared to 2023 levels.

We have reached crunch time. A robust global finance deal and the next NDCs (nationally determined contributions) in 2025 are ‘make or break’ moments to keep 1.5°C alive. NDCs 3.0 provide the last opportunity this decade for countries to step up their stated ambitions. Particularly, an agreement on a new quantified goal for climate finance at COP29 is critical to ensure a just transition, support investments in the Global South and empower countries to step up their NDC ambitions. 1.5°C hinges on efforts by G20 countries. Their NDCs must match global commitments to triple renewable power capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.

Stronger and more flexible power grid networks

Under IRENA’s 1.5°C Scenario, renewable energy sources would provide the bulk of the power mix, accounting for 68% and 91% of the total electricity supply by 2030 and 2050, respectively. By 2050, a deep transformation of the power and end-use sectors is required to enable the high shares of renewable energy required by the transition.

Globally, the expansion of renewable electricity will facilitate the transition away from fossil fuels in the power sector. Fossil fuels will significantly shrink from a dominant share of 61% in the global power generation mix today, to 24% by 2030 and further to 4% by 2050.

Also interesting: „We shouldn’t be quick to judge COP29 host“

Transitioning the current power system from fossil fuels to renewables requires stronger and more flexible power grid networks. This can be provided by energy storage solutions, demand-side management, and sector coupling technologies and strategies. Particularly, energy storage is one technical key enabler towards a fully decarbonised, 100% renewable power system.

As countries prepare for the third round of NDCs in 2025, it is crucial that they better align with national energy plans and net-zero targets. IRENA is already working with 101 Parties of the Paris Agreement on the upgrade and implementation of NDCs. Coherent national energy and climate strategies facilitate transparency, attract investment, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy.

Public finance throug reduction of fossil fuel subsidies

International collaboration can secure the significant increase in finance needed for a just transition that maximises socio-economic benefits. This could be facilitated by new sources of funding such as the global wealth tax championed by this year’s G20, emphasising equity, social or environmental responsibility.

Also see: IRENA monitors progress of renewable and energy efficiency goals

There is also a need for huge amounts of public finance to de-risk projects in high-risk countries and fund crucial infrastructure. Such funding could in part come from a reduction in fossil fuel subsidies, as the new World Energy Transitions Outlook 2024 of IRENA shows. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Investments Western Balkons – Albania: 140 MW PV project with bifacial modules

October 17, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Karavasta Solar was initiated following a call for tenders by the Albanian government for this project in 2022 and won by Voltalia, an international player in renewable energies. Trina Solar has partnered with Voltalia for this project and has been selected to provide its ultra-high performance Vertex dual-glass bifacial modules. They are mounted on single-axis trackers to suit the flat terrain of the plant, offering an installed capacity of 140 MWp.

The project is estimated to be live by end of 2023. It is set to yield 265 GWh per year, covering the annual electricity needs of 220,000 inhabitants and saving approximately 29,165 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

PPA revenue model

Karavasta Solar is developed, built and operated by Voltalia, is financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ERBD) and will feature a PPA revenue model. This implies that 50% of the electricity produced will be sold through a 15-year sales contract to the Albanian public operator, while the remainder will be sold through long-term contracts to private operators.

Demonstrating Voltalia’s commitment to caring for the communities in which their projects are based, 1% of the company’s total investment in Karavasta Solar will go towards social initiatives in the area. Additionally, 30% or more of the workforce is sourced from the local community in Albania during both construction and operation. Around 200 people are employed during construction of the project, and during operation, there will be 10-15 direct employees and 20-50 indirect employees working on site.

Did you miss that? Albania: Push for subsidy-free solar farms

Constantin von Alvensleben, Country Manager of Voltalia Albania said: “Having launched Karavasta Solar in the summer of 2022, it’s incredible to be working with Trina Solar to bring the project to life. We are dedicated to a cleaner, brighter future for all in a way that also directly benefits the communities where our projects are based, so we look forward to completing the project and seeing the difference it makes to the area.”

Vanguard 1P single-row trackers to be installed

Gonzalo de la Viña, President EMEA at Trina Solar, added: “Our involvement in the Karavasta Solar project is another significant milestone for Trina Solar in expanding our footprint in the fast-growing Balkan region. We are thrilled that Voltalia have chosen our modules for the Karavasta Solar site. I have no doubt that together we will make an extraordinary impact on the local community and beyond as we continue our efforts to drive the energy transition forward.

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“Not only is this the largest project in the region, but it comes off the back of another major project in Albania, which was our first project to implement our Vanguard 1P single-row tracker. Our leading presence in the region highlights our commitment to delivering innovative solar solutions in Eastern Europe“, de la Viña said. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

IRENA report – PV 56 % cheaper than fossil fuels or nuclear

September 25, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Renewables remain competitive despite fossil fuel prices returning closer to historical cost levels, concludes Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2023, released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at the Global Renewables Summit during the UN General Assembly in New York.

Of the record 473 gigawatts (GW) added in 2023, 81% or 382 GW of newly commissioned, utility-scale renewable projects had lower costs than their fossil fuel-fired alternatives.

IRENA’s new report shows that after decades of falling costs and improving technology particularly for solar and wind, the socio-economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy deployment are now uniquely compelling.

4 US-cents/kWh average PV costs globally

With a spectacular decline in costs to around four US cents per kilowatt hour in just one year, solar photovoltaics (PV)’s global costs in 2023 were 56% lower than fossil fuel and nuclear options. Overall, the renewable power deployed globally since 2000 has saved up to USD 409 billion in fuel costs in the power sector.

IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera said: “Renewable power remains cost-competitive vis-à-vis fossil fuels. The virtuous cycle of long-term support policies has accelerated renewables. In return, growth has led to technology improvements and cost reductions. Prices for renewables are no excuse anymore, on the contrary. The record growth of renewables in 2023 exemplifies this. Low-cost renewables represent a key incentive to significantly increase ambition and triple renewable power capacity by 2030, as modelled by IRENA and set by the UAE Consensus at COP28”.

Battery storage projects costs dropped by 89% since 2010

Achieving the tripling renewables target requires global renewable capacity to reach 11.2 terawatts (TW) by 2030, adding an average of 1044 GW of new capacity annually through 2030. 8.5 TW would come from solar PV and onshore wind alone according to IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook.

Most importantly, the tripling goal must be accompanied by key energy transition enablers, such as storage. Battery storage project costs have dropped by 89% between 2010 and 2023, facilitating the integration of high shares of solar and wind capacity by helping address grid infrastructure challenges.

Also see: Large battery storage systems as new champions

La Camera added: “In the coming years, remarkable growth across all renewable energy sources is expected, giving countries great economic opportunities. Our analysis indicates that solar PV and onshore wind will have the biggest impacts on the tripling of renewables. Thanks to low-cost renewables in the global market, policy makers have an immediate solution at hand to reduce fossil fuels dependency, limit the economic and social damage of carbon-intensive energy use, drive economic development and harness energy security benefits.”

12% less costs for PV from new projects in 2023

In 2023, the global weighted average cost of electricity from newly commissioned renewable projects across most technologies fell, for solar PV by 12%, for onshore wind by 3%, for offshore wind by 7%, for concentrating solar power by 4% and for hydropower by 7%, the new IRENA report unveils.

In non-OECD economies where electricity demand is growing and new capacity is needed, renewable power generation projects with lower costs than fossil fuel-fired equivalents for their country and region will significantly reduce electricity system costs over the life of their operation.

Huge savings with renewables

In 2023, Asia registered the highest cumulative savings in the period between 2000-2010, estimated at USD 212 billion, followed by Europe with USD 88 billion and South America with an estimated USD 53 billion.

Also see: Rising energy demand affecting the pace of the energy transition

Renewable power generation has become the default source of least-cost new power generation. Policy makers and stakeholders should focus on ensuring that policies, regulations, market structures, support instruments, de-risking mechanisms, and financing are all rapidly aligned with the tripling target and submitted in the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement in 2025. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

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

September 17, 2024 ryansheehanrts

How is your business in the polish solar business described best?

Piotr Pysniak: Greto Polska is a premium distributor of high-quality pv components, including solar modules, inverters, energy storage systems and EV chargers. Our primary focus is on supplying products to wholesalers and large-scale ground projects. We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, offering expert advice to ensure optimal solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients.

More news and insigts about the Polish market

What brands does Greto Polska supply?

As an authorized distributor for leading brands such as JA Solar, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, SolaX Power, FoxESS and Sungrow we ensure that our customers receive the most reliable and advanced technology available. In addition, we provide expert consultation services.

DRI moves forward with 133 MW battery storage project in Trzebinia

What does this mean?

We help our clients to identify and implement the best solutions tailored to their specific needs. Our reach extends beyond Poland, with a strong presence in several European markets such as Germany and Romania, among others. Our team is dedicated to fostering long-term relationships with customers by offering personalized support and strategic advice to optimize investments in renewable energy.

Polish Development Bank signs financing agreement with R.Power

Is your focus on the national, the European or international market?

We are focused on consolidating our presence in Poland while actively expanding our relationships with customers across Europe. Our primary emphasis is on the German market, but we remain attentive to emerging trends and opportunities in other countries as well.

Strategic partnership of Menlo Electric and Sungrow

What main trends in the polish pv business do you expect for the next 12 months?

By the end of this year, the photovoltaic market in Poland will face several significant challenges that could impact the industry’s dynamics, such as a slowing growth rate. After a period of rapid expansion driven by attractive support programs and rising energy prices, the market is beginning to stabilize, with the pace of new installations noticeably slowing. Changes in settlement systems and increased caution among investors could further dampen demand.

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Why are the customers more cautious than before?

The current economic environment is characterized by high inflation and rising living costs. That is why many potential customers tend to delay investment decisions, awaiting stabilization or new forms of support. Another topic are falling prices for pv components.

Fires in PV systems: Risk assessment and safety solutions

How do the prices influence the demand?

An oversupply of products in the market, especially photovoltaic panels, may lead to further price reductions. While this could encourage customer investments, it may negatively impact the margins of installation companies and distributors.

Joachim Goldbeck: “Negative electricity prices are a bad fit with PPAs”

In 2023, Poland had installed more than 4 GW. How much will it be at the end of this year?

The number of new photovoltaic installations in 2024 may be lower than in previous years. However, the market is not expected to collapse entirely. A stabilization at a lower level may occur, with component prices playing a key role in demand. Finally, market consolidation might be the result of all the aspects mentioned. In response to oversupply and the slowdown in the photovoltaic economy – in Poland and Europe, we expect a further market consolidation, with weaker companies being acquired by stronger players or exiting the market completely.

Interview conducted by Manfred Gorgus

Central and Eastern Europe increasingly in the solar gigawatt class

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Solar Energy

Billion-euro equity partnership for renewables

September 13, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Each partner will own 50% of the completed portfolio, with Better Energy managing the parks’ development, construction and technical operation. The two companies have also outlined joint ambitions for energy storage and nature and biodiversity initiatives within the portfolio.

First four solar parks are ready-to-build

The first four solar parks are expected to be built in the Danish municipalities of Sorø, Vordingborg, Guldborgsund and Næstved. All four parks are expected to start production this year or next year. Collectively, the parks will have a capacity of around 750 MW, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 490,000 Danes. If all 15 parks are constructed, the total capacity is expected to be around 2 GW, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 1.3 million Danes.

The impact of the partnership is far-reaching, as noted by Rasmus Lildholdt Kjær, CEO of Better Energy:

“Our partnership with Andel will directly impact the green transition in Denmark. We can all be proud that Andel, one of Denmark’s largest companies in terms of revenue, will soon be able to call itself one of Denmark’s largest co-owners of green energy production on land. We are in a hurry, and the speed of the green transition is crucial for the world we will live in 10, 20, 30 years from now. This agreement is a significant step in the right direction.”

Jesper Hjulmand, CEO of Andel, describes the partnership as a decisive leap forward for the energy conglomerate in terms of renewable energy production:

“We are in the midst of a very serious climate crisis that requires our action urgently. Wind and solar power on land is the fastest way to expand our renewable energy in Denmark. Consequently, it is only natural that we increase our commitment to solar power. This is a very ambitious agreement that will increase the total production of renewable energy in Denmark and which will also have a significant effect in relation to Andel’s goal of our production of renewable energy reaching 10 TWh in 2035”.

For Jesper Hjulmand, Better Energy is the right partner:

“It is important for Andel to combat climate change and ensure renewable energy for our cooperative owners and customers. We are now doing exactly this with Better Energy. Together we have a keen eye for community dialogue and engagement to create local value, as well as an integrated focus on considering climate and nature in the development of energy parks.”

Did you miss that? More solar PPAs in Denmark

Mark Augustenborg Ødum, CFO of Better Energy, explains Better Energy’s partnership model, which essentially involves inviting co-owners who share a vision to accelerate the green transition:

“As a partner, you enter a portfolio of energy parks. Through this partnership, Andel gains direct ownership of green energy production in Denmark, and Better Energy can continue to increase the pace of expanding renewable energy across our markets in Denmark, Poland, Sweden, and Finland.”

Additional Facts about the Partnership

The proposed energy parks will enter the portfolio once permits are obtained and they enter the ready-to-build phase. For all projects it has been a priority throughout the planning process and local dialogues, to achieve as broad acceptance as possible among the population and authorities in the local communities – e.g. through nature initiatives, adaptations of project areas, fauna passages, recreational initiatives near town areas, and path systems. The joint ownership of the energy parks does not include the joint sale of energy. Each party will sell its share of the power, and marketing and customer contact will also be handled separately.

The solar parks ready for construction are:

In Sorø municipality, a park is being built near Vedde, with a capacity of 107 MW and an expected annual production of approximately 108 GWh, equivalent to the average electricity consumption of 68,000 Danes in a year.

In Vordingborg municipality, a park is being built near Køng Mose, with a capacity of 187 MW and an expected annual production of approximately 198 GWh, equivalent to the average electricity consumption of 124,000 Danes in a year.

Also interesting: Denmark: New solar park promotes biodiversity

In Guldborgsund municipality, a park is being built near Radsted and Grænge, with a capacity of 329 MW and an expected annual production of approximately 349 GWh, equivalent to the average electricity consumption of 218,000 Danes in a year.

In Næstved municipality, a park is being built near Saltø, with a capacity of 120 MW with the expected annual production still to be calculated. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Climate protection – “Outrage merchants” fuel climate disinformation

September 10, 2024 ryansheehanrts

“It’s no longer just the fossil fuel industry that is calling climate change and climate protection measures into question with campaigns worth billions,” emphasized Jennie King, Head of Climate and Research at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (London). In addition, there are “outrage merchants” and “hostile state actors”. King explained this at a webinar of the global media network Covering Climate Now (CCN), which took place in cooperation with the NGO coalition Climate Action Against Disinformation (CAAD).

Social media as a crucial mouthpiece

Social media, with its global penetration, click-through logic and algorithmic amplification, is a crucial mouthpiece for disinformation. This gives climate deniers additional attention and influence, which also spills over into the traditional media.

Be it that angry citizens try to intimidate or personally defame weather presenters with hate speech online and place them in the corner of paid “system chatterers” or “wokers” or “left-green ideologues”. Or that influencers use false or contradictory claims about climate change and climate protection to knit their own business models around the “attention economy”, sometimes as an extension of fossil fuel industry players.

Conspiracy theorists and climate deniers hand in hand

Conspiracy theories are also increasingly going hand in hand with climate denial, emphasized King. For example, by branding climate activists as advocates of a new imperialism or as aloof elites. At the same time, the discourse of climate deniers is shifting into their own bubbles, be it closed forums or special platforms. This makes it all the more difficult to reach them with rational arguments and to counter the agitation, which can ultimately lead to physical violence. The murder of two climate activists in Panama is the saddest recent example of increasing aggression, which is also finding its way into the political mainstream of society.

Stoking fears about climate protection measures

King also sees a trend where disinformation about climate change is no longer aimed at denying global warming itself, but at planned climate protection measures and solutions. There are often attempts to suggest that practical climate protection measures are intended to take away people’s civil liberties. She also referred to the German debate on the Heating Act and heat pumps.

“It doesn’t really matter if 99% of the public believe in climate change. If they are still confused about the viable ways forward, or if they manage to stir up real fears and doubts about the solutions that are on the table, then it leads to the same result: no legislative agenda, no meaningful policy proposals, no action on the ground. So they’re trying to slow down that policy-making process,” King recently told National Public Radio (NPR) in the US.

Also interesting: Global leaders tackle funding gap for sustainable development

Questioning greenwashing

King counts authoritarian regimes such as Russia and oil states such as Saudi Arabia among the hostile state actors that deliberately question climate protection. Oil states in particular, just like fossil fuel industries, skillfully use the communication keyboard to sell their supposedly progressive climate protection efforts to the public as well as possible (greenwashing).

This makes it all the more important to take a closer look and ask what companies such as Shell mean by net zero and what percentage of their profits they actually invest in renewable energies, emphasized Jessica Green, a political scientist at the University of Toronto (Canada). The same applies to oil-producing countries such as Nigeria or Dubai, added Frederick Mugira, water and climate journalist and founder of the “Water Journalists Africa” network (Uganda).

Did you miss that? Sustainable investment without greenwashing

Critically examining the functions of stakeholders

It is also important to critically examine the functions of stakeholders who have taken up the cause of climate protection. As a prominent example, Mugira cited the President of the COP 28 in Dubai, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, head of the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and President of the state-owned renewable energy company Masdar.

Jenny King also advised all media and NGO representatives attending the UN Climate Change Conferences to take digital security seriously in order to prevent data theft or misuse of smartphones, laptops or tablets. She considers the use of public Wi-Fi, scanning QR codes or using facial recognition instead of passwords to access your own device to be no-goes.

Help for the fact check

A number of international databases and research aids are available for fact-checking in the climate sector and for lobbying actors, as was made clear at the webinar. These include CCNow, CAAD, DeSmog and CSSN (Climate Social Science Network). (hcn)

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Solar Energy

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

August 7, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Eurelectric’s Grids for Speed study shows that distribution grid investments should increase from an average €33 billion to €67 billion per year from 2025 to 2050, roughly 20% of what the EU spent on fossil fuel imports in 2023. Getting the grid up to speed will significantly reduce fossil fuel imports, create more than 2 million jobs, bring greater energy savings and deliver more reliable power supply while accelerating the decarbonisation of Europe’s economy.

Societal shifts are changing Europe’s energy system at a disruptive speed. By 2050, electricity will make up 60% of final energy use compared to 23% today, renewable capacity will have increased six-fold from 2020 with 70% of renewable generation and storage connecting at distribution level. Connection requests are increasing faster than grid modernisation and will continue to grow as electrification of end-use sectors progresses. These developments put a strain on the grid.

Massive grid investments and grid-friendly flexibility

To relieve the strain, annual investments into new and modernised infrastructure, including digitalisation, should reach €67 billion from 2025 to 2050, around 0.4% of EU GDP., the new Grids for Speed study shows. Forward-looking grid strategies such as anticipatory investments, optimal asset management and grid-friendly flexibility could lower this to €55 billion per year if properly implemented. Failure to invest would jeopardise 74% of prospective connections in key decarbonisation technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps and renewables. Investing, on the contrary, will accelerate electrification and help the EU save €309 billion every year on fossil fuel imports from 2040 to 2050.

“For a successful energy transition the EU needs massive amounts of additional grid capacity. Investment volumes for distribution system operators needs to double. Whilst this will require a significant ramp up, the cost of not investing is even higher. To succeed we need attractive returns for investors to be able to finance it, technology and fast electrification to manage the distribution fees. ”– says Eurelectric’s President and E.ON CEO Leonhard Birnbaum.

Also the supply chain has to scale up

Scaling grid investments requires a dual effort. National authorities should implement the agreed legislation – such as anticipatory investments – while adapting the regulatory regime to support the investment surge. This means eliminating investments caps, fast-tracking grid permitting and procurement procedures and de-risking investments to spur private funding while opening up of public financing through EU budget.

Also interesting: Joint initiative for a competitive decarbonized European industry

Futureproofing the grid also depends on the supply chain’s capability to scale. Even if the necessary investments are met, current shortages of copper, a talent deficit, extended manufacturing lead times and transformers’ costs can hamper infrastructure development. Such bottlenecks must be addressed through strategic planning, enhanced collaboration between policymakers and industries and new training initiatives to ensure a skilled workforce.

Eurelectric calls on policymakers both at national and regional level to secure grid investments, strengthen supply chains and unleash the societal benefits of Grids for Speed. (hcn)

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