HGK Shipping is a European inland waterway shipping company operating a fleet of 350 vessels. With annual freight figures in the region of 43 million tonnes, HGK Shipping is considered a leading player in European dry bulk, gas and chemical transport. Wattlab, which is also active in the seagoing shipping industry, brings broad maritime experience to this pioneering project.
Wattlab has previously worked with HGK Shipping. In Q2 2024, HGK’s 135-metre-long dry cargo vessel MS Helios made headlines (and entered the Guinness Book of Records) for having the world’s largest solar panel installation on an inland shipping vessel. The MS Helios is equipped with 312 solar panels.
Fully integrated
The solar energy systems of the Helios and the Blue Marlin differ in one critical aspect. Unlike the Helios, where solar energy was used exclusively for low-voltage onboard (hotel) systems, the Blue Marlin features a more advanced, fully integrated system capable of contributing power directly to the ship’s high-voltage electric propulsion.
This, says Wattlab co-founder and COO David Kester, is a technical milestone. “The Blue Marlin’s 192 solar panels are not only connected to the low-voltage onboard systems but also to the high-voltage propulsion network. This means that HGK Shipping can proudly state that they are the first inland shipping company to operate a vessel that uses solar power directly for propulsion.”
Automated energy management
Delivering up to 35 kilowatts under optimal conditions, the Blue Marlin’s solar power system will operate in conjunction with four diesel generators powering the electric propulsion system. This fully integrated setup enables ‘peak shaving’, where the combination of solar energy and batteries prevents the need to activate an additional generator during high-demand periods. The system’s automated energy management distributes electrical energy where and when it is required, increasing efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
“Furthermore, in situations where the ship is lightly loaded and travelling downstream, we anticipate that it may even sail using only solar power for limited periods – an unprecedented achievement in the inland shipping sector,” continues Kester.
Downtime less than week
“We have already reached a significant technical milestone with the construction of the Helios, which has had a noticeably positive impact. The Blue Marlin now goes one step further by also using solar energy for the power train. It makes another important contribution to making shipping, which is already a low-emission mode of transport, even more sustainable. We are excited to see how this innovative solution will prove itself in practical operation,” says Tim Gödde, Director Ship Management at HGK.
Installation of the Blue Marlin’s solar panels took place at De Gerlien van Tiem shipyard, with Wattlab cooperating closely with Blommaert Aluminium and Van Tiem Electro. “We have been working with these partners for some time now – on multiple vessels – so have managed to really optimise the processes. The Blue Marlin is a new-build vessel; it took about one week for installation followed by a few days for commissioning,” adds Kester. “Considering a similar-sized retrofit project, we estimate that a shipowner would be looking at a downtime of no more than one week.”
Scalable solutions for coastal and seagoing vessels
This project also marks a broader evolution in maritime decarbonisation strategies. As regulatory pressure increases and fuel prices fluctuate, shipowners and operators are looking to diversify their energy mix. Wattlab’s scalable solar solutions are available not only for inland waterways, but also for coastal and seagoing vessels. (hcn)
According to an analysis by The smarter E Europe on the international market launch of e-mobility, Germany leads with a high proportion of electric vehicles in its fleet. At the end of 2024, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) made up nearly 4% of the total passenger car fleet. This puts Germany ahead of the USA (1.7%), South Korea (2.1%), and Japan (0.7%).
In absolute terms, the USA leads the way with 4.8 million electrified vehicles, followed by Germany with 2.4 million, Japan and South Korea with over 500,000 BEVs and PHEVs each. It is noteworthy that in the bus segment, South Korea and the USA have significantly more electric vehicles on the roads than Germany – around three times as many.
Germany, Belgium and Netherlands are the drivers
The picture in the EU is mixed. While new passenger car registrations fell by 3.4% in February 2025, BEV sales rose by 28.4% to 255,489 units. This increased the market share of fully electric vehicles to 15.2%. Three of the four largest markets contributed significantly to the growth of BEVs:
Germany: +41%
Belgium: +38%
Netherlands: +25%
Only France recorded a decline of 1.3%. Nevertheless, France remains a stable market with over 183,000 new registrations in February. Overall, the momentum of e-mobility in Europe remains positive.
As of 1 January 2025, the total number of passenger cars in Germany was 49,339,166. This included 3.35 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 1.96 million plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
In February 2025, 17.7% of vehicles sold in Germany were electric and 9.6% were plug-in hybrids. In the period from March 2024 to February 2025, the figures were 14.3% for electric vehicles and 7.16% for plug-in hybrids.
With a political target of 15 million electric cars in 2025 (= 100%), 11.3% electric and 6.5% plug-in hybrids were achieved, which corresponds to about one-fifth of the target.
Significant expansion of the charging infrastructure
The charging infrastructure in Germany was significantly expanded in 2024, with around 30,000 new charging points and an additional 1.5 GW of installed charging capacity added. This represents an increase of 39.0% in the number of charging points and 25.4% in charging capacity compared to 2023. Demand is met at 122% across Germany and 73% in the five largest cities, pointing to regional expansion potential and structural deficits.
E-mobility is the focus of the Power2Drive Europe trade fair, which is taking place under the umbrella of The smarter E Europe from 7 to 9 May in Munich. (hcn)
According to a analysis by The smarter E Europe on the international market launch of e-mobility, Germany stands out with a high proportion of electric vehicles in its vehicle fleet, as The smarter E Europe has now announced in a market analysis. At the end of 2024, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) accounted for almost 4% of the total passenger car fleet. This puts Germany ahead of the USA (1.7%), South Korea (2.1%) and Japan (0.7%).
In absolute terms, the USA leads the way with 4.8 million electrified vehicles, followed by Germany with 2.4 million, Japan and South Korea with over 500,000 BEVs and PHEVs each. It is striking that in the bus segment, South Korea and the USA have significantly more electric vehicles on the roads than Germany – around three times as many.
Germany, Belgium and Netherlands are the drivers
The picture in the EU is mixed. While new passenger car registrations fell by 3.4% in February 2025, BEV sales rose by 28.4% to 255,489 units. This increased the market share of fully electric vehicles to 15.2%. Three of the four largest markets contributed significantly to the growth of BEVs:
Germany: +41%
Belgium: +38%
Netherlands: +25%
Only France recorded a decline of 1.3%. Nevertheless, France remains a stable market with over 183,000 new registrations in February. Overall, the momentum of e-mobility in Europe remains positive.
As of 1 January 2025, the total number of passenger cars in Germany was 49,339,166. This included 3.35 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 1.96 million plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
In February 2025, 17.7% of vehicles sold in Germany were electric and 9.6% were plug-in hybrids. In the period from March 2024 to February 2025, the figures were 14.3% for electric vehicles and 7.16% for plug-in hybrids.
With a political target of 15 million electric cars in 2025 (= 100%), 11.3% electric and 6.5% plug-in hybrids were achieved, which corresponds to about one-fifth of the target.
Significant expansion of the charging infrastructure
The charging infrastructure in Germany was significantly expanded in 2024, with around 30,000 new charging points and an additional 1.5 GW of installed charging capacity added. This represents an increase of 39.0% in the number of charging points and 25.4% in charging capacity compared to 2023. Demand is met at 122% across Germany and 73% in the five largest cities, pointing to regional expansion potential and structural deficits.
E-mobility is the focus of the Power2Drive Europe trade fair, which is taking place under the umbrella of The smarter E Europe from 7 to 9 May in Munich. (hcn)
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 ways to consume the generated solar electricity on site. With one project, 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 homeowner was able to increase on-site consumption of solar power – significantly reducing grid feed-in and the associated costs. The owner of the 50-year-old single-family home in Lekkerkerk operates a 15-kilowatt solar system on his roof, which has so far covered most of his electricity needs. In addition, the system, which is oversized for a typical single-family home, has generated a substantial energy surplus. Since August 2024, this surplus has incurred 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.
To achieve this, however, the homeowner required a device with continuously variable control. This was the only way to ensure optimal use of every surplus kilowatt-hour of available solar power for both domestic hot water and space heating. This task is now handled by the My PV heating rod, which offers stepless control and real-time tracking via the My PV cloud.
Self-consumption increased by half
The results are clear: by using solar power in combination with a heating rod, the homeowner was able to increase their self-consumption rate from 54% to 85% across two comparable days, each with nearly identical solar generation of 23 kilowatt-hours. As a result, the amount of electricity exported to the grid was reduced from 10.5 to 3.6 kilowatt-hours.
Based on the improvement in self-consumption during the first few months of operation, the homeowner is projected to save over €450 in feed-in fees over the course of a year. With a surplus of 48 percent of the solar power generated, he would otherwise feed 7,525 kilowatt-hours into the grid annually, incurring a charge of €787. Thanks to higher self-consumption through photovoltaic heating, he is now expected to feed in just 3,213 kilowatt-hours per year. According to calculations by My PV planners, this would reduce the fees to just €330. (su)
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.
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.
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)
The regulatory landscape for BESS in Europe is influenced by EU directives aimed at accelerating the shift to cleaner energy sources. Notable policies include the Clean Energy for All Europeans Package and the European Green Deal, which emphasize the uptake of energy storage technologies. However, each country adopts its own set of regulations and at different pace, which can significantly impact the attractiveness of BESS investments. These regulations influence areas such as:
– Market access and participation rules
– Tariffs and fees related to electricity consumption and storage
– Incentives and support mechanisms for renewable energy and storage solutions
– Safety and environmental standards for energy storage technologies
Different revenue models & market maturity
Revenue generation for BESS is derived from various sources, including energy arbitrage, capacity markets, frequency regulation services, and ancillary services. The availability of these revenue streams varies by region based on market structures and regulations. Market maturity reflects the level of development of the energy market, the deployment of technology, and the investment climate for BESS projects. Mature markets tend to offer more robust regulatory support and established business models.
In the following BESS business cases in selected countries
Germany
Germany is the most developed market for CCE in continental Europe. It offers a dynamic environment, and we currently have one project in construction and three more in preparation with a total of approximately 50 MW. Our target is to grow our operational portfolio to around 250 MW, complemented with further assets on the medium voltage and high-voltage levels, in the course of 2026. The market is developing rapidly: CAPEX has fallen by around 30% since the beginning of the year, commercialization and financing strategies are maturing and therefore offering investors an ecosystem that supports growth.
Irrespective of our individual developments at CCE, we can see increasing capacities in Germany.The major bottleneck is and remains the availability of grid connections; local grid operators are becoming increasingly defensive regarding the operational mode of storage facilities. These limitations will impact the business case of future projects and potentially call into question the investment itself. Action on regulatory level is crucial to provide guidance to the many decentralized local grid operators in what ways BESS contributes positively to the grid efficiency. Further clarifications on the (in)famous BKZ (Baukostenzuschuss) and procedures for grid connection acceptance need to be implemented to provide the necessary certainty for BESS investors.
Italy
Italy’s energy regulations adequately support the integration of renewable sources and energy storage. The country has been implementing policy measures to enhance energy efficiency and promote decarbonization through the national energy strategy. The capacity market introduced by the Italian government and future programs such as MACSE provide opportunities for flexible power generation technologies, including BESS. The market is expanding, but the potential for revenue generation is somewhat limited compared to Germany due to the less developed ancillary services market. Italy’s BESS market is in a transitional phase, with recent regulatory changes attracting increased investment and installation, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors.
In Italy, we find a very competitive market and yet, a clear business case for BESS still needs to be defined.Following the recent tenders for the capacity market, in which three BESS projects were also awarded a contract, it will be important to continue adapting the business models. This will likely involve a combination of merchant, capacity market and MACSE models, which will need to find a balance in line with investors’ return expectations. CCE is developing a portfolio of over 1.3 GW of BESS projects across Italy. As in Germany, the grid connection is the main limiting factor here. Thanks to years of experience in the country and many secured sites in the PV sector, we can also convert these existing sites into BESS sites or add BESS to the PV sites.
France
In France, we are at a relatively early stage and busy developing the business case; CCE France’s project pipeline currently comprises three projects. Due to the high base load capacity in the country, there is somewhat less volatility here, but green energy projects will continue to be added, which impacts grid stability.France’s regulatory framework encourages the use of storage through various programs. The Multiannual Energy Program (PPE) outlines the government’s objectives for renewable energy and storage integration.
France has also set targets for energy storage capacity by 2028, fostering investments in BESS. While the revenue potential has been positively impacted by recent policies, the overall market for energy storage remains less developed and mature if compared to other EU countries. It is developing however, particularly in large-scale BESS.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands have implemented a progressive regulatory regime supporting energy storage systems. The country fosters investments through subsidy programs for innovative storage technologies and adjustments to grid fees concerning storage facilities. Revenue generation in a market with high volatility and limited liquidity shows high promises, particularly as more renewable energy sources come online. The Netherlands boast a mature market, characterized by many projects in the commercial sector. The integration of battery storage into existing energy infrastructures is highly favorable.
In the Netherlands, we are in the process of realising the first medium-voltage storage system, which will be installed in addition to an existing PV system. With 80 GW of connection enquiries at grid operator TenneT, for large-scale storage systems, there are considerable delays in grid commitments and the market seems pretty much fully booked. We also expect further regulatory developments in connection with grid fees and currently focus our strategic approach of utilising existing grid connection capacity of PV systems for the expansion of our BESS capacity.
Austria
In Austria, we expect improved regulatory frameworks for storage facilities to arrive with the establishment of the new government. This should provide more certainty for the business case, including streamlined grid fees. Albeit this time lag, the trend for BESS should be similar to that in Germany and we are currently securing promising sites for these projects.In general, Austria has actively supported renewable energy through subsidies and feed-in tariffs in the past and today the role of BESS is increasingly recognized. So, Austria’s BESS market is developing, today however, the number of installations in stand-alone systems is relatively limited.
Romania
In Romania, the market is developing rapidly and is increasingly catching up, although the installed BESS capacities to date are manageable.What is interesting in this country market is that financing banks recommend the addition of a storage system for PV projects (to provide grid-supporting services and thus reduce project costs) and thus grant better conditions, although the profitability of the overall project may be lesser than a stand-alone PV system.An increase in stand-alone projects can be observed and I expect a considerable capacity increase in the next few years, also in view of the fact that the authorisation phases in Romania are shorter than in other EU countries.
Romania is gradually adopting policies that support renewable energy and storage systems. The government has implemented feed-in tariffs and other incentives to stimulate growth, although the regulatory framework remains less established compared to Western European countries. The revenue generation potential is limited compared to other countries discussed, but there are opportunities as market dynamics change. The recent launch of a EUR 150m modernization fund for BESS is further supporting that trend.
CCE
Structure of a stand-alone battery energy storage system (BESS).
Status Quo and Perspectives
The strategic value of a grid connection is very high in every country and presents the real bottleneck of the energy transition. This certainly applies to all countries.
European coordination would be desirable, particularly at grid operator level. The respective challenges and regulatory initiatives could be mirrored in an exchange of experiences. Defining why flexibility stands in the centre of making grids more resilient and how storage systems can contribute to grid neutrality and efficiency. Even if these are oftentimes local circumstances, there must be broader acceptance of why storage systems are so important for the expansion of our energy system.
Another general challenge is the transition of BESS stand-alone projects into so-called co- location between BESS and PV or wind. In addition to regulatory issues, this combination of technologies is highly complex in terms of structure and commercialization. Business cases need to be looked at individually and depending on the local parameters discussed in this article, a stand-alone project can oftentimes be more attractive than a co-located project.
In conclusion, the comparative analysis reveals varying levels of regulatory support, revenue potential, and market maturity. Germany and The Netherlands stand out as leading examples, Italy and France demonstrate growing interest and opportunity, while Austria and Romania are still developing their infrastructures and regulatory schemes. (Philipp Kraemer/hcn)
The regulatory landscape for BESS in Europe is influenced by EU directives aimed at accelerating the shift to cleaner energy sources. Notable policies include the Clean Energy for All Europeans Package and the European Green Deal, which emphasize the uptake of energy storage technologies. However, each country adopts its own set of regulations and at different pace, which can significantly impact the attractiveness of BESS investments. These regulations influence areas such as:
– Market access and participation rules
– Tariffs and fees related to electricity consumption and storage
– Incentives and support mechanisms for renewable energy and storage solutions
– Safety and environmental standards for energy storage technologies
Different revenue models & market maturity
Revenue generation for BESS is derived from various sources, including energy arbitrage, capacity markets, frequency regulation services, and ancillary services. The availability of these revenue streams varies by region based on market structures and regulations. Market maturity reflects the level of development of the energy market, the deployment of technology, and the investment climate for BESS projects. Mature markets tend to offer more robust regulatory support and established business models.
In the following BESS business cases in selected countries
Germany
Germany is the most developed market for CCE in continental Europe. It offers a dynamic environment, and we currently have one project in construction and three more in preparation with a total of approximately 50 MW. Our target is to grow our operational portfolio to around 250 MW, complemented with further assets on the medium voltage and high-voltage levels, in the course of 2026. The market is developing rapidly: CAPEX has fallen by around 30% since the beginning of the year, commercialization and financing strategies are maturing and therefore offering investors an ecosystem that supports growth.
Irrespective of our individual developments at CCE, we can see increasing capacities in Germany.The major bottleneck is and remains the availability of grid connections; local grid operators are becoming increasingly defensive regarding the operational mode of storage facilities. These limitations will impact the business case of future projects and potentially call into question the investment itself. Action on regulatory level is crucial to provide guidance to the many decentralized local grid operators in what ways BESS contributes positively to the grid efficiency. Further clarifications on the (in)famous BKZ (Baukostenzuschuss) and procedures for grid connection acceptance need to be implemented to provide the necessary certainty for BESS investors.
Italy
Italy’s energy regulations adequately support the integration of renewable sources and energy storage. The country has been implementing policy measures to enhance energy efficiency and promote decarbonization through the national energy strategy. The capacity market introduced by the Italian government and future programs such as MACSE provide opportunities for flexible power generation technologies, including BESS. The market is expanding, but the potential for revenue generation is somewhat limited compared to Germany due to the less developed ancillary services market. Italy’s BESS market is in a transitional phase, with recent regulatory changes attracting increased investment and installation, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors.
In Italy, we find a very competitive market and yet, a clear business case for BESS still needs to be defined.Following the recent tenders for the capacity market, in which three BESS projects were also awarded a contract, it will be important to continue adapting the business models. This will likely involve a combination of merchant, capacity market and MACSE models, which will need to find a balance in line with investors’ return expectations. CCE is developing a portfolio of over 1.3 GW of BESS projects across Italy. As in Germany, the grid connection is the main limiting factor here. Thanks to years of experience in the country and many secured sites in the PV sector, we can also convert these existing sites into BESS sites or add BESS to the PV sites.
France
In France, we are at a relatively early stage and busy developing the business case; CCE France’s project pipeline currently comprises three projects. Due to the high base load capacity in the country, there is somewhat less volatility here, but green energy projects will continue to be added, which impacts grid stability.France’s regulatory framework encourages the use of storage through various programs. The Multiannual Energy Program (PPE) outlines the government’s objectives for renewable energy and storage integration.
France has also set targets for energy storage capacity by 2028, fostering investments in BESS. While the revenue potential has been positively impacted by recent policies, the overall market for energy storage remains less developed and mature if compared to other EU countries. It is developing however, particularly in large-scale BESS.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands have implemented a progressive regulatory regime supporting energy storage systems. The country fosters investments through subsidy programs for innovative storage technologies and adjustments to grid fees concerning storage facilities. Revenue generation in a market with high volatility and limited liquidity shows high promises, particularly as more renewable energy sources come online. The Netherlands boast a mature market, characterized by many projects in the commercial sector. The integration of battery storage into existing energy infrastructures is highly favorable.
In the Netherlands, we are in the process of realising the first medium-voltage storage system, which will be installed in addition to an existing PV system. With 80 GW of connection enquiries at grid operator TenneT, for large-scale storage systems, there are considerable delays in grid commitments and the market seems pretty much fully booked. We also expect further regulatory developments in connection with grid fees and currently focus our strategic approach of utilising existing grid connection capacity of PV systems for the expansion of our BESS capacity.
Austria
In Austria, we expect improved regulatory frameworks for storage facilities to arrive with the establishment of the new government. This should provide more certainty for the business case, including streamlined grid fees. Albeit this time lag, the trend for BESS should be similar to that in Germany and we are currently securing promising sites for these projects.In general, Austria has actively supported renewable energy through subsidies and feed-in tariffs in the past and today the role of BESS is increasingly recognized. So, Austria’s BESS market is developing, today however, the number of installations in stand-alone systems is relatively limited.
Romania
In Romania, the market is developing rapidly and is increasingly catching up, although the installed BESS capacities to date are manageable.What is interesting in this country market is that financing banks recommend the addition of a storage system for PV projects (to provide grid-supporting services and thus reduce project costs) and thus grant better conditions, although the profitability of the overall project may be lesser than a stand-alone PV system.An increase in stand-alone projects can be observed and I expect a considerable capacity increase in the next few years, also in view of the fact that the authorisation phases in Romania are shorter than in other EU countries.
Romania is gradually adopting policies that support renewable energy and storage systems. The government has implemented feed-in tariffs and other incentives to stimulate growth, although the regulatory framework remains less established compared to Western European countries. The revenue generation potential is limited compared to other countries discussed, but there are opportunities as market dynamics change. The recent launch of a EUR 150m modernization fund for BESS is further supporting that trend.
CCE
Structure of a stand-alone battery energy storage system (BESS).
Status Quo and Perspectives
The strategic value of a grid connection is very high in every country and presents the real bottleneck of the energy transition. This certainly applies to all countries.
European coordination would be desirable, particularly at grid operator level. The respective challenges and regulatory initiatives could be mirrored in an exchange of experiences. Defining why flexibility stands in the centre of making grids more resilient and how storage systems can contribute to grid neutrality and efficiency. Even if these are oftentimes local circumstances, there must be broader acceptance of why storage systems are so important for the expansion of our energy system.
Another general challenge is the transition of BESS stand-alone projects into so-called co- location between BESS and PV or wind. In addition to regulatory issues, this combination of technologies is highly complex in terms of structure and commercialization. Business cases need to be looked at individually and depending on the local parameters discussed in this article, a stand-alone project can oftentimes be more attractive than a co-located project.
In conclusion, the comparative analysis reveals varying levels of regulatory support, revenue potential, and market maturity. Germany and The Netherlands stand out as leading examples, Italy and France demonstrate growing interest and opportunity, while Austria and Romania are still developing their infrastructures and regulatory schemes. (Philipp Kraemer/hcn)
Over Easy Solar’s vertical bifacial PV modules, which are specially designed to be efficiently combined with green roofs, were presented at the Solar Solutions Amsterdam trade fair and received second place in the Best Innovation Awards. The new partnership now establishes Sempergreen as the European distributor of Over Easy Solar’s PV modules for green roofs, making this solution available throughout Europe.
Lightweight Biosolar Roof
Over Easy Solar’s vertical PV units are light and efficient, making them an ideal addition to green roof systems. Weighing just 11 kg/m², the VPV modules require no ballast or mechanical fixing, making installation quick and easy. The lightweight design allows for a complete solar green roof system with a total weight of only 51 kg. This makes Over Easy and Sempergreen the lightest solar green roof system on the market, ideal for new construction and retrofit projects.
Synergistic benefits of green and solar
The vertical PV modules of Over Easy Solar ensure that plants and solar panels complement each other. The plants reflect sunlight onto the solar panels (albedo effect) and cool the roof, significantly increasing the energy production of the PV solution. The vertical design allows the green roof to benefit from partial shading by the modules, while still receiving sufficient light and rainwater and remaining easy to maintain.
Trygve Mongstad, Founder and CEO of Over Easy Solar, emphasizes: “Our solution is specifically designed to work in harmony with plants. The partnership with Sempergreen will contribute to a more sustainable future by maximizing the potential of urban rooftops. Together, Over Easy Solar and Sempergreen provide the building blocks for future-proof and double sustainable rooftops for existing and new buildings.”
High current vertical bifacial panels
Over Easy Solar’s vertical bifacial solar panels capture light on both sides. This results in an extra high energy yield during the day. The vertical arrangement and the two-sided panels also achieve a more even energy distribution, which reduces the risk of overloading the electricity grid and also supplies energy during periods of higher electricity prices. This particular energy production profile, with two peak production cycles per day, more productive hours and good performance in winter conditions, results in a high yield per watt peak.
Kai van Gool, Business Development Manager at Sempergreen, explains: “Green roofs and solar roofs no longer have to compromise each other. Now it is even easier to make roofs optimally sustainable by combining both solutions. This not only results in a greener living environment and an increase in biodiversity, but also increases the value of the building. We are very pleased that Sempergreen, as a distribution partner, can now provide a fantastic lightweight solution for new solar green roofs and retrofit projects on existing sedum roofs.” (hcn)
The agreement for the comprehensive logistics project, between BayWa r.e. Solar Trade and Seacon Logistics, was finalised during the leading international trade fair “Transport Logistic” in Munich. The partners are developing a completely climate-neutral logistics hub at the Wanssum container port for the distribution of photovoltaic products from BayWa r.e. Solar Trade.
The finalised project will have a storage capacity of over 50,000 m², making it the largest hub out of currently 66 in the BayWa r.e. Solar Trade supply chain. The aim is to increase and continuously develop customer service and efficiency in all aspects of the business including the handling of sea freight, warehousing, transport alongside customs and import services. The ground-breaking project is scheduled for completion in early 2024.
7.3 MW PV rooftop installation
Certified “Excellent” by BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) the final concept of the logistics hub includes a PV system with a capacity of 7.3 MW on the roofs of the hub. This system will provide enough electricity for the entire logistics hub including the electrified barges, terminal trucks and car fleet. In line with both Seacon’s and BayWa r.e.’s sustainability policy the logistics hub will therefore be entirely climate-neutral.
Frank Jessel, Global Director of Solar Trade at BayWa r.e., says: “The hub at the Wanssum container port will enable us to offer our customers an even better service in the future. The increased connectivity reduces delivery and storage times, while at the same time increasing product availability. Last but not least, the project is designed to be completely sustainable, so together with our partner Seacon we are setting an example in the fight against climate change.”
Efficient and sustainable security of supply
Dominik Dohr, Global Head Supply Chain Solar Trade at BayWa r.e., adds: “In order to make product availability and security of supply for our customers as efficient and sustainable as possible, the new logistics hub in Wanssum plays an essential role in our supply chain. The direct barge connection to the container port of Rotterdam makes Wanssum our gateway for importing PV modules for the European market. Service, efficiency and sustainability are harmonised here.”
Sylvester van de Logt, CEO of Seacon Logistics, adds: “The cooperation with BayWa r.e. Solar Trade fits perfectly with our vision of creating significant added value along our customers’ supply chains and continuously improving our service. In concrete terms, this means tailor-made end-to-end supply chain solutions based on a sustainable foundation that has been awarded “Excellent” by BREEAM. Together with BayWa r.e. Solar Trade, Seacon will in future take on the responsible task of making optimum use of the electricity generated.” (hcn)
Business owners across Europe are increasingly turning to electricity to meet carbon reduction targets, yet they often face an unexpected setback when it comes to enlarging the capacity of their building’s connection with the grid.
The demands of electrification, combined with ageing power networks, mean that many distribution system operators are unable to provide their customers with larger grid connections, particularly for commercial, industrial, and residential apartment buildings. In some parts of Europe, notably Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland, grid accessibility constraints are already proving a significant barrier to electrification, with only Finland having a truly open and accessible electricity grid*.
Implementing Building as a Grid approach
A new project in the Netherlands, however, shows how one entrepreneur has turned the lack of an adequate grid connection to his advantage. The owner of The Florian Hotel in Amsterdam, has teamed up with the international power management company, Eaton, to ensure his business has a reliable supply of low-cost, low-carbon, electricity. By implementing Eaton’s Buildings as a Grid approach to the energy transition, he has overcome the setback of an inadequate grid connection to transform a former office building near Schiphol Airport into a vibrant hotel that makes the most of renewable energy.
Using a 30 kWp rooftop solar photo-voltaic array and an Eaton xStorage battery energy storage system (40 kW power and 50 kWh capacity), Eaton designed an energy strategy for The Florian that mixes its solar power with electricity available within its grid connection. A system of ‘peak shaving’ ensures that electricity from the batteries is used when demand for power in the hotel is at its highest, keeping overall energy consumption at these times well within the limits pre-agreed with the distribution system operator and saving money, too.
The Building as a Grid approach is scalable, so an expandable network of EV chargers has been installed in the hotel’s parking garage and integrated into the energy management system via Eaton’s proprietary Buildings Energy Management Software (BEMS). Powerful algorithms within the software direct available power to where it is most needed for EV charging and other electrical requirements in the hotel while at the same time keeping the xStorage battery charged to substitute power from the grid when necessary.
Reduce energy costs and save the climate
The BEMS software analyses the hotel’s current and past energy use trends and even monitors weather forecasts to ensure that the low-cost, low-carbon energy from the solar panels is used to maximum effect to reduce both energy bills and the hotel’s carbon footprint.
The hotel owner, who prefers to be known simply by his first name – Tony – is delighted with the outcome: “Our Buildings as a Grid approach at The Florian is achieving outstanding results. In 2022, despite soaring energy prices, we kept control of our energy costs, and reduced carbon emissions by more than 15 tons compared with the average for a building of similar size. Crucially, we stayed within the limits of our grid connection because had we not been able to do that, we may have had to close.”
Fabrice Roudet, general manager of Eaton’s energy transition division in Europe, said: “The carbon saving will help The Florian to reach its corporate sustainability goal of reducing its carbon footprint towards net zero, and we can help similar businesses to do the same.” (hcn)
