Romania - Elite Home & Solar

Solar Energy

CISOLAR & GREEN BATTERY 2024

November 13, 2024 ryansheehanrts

There are a number of drivers for the installation of large-scale batteries in Central and Eastern Europe. These include the increasing renewable energy integration, grid stability, energy security & independence goals, EU regulation & support, regulatory & market developments, electricity price volatility, carbon reduction goals & coal plant phase out, electric vehicle growth and grid relief.

In addition, flexibility assessments will be mandatory for transmission system operators (TSO) in the EU from 2026. By June 2026, they must assess system flexibility needs, set national targets for non-fossil flexibility, and quantify energy storage needs for inclusion in National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). “This is a clear signal to investors and developers, funding will help kickstart emerging storage markets,” emphasized Eliza Stefan, Sales Manager BESS for Central & Eastern Europe, Jinko EES.

Strong financial incentives

In addition to high energy prices, there are strong financial incentives for the use of large-scale battery storage. For example, the approved EU State Aid for Eastern Europe since 2022 in Hungary and Poland adds up to 1.2 trillion euros each; in Bulgaria to 0.75 bn euros, in Romania to 0.375 bn €, in Slovenia to 0.2 billion euros and in Lithuania to 0.2 billion euros.

Among other things, Romania is introducing capacity auctions for large-scale battery storage from 2026 and is already relying on contracts for difference (CfD). Poland is also relying on capacity market auctions, but also on tax incentives, to promote large-scale battery storage. Up to 45% of project costs of utility-scale storage are covered by grants in Hungary, in addition to a CfD scheme and modern grid connection rules. Lithuania is also promoting modern grid connection rules and large-scale BESS support. The expansion of large-scale battery storage in war-torn Ukraine is being heavily financed by international financial donors, and import duty exemptions are also in place.

Strong growth – but still also limitations

Overall, the large-scale battery storage market in six key countries in Central Europe is expected to grow by a factor of five by 2030. Poland is in the lead with an increase in installed large-scale battery storage capacity from around 350 MWh to 4,000 MWh, followed by Romania with an increase to around 3,750 MWh and Lithuania with around 3,500 MWh in 2030. The Hungarian large-scale battery storage market is estimated to be around 3,300 MWh by then, the Bulgarian market around 3,000 MWh and the Ukrainian market around 2,750 MWh.

Subcribe to our free special newsletter PV for investors

However, regulatory and market barriers, grid infrastructure limitations and limited financial incentives are still hurdles, as Eliza Stefan pointed out. In Romania, for example, there are no clear connection rules for utility-scale BEES projects and delays in processing grants hinder rapid development. In Bulgaria, there are also no clear regulatory for C&I BESS storage and the future plans for frequency regulation are underdeveloped. (hcn)

Source link

Solar Energy

Eastern Europe – Increasing focus on integrated PV development

October 21, 2024 ryansheehanrts

One of the fastest growing photovoltaic markets in Europe is currently Romania. In 2023, systems with a capacity of around 1 gigawatt (GW) were installed, an increase of over 300 percent compared to the previous year. At the end of 2023, solar power systems with a capacity of almost 3 GW had been installed in Romania. This figure is expected to double by the end of 2025.

According to the National Institute of Statistics, energy production from PV systems rose by more than 60 percent to 2.57 billion kilowatt hours between January and August of this year alone. High levels of solar radiation, falling costs, various incentive programs and the desire for greater energy independence and climate protection are driving the expansion of photovoltaics in the EU country.

Already over 200,000 prosumers in Romania

The Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association (RPIA) currently has over 60 companies as members, including German project planners such as BayWa r.e., as Policy Officer Irene Mihai reported. More than 200,000 prosumers in Romania generate some of their own electricity using solar power and are increasingly using battery storage.

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

PV systems on commercial buildings and solar parks are also on the rise. In the second week of October alone, the energy regulatory authority ANRE approved licenses for the commercial use of solar park power generation capacities with a total output of 62 megawatts (MW).

Expansion of PV production must be flanked

However, the rapid expansion of photovoltaics and wind power is creating a number of challenges, as is also the case in other regions. “Grid capacity and grid connections are one of the biggest hurdles for the further expansion of photovoltaics, not only in Romania,” says Mihai.

Also see: Market moves up and down, generally with good prospect

This must be accompanied by the expansion of battery storage, demand-side management (load control), the promotion of energy communities, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and the reduction of bureaucracy, as other industry representatives emphasized at the CISOLAR & GREENBATTERY 2024 conference (October 15-17, 2024) in the Romanian capital.

Karl Moosdorf

Discussion panel at CISOLAR & GREEN BATTERY 2024 in Bucharest: Hans-Christoph Neidlein (pv Europe), Gabriel Avacaritei (Energyomics), Bianca Dragusin (Keno Energy) v.l.

Among other things, regulations for the implementation of PPAs and large PV battery projects, as well as a reform of the double grid fee for storage projects and fewer bureaucratic hurdles for energy communities (as actually provided for by EU law) are urgently needed, it was stated at the three-day event (October 15 to 17).

Moldova relies on resilience and renewables

Carolina Novac, Secretary of State in the Moldovan Ministry of Energy, made similar comments. From 2023, the small country will be completely independent of Russian gas supplies for the first time. By 2025, Moldova will also no longer be dependent on electricity supplies from a major power plant in the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria. The expansion of the country’s own renewable energy supply, the expansion of the energy infrastructure and the increase in energy efficiency played an important role in this, Novac emphasized.

Subcribe to the pv Europe newsletter now

According to the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by 68.6 percent by 2030, while the share of renewable energies in total energy consumption is to be increased to 27 percent and in the electricity mix to 30 percent. 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. The potential of wind energy for electricity generation from renewable energies is estimated at around 20.8 GW, with photovoltaics at 4.7 GW, plus 840 MW of hydropower and 850 MW of biomass. In 2023, wind turbines with 132.7 MW and photovoltaic systems with 76.9 MW will be installed.

Focus on an integrated approach

“We are taking an integrated approach to expanding the renewable energy supply,” emphasized Novac. This includes, on the one hand, the recently launched first tender for wind and solar projects, coupled with 15-year PPAs and CFDs (Contracts for Differences), and, on the other hand, the promotion of storage projects, energy communities and active energy consumers, biogas and energy generation from waste for dark and cloudy periods and peak times, as well as the expansion of the electricity grid.

Also see: EBRD supports renewables in Romania and Moldova

An important role is played by the expansion of the grid connection with Romania and thus with the EU. These plans are also influenced by the country’s increased European orientation, which a narrow majority of voters in an EU referendum on October 20 voted in favor of, as it stands now. (hcn)

Source link

Solar Energy

Rezolv Energy – Bulgaria: Contracts awarded for construction of 229 MW solar park

September 17, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Construction work is due to start very shortly, with the plant coming onstream next year. CMC Europe, and technology integrator Solarpro, will together act as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner for the project.

St. George will be connected to the main transmission grid via a 110kV substation and two independent connection lines totalling approximately six kilometres in length. The high voltage work will be delivered by Green Solar Energy, also a Bulgarian company.

About the St. George solar park

The St. George solar park will be built on a brownfield site: the former Silistra airport, a decommissioned airfield covering 165 hectares. The project will comprise nearly 400,000 solar panels.

In a country which has historically relied on fossil fuels for most of its energy needs, replacing fossil production with renewables delivers the maximum possible emissions reduction impact. St. George will therefore play a crucial role in Bulgaria’s energy transition and help the country meet its climate targets.

One of the first PPAs in Bulgaria

The power produced will be sold to commercial and industrial users through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The first PPA for St. George is set to be announced very soon – a major deal and one of the first PPAs to be signed in Bulgaria. It follows the five pioneering PPAs that Rezolv has signed in recent months connected to its 461MW ‘VIFOR’ wind farm in Romania.

As well as PPAs, St. George will be financed through loan facilities from a consortium of international lending partners and regional commercial lenders.
CMC Europe and Solarpro’s role as EPC partner will involve working alongside Rezolv to implement the Environmental and Social Action Plan for St. George. The Environmental and Social Action Plan is consistent with Rezolv’s sustainability strategy, which has been built on industry best practice and aligns with international standards, including the Equator Principles and the International Finance Corporation (IFC)’s Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability.

Local employment for the construction phase and operation

In the construction phase of the project, up to 200 people will be hired, with as many employees as possible coming from the local area. Training and skills development programmes are also being put in place. This is a priority, because closing the skills gap in the renewables industry is a crucial part of the energy transition in Bulgaria. Longer term, St. George will continue to provide local employment throughout its 30 plus years of operation.

Also see: Bulgaria – Large-scale battery energy storage project

Alastair Hammond, CEO, Rezolv Energy, said: “St. George will be one of the largest solar projects in Bulgaria, so it was necessary to find the right blend of local experience and international expertise. We also needed partners with outstanding track records who shared our commitment to sustainability. CMC Europe, Solarpro and Green Solar Energy meet all of those requirements.”

2 GW clean energy projects prepared for construction

Jaroslava Korpanec, Partner, Head of Central and Eastern Europe, Energy Infrastructure at Actis, said: “It’s terrific to see Rezolv Energy moving forward with the St. George solar park in Bulgaria. Once developed, St. George will be one of the largest solar plants in Bulgaria, operating 229MW of solar energy and playing a decisive part in the country’s energy transition. With both the VIFOR wind farm and St. George solar farm progressing strongly, Rezolv has the wind in its sails and is positioned to make a real difference in the region.”

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

Rezolv, which launched 18 months ago, already has well over 2GW of clean energy being prepared for construction in South Eastern Europe. As well as St. George, projects include Dama Solar in western Romania which, at 1,044MW, will be the largest solar plant anywhere in Europe once it is built. Rezolv also has more than 1GW of wind power under construction or in late stage development in Romania. (hcn)

Source link

Solar Energy

Eastern Europe – Romania: EBRD supports launch of renewable energy auctions

September 13, 2024 ryansheehanrts

This is the next step in the country’s ambitious plans to scale up the share of renewables in its energy mix. EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) support for the design and implementation of the scheme is funded by Spain and the European Union Technical Support Instrument, managed by DG REFORM.

“Romania’s ambition to develop its renewable energy sector is fully aligned with the EBRD’s strategy in the country. We are looking forward to support further the Ministry of Energy and contribute to scaling-up private sector investments in the sector,” said EBRD Head of Romania Victoria Zinchuk.

First wave of 5 GW projects

The two-way CfD scheme incentivises investments in renewable energy by providing revenue stability to developers and strengthening the market integration of renewables.
The financing of the CfD mechanism is ensured by funds secured from the European Union Modernisation Fund. This covers a first wave of projects for a total of 5 GW, split into this year’s 1.5 GW auction and a second one for 3.5 GW in 2025.

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

The CfD mechanism brings Romania closer to its ambitious long-term decarbonisation targets. Investment in renewable energy is critical for reaching the climate commitments outlined in the country’s National Energy and Climate Plan, under which a target of 34 per cent of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption by 2030 is set up. Romania’s new draft energy strategy aims for 44 per cent of gross final energy consumption from low-carbon sources by 2035.

Strong support from EBRD for cleaner energy

The EBRD, a leader in climate finance, has supported the implementation of renewable energy auctions across its countries of operations.

The EBRD’s strategic priority on the energy sector is to helps its countries scale up renewable energy through financing instruments and technical assistance to develop supportive policy frameworks that, together with well-designed competitive auctions, are conducive to private sector investment.

Also see: EBRD funds EV charging infrastructure in eastern Europe and Baltics

In Romania, the Bank is fully supporting the country’s move towards cleaner energy. Since the beginning of this year, the EBRD has financed nearly 1GW of renewable capacity across six projects. These investments, amounting to over €180 million from EBRD funds, have further mobilised almost €1 billion of private and public finance. 
Overall, the EBRD has invested more than €11.3 billion in 549 projects in Romania to date. (hcn)

Source link

Solar Energy

Central and Eastern Europe increasingly in the solar gigawatt class

August 26, 2024 ryansheehanrts

New PV systems with a capacity of 4.6 GW were installed in Poland in 2023, with installed capacity rising to over 15 GW. However, at 100 megawatts (MW), the market only grew slightly compared to the previous year (change in the support scheme for private households, falling electricity prices) and increasingly shifted to larger rooftop systems and solar parks. Overall, further stable growth in photovoltaics is expected in Poland.

Hungary was the second strongest solar market in Central and Eastern Europe last year. PV installations increased by 1.6 GW (plus 45%, 2022, 1.1 GW) and installed capacity climbed to 5.6 GW. Challenges for further growth are grid capacities and the design of incentive programs for PV storage systems for private households under the new “gross metering” subsidy regime.

First tenders for PV storage systems in Bulgaria

The solar market in Bulgaria has tripled in the past three years. Installed PV capacity rose from just over 1 GW at the beginning of 2021 to almost 3 GW at the end of last year. In 2023, the PV expansion amounted to around 1 GW. In the summer of 2023, the share of photovoltaics in the electricity mix was over 40% in some cases, albeit only for a few hours. With an average annual sunshine duration of between 2,000 and 2,600 hours in various regions, the country offers high solar irradiation potential.

The Bulgarian PV market is strongly characterized by large-scale systems. Due to the high energy prices, the first major corporate PPAs (Purchase Power Agreements) were concluded last year. The first combined tendering round for renewable generation plants (1.995 GW) with combined energy storage (350 MW/700 MWh) was launched in Bulgaria at the beginning of this year. The dynamic growth of the Bulgarian PV market, which is expected to continue, depends not only on progress in grid expansion but also heavily on increased investment in energy storage technologies.

Growth of 300 percent in Romania

In terms of volume, the photovoltaic market in Romania is roughly on a par with Bulgaria. Around 2.9 GW of solar power capacity was installed there at the end of last year. PV installations also increased by around 1 GW in 2023, an increase of over 300% compared to the previous year. The main drivers of this strong growth are private households and commercial enterprises, but larger systems are also growing strongly. At the end of October 2023, for example, the country’s largest solar park to date was inaugurated in Ratesi with 155 MW and a forecast annual electricity yield of around 220 gigawatt hours (GWh). Romania also scores with 1,900 to 2,400 hours of sunshine per year.

Also see: Romania – R.Power expands PV projects

Backing is also coming from politicians. The Romanian government has announced an increase in the target for the expansion of photovoltaics to 8.3 GW by 2030 as part of the National Energy and Climate Plan, of which 2.5 GW is for roof systems and 5.8 GW for solar parks. Although this is still below the EU targets for the expansion of renewable energies, it is an important step. In addition, the approval procedures for solar parks with an area of less than 50 hectares and an output of up to 42 MW have been simplified, the grid connection procedures for solar installations up to 400 kilowatts (kW) have been streamlined and direct marketing options for surplus electricity for installations of this size have been expanded. An important challenge for the further growth of photovoltaics in Romania is also the expansion of the grid and its financing.

Revival of PV in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is also almost back in the GW club – after 13 years. New PV systems with a capacity of 970 MW were installed in 2023. The total installed PV capacity climbed to 3.5 GW. The Czech solar market thus grew by 236% compared to the previous year. More than 170,000 PV systems are now feeding electricity into the grid, including more than 150,000 on the roofs of single-family homes. The Czech Republic already experienced a solar boom in 2009 and 2010, with more than 2 GW added in both years.

The Czech solar market has been recovering since 2021: administrative barriers were removed, new subsidy programs were launched – and the energy crisis triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine increased demand for PV, especially in the building sector. Most PV systems were also installed on rooftops in 2023. This trend is expected to continue, but larger commercial solar roofs and solar parks are also increasingly being built. A further PV expansion of over 10 GW is forecast by 2030.

The PV market is also picking up in Slovakia

With a total installed capacity of just over 0.7 GW of PV, Slovakia is below the EU average. However, the solar market is also picking up there. PV installations amounted to 220 MW in 2023, primarily private and commercial rooftop systems. A newly launched subsidy program for the purchase and installation of PV systems also had an impact here. It is expected that 300 MW of new solar power systems will be installed in 2024.

One of the factors holding back the construction of solar parks in Slovakia is the high grid connection costs that operators have to bear. In a medium scenario, SolarPower Europe expects the installed PV capacity in Slovakia to climb to 2.6 GW by 20230. However, the National Climate and Energy Plan (NECP) only envisages a total solar power capacity of 1.4 GW in 2030.

Transparent grid access in Estonia

The solar market is also developing dynamically in the Baltic states, driven by the desire for greater energy independence. In 2023, Estonia surpassed the 1 GW mark for total installed PV generation capacity with 1.1 GW. The installed solar power output per capita in Latvia climbed from 601 watts (W/c) to 803 W/c. This put Latvia in 5th place in the European ranking, just behind Belgium (810 W/c) and ahead of Spain (748 W/c). Auctions for renewable energies have been in place since 2022 and several new solar parks in the double-digit MW range were put into operation last year.

The transparent design of grid access in Estonia is considered exemplary. The available capacities are displayed on the grid operator’s website in real time. In addition, the first tenders for large battery storage systems to stabilize the electricity grid were launched in 2023. According to the NECP, the installed PV capacity is set to increase to 1.2 GW by 2030. However, SolarPower Europe estimates much stronger growth to 4.8 GW by 2030 in a medium scenario.

Lithuania relies heavily on prosumers

PV systems with a cumulative capacity of 1.1 GW were also installed in Lithuania by the end of 2023. The country is also in the process of transforming its energy supply. By 2030, the country aims to cover 100% of its electricity demand from renewable sources and increase its installed PV capacity to 5.1 GW. There is a strong political focus on promoting prosumers, including in the commercial sector. From 2015 to 2023, around 80,000 prosumers were connected to the grid, with a combined PV capacity of 825 MW. In future, energy communities are also to be increasingly facilitated.

Also interesting: Lithuania – pilot projects with solar noise barriers

The conversion of the billing system from net metering to net billing is also currently being discussed in Lithuania. Energy storage systems for households are also to be increasingly promoted and expanded, as are large hybrid systems (PV or wind power with energy storage). The approval process for solar parks has been streamlined and the grid access procedure has been reorganized. One challenge, however, is the currently unclear application of feed-in curtailment for solar and wind parks to stabilize the grid.

High energy prices are driving PV in Latvia

Photovoltaics is still a tender plant in Latvia, but this could soon change. Just 300 MW of PV capacity was connected to the grid at the end of 2023 – but still three times as much as in the previous year. Due to high energy prices, low-cost photovoltaics are increasingly attracting the interest of investors in Latvia. The realization of the first larger solar parks with 400 MW and 155 MW was announced in 2023. The first floating PV system with an output of 2 MW was also completed in a sewage treatment plant. In any case, the latest European Market Outlook for Solar Power forcasts that photovoltaics will play an increasingly important role in achieving the government’s target of covering 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. (hcn)

Source link

Solar Energy

EBRD supports renewables in Romania and Moldova

August 8, 2024 ryansheehanrts

The EBRD bought 11 per cent of shares offered at the initial public offering (IPO) of Premier Energy, a company incorporated in Cyprus, following an investment of RON 77 million (€15.5 million). The shares will be listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. The EBRD investment is expected to represent just over three per cent of the company post-IPO. The transaction supports both Romania’s and the EBRD’s green targets.

Proceeds from the EBRD’s participation in the IPO will be allocated towards building new renewable energy capacity primarily in Romania, and the project pipeline is estimated to result in more than 168,000 tonnes annual carbon dioxide emissions reductions.

The EBRD, a leader in climate finance, is committed to supporting Romania’s and the company’s green energy transition.

EBRD participation attracting other investors

EBRD participation was important for the success of the IPO, anchoring the issuance and attracting other investors. The EBRD will support the client in taking climate action, moving along a low carbon transition pathway, and making corporate governance improvements. Premier will also improve its standards for promoting gender equality.

Grzegorz Zielinski, Director, Energy Europe at the EBRD, said: “We are excited to partner with Premier Energy and support its renewables growth journey. Premier Energy’s green energy transition strategy aligns perfectly with the EBRD’s priorities in the region.”

Also interesting: New era for PV dawning in Eastern Europe

Tamas Nagy, Director, Co-head Private Equity at the EBRD, said: “The EBRD is proud to expand its cooperation with Premier Energy by becoming a shareholder. In the run up to the IPO, we have successfully partnered with Premier Energy to further strengthen its ESG and climate practices and in setting ambitious targets. We look forward to supporting the company in becoming a key regional green energy player.”

Also see: 172 MW solar park developed in Southern Romania

Jose Garza, Premier Energy CEO added: “We are pleased to welcome the EBRD as a shareholder in Premier Energy. This investment further strengthens our long-standing collaboration and underscores the importance of our shared commitment to renewable energy and sustainability in both Moldova and Romania. With the EBRD’s investment, we are well-positioned to expand our renewable energy capacity and drive significant reductions in carbon emissions. This partnership reflects our dedication to achieving long-term growth and making a positive environmental impact.”

525 projects in Romania – 173 projects in Moldova

Petr Stohr, Premier Energy CFO, said “The participation of the EBRD in our IPO was important for its success, and we thank them for their trust. Their investment and support will enable us to accelerate our renewable energy generation projects within our vertically integrated platform which includes market-leading renewable energy forecasting, balancing and dispatching capabilities alongside serving approximately 2.4 million customers, in both Moldova and Romania, significantly contributing to a sustainable energy future and reducing the carbon footprint in the region. We believe that strong partnerships are essential for business growth, and we are proud to have the EBRD on our side, helping us achieve our strategic goals.”

The EBRD has to date invested almost €11 billion in 525 projects in Romania, and more than €2.3 billion in 173 projects in Moldova. (hcn)

Source link

Solar Energy

mobility – EBRD funds EV charging infrastructure in eastern Europe and Baltics

July 23, 2024 ryansheehanrts

By 2028, Eldrive will install and operate 7,400 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in addition to 900 it already operates, expanding the EV infrastructure currently available in those countries.

The EBRD will invest alongside Renalfa Solarpro Group, Eldrive’s owner, in the first phase of development. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is also providing a €40 million venture debt facility.

Pave the way for other EV infrastructure investments

This investment supports the European Union’s commitment to decarbonisation. With the transport sector responsible for 22 per cent of global CO2 emissions in 2022, EU countries are accelerating the rollout of clean electric mobility. The EU Green Deal’s objective is to reach one million public EV charging stations in the EU by 2025 and three million by 2030. Currently, central, southern and eastern European markets are lagging behind western European countries in the availability of EV charging stations.

Sue Barrett, EBRD Director for Infrastructure in Europe, the Middle East and Africa said: “This is the EBRD’s first equity investment in a charging point operator (CPO) and we are pleased to support Eldrive’s expansion plans in Bulgaria, Lithuania and Romania. We hope this investment will pave the way for many other EV infrastructure investments across the region and help speed up the decarbonisation of the transport sector in Europe.”

Align financing activities with the goals of the Paris Agreement

Stefan Spassov, Eldrive CEO, commented: “We are excited to welcome the EBRD as an equity investor in Eldrive. Being the first CPO to receive such an investment makes us proud and shows the potential and resilience of our business strategy and model. This is great recognition not only for Eldrive but for the whole European electric mobility sector.”
Eldrive is a leading regional EV CPO in Bulgaria, Lithuania and Romania, facilitating the acceleration of EV uptake and bolstering the decarbonisation of transport, critical at this early stage of market development.

Also interesting: E-car boom in Norway

Renalfa Solarpro Group, an existing client of the EBRD, is an Austrian-based clean energy and e-mobility investment group with a focus on renewable energy generation assets. The group currently has solar and windpower projects under construction and development with a total capacity of 3 GW in Bulgaria, Hungary, North Macedonia, Poland and Romania.

Also see: EBRD supports renewables in Romania and Moldova

The EBRD, a leader in climate finance in central and eastern Europe, Central Asia and the southern and eastern Mediterranean region, has aligned all its activities with the goals of the Paris Agreement and committed to making at least half of its annual investment volumes green by 2025, a goal the Bank has met for the past three years. (hcn)

Source link