power grid - Elite Home & Solar

Solar Energy

Enea secures PLN 9.13 billion to modernise grid

May 29, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The financing will be provided by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) as part of investments under G3.1.4 of the Energy Support Fund, Component G, RePowerEU, and will be used to connect both consumers and energy sources to the grid and to expand and modernise the distribution network to meet future-ready smart grid standards. It will also support investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions to further enhance grid operations. These upgrades will extend across nearly the entire service area of Enea Operator Sp. z o.o., the distribution subsidiary of Enea Group, which manages and maintains the power network in western and northwestern Poland.

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

Future-proof network infrastructure is valued by the market

The company’s efforts have been positively received by the market, with Enea’s stock rising approximately 140% since Q4 of 2023 and about 40% in the first five months of 2025.

Grzegorz Kinelski, President of Enea: “The signing of this agreement with BGK is a major milestone in transforming our power grid. With these funds, we will accelerate the upgrades of our infrastructure, which will improve Poland’s energy security, facilitate connection of renewable energy sources, and allow energy consumers to actively participate in the market. We are implementing on our strategic goals outlined in the Enea Group Development Strategy until 2035, and supporting Poland’s energy transition.”

Grzegorz Rabsztyn: “The EIB is playing a key role in supporting renewables and grid development”

The energy transition in Poland is not an option – it is essential

Mirosław Czekaj, President of BGK comments on the loan- deal: “The energy transition is not optional – it is essential. BGK, as Poland’s development bank, supports investments that drive the energy transition, which is in the interest of the country and all its citizens. Thanks to EU funds under the National Reconstruction Plan, we have PLN 90 billion available for this purpose, including offshore wind farms. Today’s agreement is another step toward deploying those funds. Grid modernisation will be a catalyst for further investment in renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic power and energy storage. A more secure energy system will benefit the entire economy.”

Christian Carraro from SolarEdge: “Going ever-cheaper is high-risk”

Adapting to a shifting energy landscape

Enea Operator will use the loan funds to build and modernise several thousand kilometers of power lines, enabling the connection of new renewable energy sources and additional generation capacity. These investments will support Poland’s climate goals by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project addresses current sector needs and prepares the grid for future challenges such as the growth of distributed generation, electromobility, and evolving energy consumption patterns. A modern, resilient power grid is essential for energy and national security, enabling the full potential of advanced technologies and helping to combat energy poverty.

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

Long-term loan secures infrastructure renovation

The loan will be disbursed in tranches between 2025 and 2036, with principal repayments scheduled from 2034 to 2050. The interest rate on the loan is 0.5% per annum. Over the 2035 planning horizon, Enea Group intends to invest approximately PLN 41 billion in its distribution segment to strengthen the resilience of the Polish power system and facilitate further growth in renewable energy sources. (mg)

Source link

Solar Energy

No increased blackout risk when sun is out

May 13, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Germany’s solar sector hit a significant milestone in December, with more than 100 GW of installed photovoltaic capacity, and an additional 17 GW added in 2024. This surge in renewable energy raises concerns about the stability of Germany’s power grids, especially with warnings about potential supply interruptions. However, Klaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), reassures the public, stating that despite the increase in renewable electricity generation, Germany’s power grids remain among the most reliable in the world. These concerms and other aspects were addressed by Müller in January at the “Future Power Grids” conference in Berlin.

Germany – Photovoltaics have broken the 100-gigawatt mark

According to the German Solar Industry Association (Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft, BSW-Solar), the risk of overloading the power grid due to excess solar power, a temporary imbalance in the grid or even a blackout is very low. This assessment is also shared by the scientific community.

Policymakers and industry would taken timely precautions and put the necessary regulatory and technical measures in place to avoid a blackout in the electricity system, Carsten Körnig, Managing Director of BSW Solar said. Among other things, the 2012 System Stability Ordinance and, not least, the recently passed Solarspitzen-Gesetz (Solar Peak Act) have contributed to this.

EU and national standards ensure a stable grid

Even in the highly unlikely event that a timely balance between electricity supply and demand is not achieved, the consequences should remain manageable and controllable, according to energy experts. Regulatory requirements and standards at the EU and national level ensure this.

New report shows ways to facilitate renewable integration into grids

“Claims that an increase in frequency to over 50.2 hertz in the power grid will result in an inadequate emergency mechanism for photovoltaic inverters and the threat of abrupt mass shutdowns of photovoltaic systems and a drastic drop in grid frequency are not correct. Equally false is the statement that when the photovoltaic systems are subsequently switched back on, sudden and massive frequency fluctuations may occur again“, Körnig explains.

The smarter E Europe: Save billions with bidirectional charging

Prof. Bernd Engel, grid integration expert at the elenia Institute of the Technical University of Braunschweig, agrees with him and explains: “Photovoltaic systems in Germany have not simply been switched off when frequencies are exceeded since 2012. Rather, the power is continuously reduced by means of the inverters, the control instruments of a solar system, depending on the grid frequency. The higher the frequency rises, the more the inverter reduces its feed-in power.” This is precisely regulated by the application rules of the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE). These requirements apply without exception to all photovoltaic systems and battery storage systems.

System-friendly behaviour mandatory for all PV inverters throughout Europe

In addition, all photovoltaic systems with a capacity of over ten kilowatts that were put into operation before 2012 have been retrofitted in accordance with the provisions of the System Stability Ordinance, which came into force in July 2012. This ensured that they no longer shut down at 50.2 hertz, but rather at different frequencies. Since 2018, this system-friendly behavior has been mandatory for all photovoltaic inverters throughout Europe and is also subject to certification. This regulation had to be implemented in all EU countries by April 21, 2019.

CEO Talk: Frank Henn of Kostal Solar Electric: Solar inverters become universal genies

The regulations for stepless throttling of inverters when frequency increases have also proven themselves in practice in the past. There have already been situations in the grid in which the stepless power reduction by the inverters worked very well and led to a stabilization of the grid frequency.

The supposed risk of a “rebound effect”, i.e. frequency fluctuations caused by solar systems being restarted, has also been ruled out in practice. If the frequency drops again, the solar systems increase their output using the same procedure. Even if some inverters switch off completely, the grid must first be in a stable state for at least one minute before the inverters reconnect and slowly ramp up at a rate of ten percent nominal power per minute to prevent any “rebound effect.”

Stabilizing effect of battery storage systems

Furthermore, all battery storage systems, from home storage systems to large-scale storage systems installed from May 2019, support the system both at overfrequencies and underfrequencies and would already have a stabilizing effect of more than ten gigawatts.

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

The recently adopted new regulations in the Solar Summit Act (“Solarspitzengesetz)“ have also further clarified the requirements for controlling solar installations, optimized the system integration of renewable energies into the power grid and further reduced the risks of an imbalance in the grid. Distribution system operators have also been obliged to regularly check the controllability of photovoltaic installations in the future. After the Bundestag passed the law at the end of January with the votes of the CDU/CSU, SPD and Greens, it was also approved last Friday by the German Federal Council. (hcn)

Source link

Solar Energy

No increased blackout risk when sun is shining

March 19, 2025 ryansheehanrts

The record of 100 GW of installed capacity was broken by photovoltaic systems installed in Germany at the end of December, and around 17 GW went into operation in 2024. But does this mean that Germany’s power grids are on the verge of collapse, with the threat of supply interruptions and blackouts? Klaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), gives the all-clear. “Despite a sharp increase in renewable electricity generation, the grids in Germany are still among the most reliable in the world,” he emphasized at the end of January at the “Future Power Grids” conference in Berlin.

Germany – Photovoltaics have broken the 100-gigawatt mark

EU and national standards ensure a stable grid

New report shows ways to facilitate renewable integration into grids

The smarter E Europe: Save billions with bidirectional charging

System-friendly behaviour mandatory for all PV inverters throughout Europe

CEO Talk: Frank Henn of Kostal Solar Electric: Solar inverters become universal genies

Stabilizing effect of battery storage systems

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

Source link

Solar Energy

No increased risk of blackouts when the sun is shining

February 18, 2025 ryansheehanrts

Germany – Photovoltaics have broken the 100-gigawatt mark

EU and national standards ensure a stable grid

New report shows ways to facilitate renewable integration into grids

The smarter E Europe: Save billions with bidirectional charging

System-friendly behaviour mandatory for all PV inverters throughout Europe

CEO Talk: Frank Henn of Kostal Solar Electric: Solar inverters become universal genies

Stabilizing effect of battery storage systems

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

Source link

Solar Energy

Baltics join the European grid — tailwind for energy transition

February 10, 2025 ryansheehanrts

“Eurelectric welcomes the Baltics synchronisation to the European electricity grid. It represents another milestone for energy solidarity and will strengthen the region’s energy security and support the implementation of the Green Deal by ensuring secure, clean and affordable power across borders. We have already seen from Ukraine, the security benefits of being integrated in European energy systems and we look forward to enlarging those benefits to the Baltic region“, said Eurelectric’Policy Director Cillian O’Donoghue.

Second largest synchronous electrical grid worldwide

Also known as Continental Synchronous area, UCTE is the second largest synchronous electrical grid in the world. It supplies over 400 million customers in 24 countries including most EU countries – and as of March 2022 – Ukraine and Moldova. Managing this grid is the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E).

Also see: Large-scale battery storage for a stable Latvian power grid

“We should be proud that we have the world’s largest interconnected electricity market that prioritises the most efficient power source. We coordinate hundreds of kilometres of interconnected networks delivering power across borders in times of need, and especially during crises. Diversity is a strength, let’s put it to use», added O’Donoghue.

The Baltics’ integration into the EU electricity grid has been a priority for the European Commission (EC) for many years, receiving substantial EU funding. This successful integration story is even more remarkable if we consider the complexities synchronising to the power grid entails.

Also see: Latvia – New 115 MW solar park

“When the work first began, some questioned the necessity of such a massive undertaking, but today we can all see it was the right decision. More than €1.6 billion has been invested to ensure our transmission grids are up to the task. New 330 kilowatt (kV) powerlines have been built together with batteries and synchronous condensers to make sure the Baltic grids can maintain system balance even during challenging times. In addition to the new infrastructure, we also have frequency markets that are generating new sources of revenue and driving innovation in the energy sector – largely thanks to this synchronisation project», explained Mihkel Härm, CEO at Elektrilevi, Estonia’s largest distribution system operator (DSO).

Stabilise prices – integration of more renewables

Beyond ensuring security of supply, joining the European grid will also provide more competitive energy prices to consumers. “Local energy production, combined with imports from Nordic and Central European markets, will maintain stability. Integration with Europe’s energy market will stabilise prices, as the Baltic States will gain access to more competitive and diverse electricity sources, including renewables», confirmed Darius Maikštėnas CEO of Lithuanian utility Ignitis Group.

Looking at the big picture, synchronising grids represents a crucial step in the EU integration process at times when external actors are threatening the block’s security.

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

“The leading companies of the Baltic energy sector have systematically demonstrated professionalism, perseverance and determination to renew and modernise their generation fleet, attract EU funding to strengthen the transmission system and implement this ambitious project. This is the moment when we become part of a united Europe again, taking responsibility for our own systems», concluded Mārtiņš Čakste, CEO at Latvian utility Latvenergo AS.

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

With energy security topping the agenda of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council, member states should strive to stay united even in their power transmission and distribution systems. The Baltics case showcases how grid synchronisation can offer a way out from depending on unreliable trade partners. (hcn)

Source link

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)

Source link