NalpSolar is part of the federal government’s Solar Express initiative, while the expansion of renewable energy is a key pillar of Axpo’s strategy. The NalpSolar plant will be built in the municipality of Tujetsch in Graubünden canton, close by the Lai da Nalps reservoir and 2,000 metres above sea level. With an installed capacity of around eight megawatts, it will generate approximately 11 gigawatt hours of electricity a year – enough to power more than 2,000 households. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) will purchase the produced solar electricity for a 20-year period to supply its network with renewable energy.

Also see: Repower builds alpine solar park in Swiss Alps

Emphasising the importance of the project, Axpo Deputy CEO and Head of Generation and Distribution Andy Heiz said: ‘NalpSolar reaffirms our commitment to renewable energy in Switzerland. This project will explore the limits of solar energy in Alpine regions, giving us invaluable insights into the feasibility of large-scale solar projects in mountainous conditions. Our focus is on developing solutions that are both technologically advanced and economically sustainable over the long term.’

Pioneering role of Tujetsch municipality

Once again Tujetsch is leading the way, helping to set a new benchmark for the use of renewable energy in the region. Highlighting the importance of renewable energy for the area, Axpo’s Head of Solar Switzerland, Oliver Hugi, said: ‘Axpo has been working with local authorities in the Surselva region for many years regarding hydropower. Now we are writing a new chapter in this success story with solar energy. I’m delighted that, together with the municipality of Tujetsch, we will reach a further milestone on the road to a climate-friendly energy future.’

Also see: Solitek realises special solar projects in the Swiss Alps

The Mayor of Tujetsch, Martin Cavegn, also emphasised the project’s importance for the region: ‘Following our pioneering work in hydropower, we’re proud that our municipality is now playing a role in the development of Switzerland’s alpine solar installations. With NalpSolar, we are again demonstrating our commitment to sustainable energy production.’

Axpo

Visualized aerial view of the Swiss alpine solar park.

Focussing on innovation

Ensuring the economic viability of the project remains a challenge. However, this groundbreaking initiative is not being assessed solely from a financial perspective. Axpo has deliberately chosen to pursue NalpSolar as a step towards advancing solar energy in Switzerland. The project has the potential to generate invaluable insights and drive technological progress. This learning curve is essential in making future projects more efficient and sustainable.

See also: BKW presents six new Alpinsolar projects

Next steps

Weather conditions permitting, construction work on NalpSolar is set to get underway in March 2025. To meet the requirements of the Solar Express initiative, 10 per cent of the installation will be connected to the grid by the end of 2025. The remaining construction work will be completed in stages over the subsequent summer months. (hcn)





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At the beginning of January, the two US companies Deriva Energy and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association announced the start of commercial operation of the Spanish Peaks Solar project, which has a module output of 180 megawatts (DC) in Las Animas County, Colorado. The power generated by the facility will be sold to the utility-owned Tri-State cooperative under two long-term power purchase agreements. Spanish Peaks Solar is expected to produce over 370 million kilowatt-hours annually.

“This project will provide the community with affordable and reliable solar power while contributing to the transition to renewable energy. We are grateful for the support of all who have helped make this possible and look forward to continuing to provide Colorado with renewable energy,” said John Clapp, CEO of Deriva Energy.

Solar farm generates tax revenue

“Tri-State members will benefit from low-cost power from Spanish Peaks Solar while helping put us on track to achieve 50% renewable energy use by the end of 2025,” said Duane Highley, CEO of Tri-State. ”Deriva Energy and Juwi have been great partners in supporting our mission of delivering reliable, affordable, and responsible power to our members.”

Also interesting: “Dual use with animal husbandry has great potential”

The 180 MW Spanish Peaks Solar project is located in the Tri-State member San Isabel Electric Association (SIEA) service territory, near the San Isabel Solar Project, which also provides power to Tri-State members. The solar farm will also generate tax revenue. The revenue from the Spanish Peaks Solar project also supports the Ambulance District in Trinidad, Colorado, the Reorganized School District in Aguilar, Colorado, the Spanish Peaks-Purgatoire River Conservation District and the Fire Protection District in Spanish Peaks-Boncarbo, Colorado, among others.

Also see: Juwi sells largest portfolio to date with 267 megawatts of solar capacity

“Spanish Peaks Solar showcases the benefits that new energy projects provide to both Tri-State’s member utilities and the rural communities where the projects are located,” said Don Keairns, SIEA board member and Tri-State board vice chair. “Spanish Peaks Solar is part of Tri-State’s reliable, affordable, and diverse portfolio of resources serving San Isabel Electric Association and the other members, and brings new investment and taxes to southern Colorado.”

Deriva Energy and Juwi share operations and maintenance

Deriva Energy acquired the Spanish Peaks Solar project from Juwi in January 2024. The commercial operation of Spanish Peaks underscores Deriva Energy’s commitment to providing economical solutions for the energy transition, but also positions the company as a key developer for the clean energy landscape in the region. Spanish Peaks is Deriva Energy’s sixth renewable energy project in Colorado. The plant began commercial operation on Thursday, December 26, 2024.

Also see: Juwi builds 500 megawatts of solar power in Colorado

Juwi was responsible for the development and engineering, procurement, and construction of the Spanish Peaks Solar Project, with the Boulder, Colorado-based JSI Construction Group serving as the primary general contractor. The projects began construction in late 2023 and created more than 230 jobs on site at peak periods. The solar photovoltaic modules used in the projects were procured by Deriva Energy. Deriva Energy will share operations and maintenance responsibilities with Juwi, as the plants will employ nine full-time staff. In total, Juwi has now realized 25 projects in the USA with a total capacity of almost 700 megawatts (DC) since 2009, and a further 300 megawatts (DC) are currently under construction.

Low-cost financing from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

“We are pleased with the timely completion of Spanish Peaks Solar. This achievement underscores our commitment to implementing cost-effective, high-quality solar projects. The timely completion of the project is a result of close collaboration with Deriva Energy, Tri-State, SIEA, and the local community and government in Las Animas County. The dedication and hard work of the Juwi team, coupled with our reliable subcontractors, were essential to the success of the project,” said Michael Martin, CEO of Juwi Inc.

The Spanish Peaks Solar projects are supported in part by low-cost financing from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. This program empowers Tri-State members and rural communities in four states to provide reliable, affordable energy to meet growing demand. (hcn)





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The EU introduced the European Long-Term Investment Fund (ELTIF) back in 2015. The aim was to facilitate investments in illiquid private market investments, i.e. in unlisted investment properties, and to promote urgently needed investments in infrastructure projects by supporting institutional and private investor’s access via a clearly regulated vehicle.

Also read: ELTIF (I): Expansion of renewables requires immense investments

This means that ELTIF is fundamentally predestined for investments in solar parks, wind turbines, green power grids and other projects that advance the energy transition. However, until the regulations are revised, restrictions on sales in the form of minimum investments and assets as well as restrictive rules for investment strategies have proven to be an obstacle.

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

Some bugs fixed

The EU has now corrected these design errors with the set of rules, also known as ELTIF 2.0. Since the new regulations, the funds are now generally open to all private investors; Minimum investment amounts and other documentation requirements no longer apply. This means that roughly the same rules apply as for open-ended mutual funds (Ucits) that invest in stocks or bonds or both. In addition, an equally high level of investor protection is guaranteed.

Free download: New opportunities for former tailings dump in Germany (PDF) 

Fixed terms prescribed

However, there are important differences that reflect the long-term nature of private market investments. ELTIFs have a fixed term from the outset. In contrast to open-ended mutual funds, there is no provision for daily trading or early redemption of shares, although redemption options can be integrated into certain ELTIF vehicles subject to certain requirements.

Dan Garlin of Uniper: Strong partner in project business (video) 

Private investments in the energy transition

This means that all private investors now have an investment vehicle at their disposal with which they can participate directly in renewable energy systems and infrastructure and benefit to the same extent from the aforementioned advantages of private market investments in general and investments in energy infrastructure in particular institutional investors.

With the ELTIF you not only have an instrument at hand that appears to be well suited for diversified long-term wealth creation. They also contribute to the urgently needed financing of the energy transition.

Jinko Solar reaches 300 GW milestone of PV module delivery 

More investment required

In order to achieve global, regional and national climate protection goals and limit global warming, a rapid expansion of renewable energies is essential. Photovoltaics plays a key role here. There is an enormous need for financing to expand solar power.

A significant portion of the capital must therefore be provided by private investors. While the regulatory environment for such investments has recently improved, especially for private investors, and demand is increasing, a continuous increase in investments in decarbonization remains necessary in order to achieve climate goals.

The author: Robert Guzialowski has been Head of Business Development Real Assets at HANSAINVEST Hanseatische Investment-GmbH since August 2022, where he is particularly responsible for sales of private debt, private equity, renewable energy, infrastructure and real estate funds is. Previously, he was Head of Real Assets Germany at Hauck Aufhäuser Lamp Privatbank AG. In addition to sales and customer management at the AIF depository, he was responsible for supporting the capital management companies from the start of the business relationship through onboarding to fund transactions. Robert Guzialowski is a lawyer and regularly speaks and publishes on regulatory developments.

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The expansion of renewable energies is accelerating. According to the International Agency for Renewable Energy (Irena), a record 473 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity was added worldwide in 2023, 54 percent more than in 2022. The vast majority of this was due to the addition of solar systems.

Chinese government tackles solar panel tax break, is the end of the price drops in sight? 

However, in order to achieve the goal of tripling electricity generation capacity from renewable energies agreed at last year’s UN climate summit in Dubai, a further increase in annual net expansion is required. According to international agency Irena, the power of 11.2 terawatts (TW) resulting from this target requires a total average annual increase of 1,044 gigawatts between 2024 and 2030 (inclusive).

Solar Investors Guide #4: Long-term storage with iron flow technlogy 

This corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 16.4 percent of the total installed electricity generation capacity from renewable energies. Photovoltaics continue to play a key role: the agency sets a capacity target of 5.5 terawatts, which requires a net increase of 578 gigawatts in each of the years from 2024 to 2030.

SolarPower Europe report: EU solar market with only weak growth 

Around 700 billion euros required

The associated investment requirements are enormous. In order to achieve the global goal of tripling renewable capacity by 2030, Irena estimates the global capital requirement at $1.5 trillion per year.

Around half of this goes to expanding electricity generation through renewable energies, while another 281 billion euros are needed to expand transmission and distribution networks – in Germany alone.

Romania: European Energy receives 500 MW grid connection approvals 

It doesn’t work without private investors

The private sector will have to provide a significant portion of the required capital. In view of empty state coffers and high levels of debt, institutional investors such as insurance companies, pension funds, foundations, but also private investors are in demand to significantly help finance the conversion and expansion of the energy supply.

In fact, private investors’ interest in investing in transforming the energy system has increased significantly. This applies in particular to investments in energy infrastructure, i.e. systems, networks and storage. Typically they run through the private markets, which include real estate, private equity, private debt, venture capital and infrastructure.

Reiling PV Recycling: ‘We don’t talk, we recycle’ 

Keen interest in energy infrastructure

This interest is evidenced by the latest survey by the German Federal Association of Alternative Investments (BAI) from October 2024, according to which 57 percent of respondents plan to increase their infrastructure share in their portfolio. This makes infrastructure the most sought-after asset class in the private markets sector.

The energy subsector is perceived as particularly interesting compared to other types of infrastructure, as a survey by CFIN – Research Center for Financial Services at Steinbeis University showed last November: 90 percent of those surveyed rated the sector as (very) attractive.

Free download: New opportunities for former tailings dump in Germany (PDF) 

Growing demand for investment opportunities

The positive assessment of infrastructure investments, particularly in the area of renewable energies, reflects the growing demand for sustainable investment opportunities. But there are other reasons for the increased interest among institutional investors.

In addition to the long-term nature, these include independence from short-term capital market fluctuations and diversification effects. In addition, infrastructure investments generally deliver stable and predictable cash flows and offer protection against inflation because the returns are linked to the general price level.

However, there is still a gap between investments made and those required. This is not least due to the regulatory framework, which, despite some efforts, has often proven to be unhelpful.

André Kremer and Joel Wagner of Iqony Sens: Solar and wind become one unit (interview) 

Fund opened for new business

There are currently specific plans to expand the assets permitted for open real estate special funds. In the future, the funds will also be allowed to acquire undeveloped land through participation in infrastructure project companies that are intended and suitable for the construction of systems for the generation, transport or storage of electricity, gas or heat from renewable energies. A new regulation is also intended to regulate that the operation of both open-space systems and roof-top systems is a permissible activity of the capital management company for the real estate fund.

Also read: ELTIF (II): Vehicle of choice for financing (to be published at 10 a.m.)

The author: Robert Guzialowski has been Head of Business Development Real Assets at HANSAINVEST Hanseatische Investment-GmbH since August 2022, where he is particularly responsible for sales of private debt, private equity, renewable energy, infrastructure and real estate funds is. Previously, he was Head of Real Assets Germany at Hauck Aufhäuser Lamp Privatbank AG. In addition to sales and customer management at the AIF depository, he was responsible for supporting the capital management companies from the start of the business relationship to the onboarding and fund transactions. Robert Guzialowski is a lawyer and regularly speaks and publishes on regulatory developments.

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The total output of all solar power systems installed in Germany exceeded the 100-gigawatt mark at the turn of the year. This is according to the latest projections by the German Solar Industry Association (Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft, BSW-Solar) based on data from the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur, BNetzA). In 2024, solar power plants covered around 14 percent of electricity consumption (2023: 12 percent).

Around 17 gigawatts newly installed

In 2024, around one million photovoltaic systems with a nominal output of around 17 gigawatts were installed on roofs and open spaces to generate electricity from sunlight. This means that the increase was around ten percent higher than in the previous year.

Also see: Investor newsletter – ELTIF offers new opportunities for investors

Target by 2030: 215 gigawatts

By 2030, the installed photovoltaic capacity is to increase to 215 gigawatts, more than doubling, according to the legislator. “With sustained market growth at roughly the same rate, we are entering the home stretch,” predicts Carsten Körnig, managing director of the German Solar Industry Association. “However, achieving the next milestones in the energy transition is not a sure thing.”

Also see: Expert analysis – The three strongest solar energy trends in 2025

New government must act

A prerequisite for a corresponding willingness to invest is an attractive and reliable regulatory framework. Further political efforts are needed to achieve this. “The construction of solar plants and storage facilities is essential for the future supply of affordable electricity and for cushioning the costs of climate change,” warns Körnig. “The next federal government should reduce market barriers and ensure an attractive investment framework.”

Expansion of solar parks driven

The main drivers of growth in 2024 were solar parks built at ground level. They grew by around 40 percent to a total of 6.3 gigawatts compared to 2023. For systems on company roofs, the association expects an increase of around 25 percent to about 3.6 gigawatts.

See also: SolarPower Europe report – EU solar market with only weak growth

The demand for plug-in solar devices, known as balcony power plants, continued to boom. Their newly installed capacity doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year, to around 400 megawatts.

Fewer systems for homes

After several record years in a row, however, the growth of solar power systems on private homes slowed. Compared to the previous year, their newly installed capacity fell by around 15 percent (capacity class below 30 kilowatts: 6.7 gigawatts). In connection with the drop in prices of solar modules, this lull caused many solar companies problems. (hs/hcn)





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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)





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

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

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

First tender for 60 MW PV and 105 MW wind

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

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

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

Solar potential of over 4.5 GW – promotion of energy efficiency

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

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

Moldova aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 68.6 percent (compared to 1990 levels) by 2030 according to the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). To achieve this, the government is focusing not only on investment incentives for renewable energies but also on energy efficiency. Primary energy consumption is to be limited to under 3,000 kilotons of oil equivalent (ktoe) and final energy consumption to under 2,800 ktoe.

Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova

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

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

Also interesting: Montenegro on the road to more solar PV

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

Whole package of measures for the energy transition

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

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

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





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Photovoltaic installations on roofs or in fields is nothing unusual. However, it is probably not widely known that solar installations can also float. That may be about to change, as more than 190 floating solar modules have been installed on the Mortkasee artificial lake in Lohsa, Saxony. This joint project between RWE, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) and Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) investigates the extent to which floating solar islands can be implemented and operated in harmony with aquatic ecology. The project is being sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

See also: Floating PV Best Practice Guidelines published

The plant was officially inaugurated today in the presence of guests from the worlds of science, industry and politics, including representatives of the Saxon Ministry of Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture, and Thomas Leberecht, the mayor of Lohsa. Interested citizens also had the opportunity to learn about floating solar islands and the “PV2Float” research project.

Solar modules learn to float

Thomas Leberecht, mayor of the Lohsa municipality: “Originally created by flooding the Werminghoff opencast lignite mine, the Mortkasee artificial lake has become one of the first research sites for floating solar islands in Germany. This technology promises a higher power yield, since the cold water can have a positive impact on the efficiency of the solar modules. Another advantage is that previously unused mine lakes, which are not intended to be used for recreation, can be developed for green electricity generation. That offers major potential for the energy transition in Germany and here in our region.”

Three different floating solar islands have been installed on the Mortkasee. With a rated capacity of about 30 kilowatts each, these are relatively small, but still provide important insights into the benefits of various technological solutions, how costs can be reduced, and how larger, future floating solar installations can be implemented in harmony with the environment. The research plant on the Mortkasee will operate until the end of 2027.

Also interesting: Offshore solar pilot installation in the Dutch North Sea

Experienced partners from research and industry

RWE, Fraunhofer ISE and BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg are the three expert partners driving this research project forward. RWE has many years of experience in the construction and operation of utility-scale solar plants and already operates a floating photovoltaic plant on a former cooling water lake in the Netherlands. Fraunhofer ISE is Europe’s largest solar research institute. It develops solutions for floating photovoltaics and other integrated photovoltaic technologies, in addition to carrying out research into public acceptance of these technologies. BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg has extensive scientific expertise in the field of aquatic ecology. (mfo)





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Montenegro has a variety of energy resources that include: hydropower, wind energy, solar radiation, biomass and coal reserves. In the total installed power production capacity, hydropower plants take a share of 66.05%, thermal power plant 21.08%, wind power plants 11.06% and solar power plants 1.81%. Our power system is characterized by coal generation, with TPP “Pljevlja” (225 MW) that provides baseline power generation and typically generates 42-55% of Montenegro’s gross energy production.

Already in 2021 Montenegro fulfilled national goal of 33% share of energy from renewable energy sources (RES) in gross final consumption, mainly due to the production in two large HPPs (HPP “Perućica” (307 MW) and HPP “Piva” (342 MW)). Two wind power plants (WPP “Krnovo” and WPP “Možura” (118 MW)) and six solar installations (2,319 MW) have been a part of the power generation mix since 2017 and 2019 respectively, but their contribution remains limited.

Distributed PV increasing – first solar park operating

Since about 75% of renewable energy generation in the total amount of electricity supplied by RES comes from hydro, there is a problem of overdependency on hydropower which varies dependent on the hydrological situation. The new Energy Community target for the share of RES in gross final energy consumption for Montenegro is 50% in 2030.

Also see: More PV and wind to save Balkan rivers

Montenegro has a great potential for using solar energy, i.e. the number of hours of insolation is over 2.000 h/year or 200 days/year for the greater part of the territory. In relation to the distributed solar generation and the “consumers-producers” concept, the increase in production from solar power plants is driven by the activities of state-owned energy company Eletroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), which in 2021 launched the Solari 3,000+ and Solari 500+ projects. Projects envisaged subsidized installation of 3,000 solar systems at the rooftops of residential buildings and 500 solar systems at the rooftops of buildings owned by legal entities.

Also see: COP29 – IRENA is calling for ambitious NDC updates

A total of 3,351 PV installations were put into operation, with an installed capacity of 33,913 MW. The implementation of the Solari 5000+ project is underway. So far, 1,260 PV rooftop systems were put into operation, with a total capacity of 9,445 MW. In addition, in December 2023, the first “ground mounted” SPP “Čevo” (3.25 MW) entered trial operation, followed by the issuance of a license to perform electricity production activities.

World Bank Group

Montenegro has a very high photovoltaic power potential.

Despite this growing trend in the valorization of solar radiation energy through the construction of low-power facilities, the construction of a large production capacity is still lacking. In that part, the construction of the solar park “Briska Gora” (250 MW) is planned and in the pipeline are couple of solar projects mainly in the area of Nikšić. Planned large-scale energy storage projects, if strategically implemented, can contribute to energy security and make solar energy a backbone of Montenegro’s grid.

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

While the shift towards solar is promising, there are challenges Montenegro must address. Integrating decentralized, renewable energy sources like solar requires significant upgrades to energy grid, originally designed for centralized power sources. The amortization rate of the energy infrastructure in Montenegro is high and its revitalization and technological modernization is needed. Here, energy storage becomes essential.

Battery energy storage project approved

Building on this momentum, EPCG is now taking critical step with the recent approval of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. The next step is the announcement of a Public Call for the preparation of a Feasibility Study and Conceptual Solution. This initiative aims to install lithium-ion battery storage at key locations across Montenegro nearby large power plants for storing electricity based on lithium-ion batteries.

Also see: EBRD promotes renewable energy in Montenegro

This is relevant since the generation profile of intermittent renewables would not always match demand profiles, leading to temporal mismatching of supply and demand of electricity and heavy demand on interconnection. The goal is to use the available network infrastructure to connect to the transmission network. By enabling the storage of surplus energy from renewable sources, BESS will improve power system flexibility and balancing, support the energy exchange and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Important regulatory support and colllaboration with regional partners

For solar energy to truly take hold, Montenegro needs continued regulatory support. Simplified processes for installing and connecting solar panels, as well as accessible financing options for both solar and storage solutions, are needed. The support and incentive programs for energy generation from renewable sources for own use (the Law on RES adopted in August 2024) in Montenegro should spur demand for green technologies and services.

Also interesting: Battery manufacturer BMZ establishes production in North Macedonia

Also, by incentivizing private adoption of smaller battery storage systems, the pressure on the main grid can be alleviated, especially in remote areas. Collaboration with regional partners in the Balkans and CEE region can also bolster Montenegro’s efforts, as cross-border energy exchanges create additional avenues for balancing supply and demand. In this way, Montenegro will also improve alignment with the EU Energy Policy, implement the Electricity Integration Package and create a functional energy market ready for integration into the European single market. (Ivana Vojinović/hcn)

About the author

Ivana Vojinović is a leading expert in the field of environment, climate change and EU integration in Montenegro and was one of the panelists of CISOLAR 2024 in Bucharest. Out of the 20 years of professional experience, Mrs Vojinovic spent 10 years in the Government of Montenegro on the position of a Deputy Minister/General Director for environment and climate change. Since Montenegro opened negotiations with the EU, Government appointed her for conduction of Montenegro’s negotiation process with the EU in Chapter 27-Environment and Climate Change. Currently she is a Director of the Centre for Climate Change, Natural Resources and Energy of University of Donja Gorica. Ivana Vojinović holds PhD degree in the area of environmental economy and EU integration and possess 13 years long teaching experience at the University of Donja Gorica. 





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The French company Total Energies operates three huge production plants for various plastic and petrochemical products in La Port and Port Arthur in Texas and in Carvill, Louisiana. These plants need a lot of energy to produce polypropylene and polystyrene, for example.

Reducing emissions from production

To minimise emissions from plastic production, Total Energies built the huge Myrtle Solar Farm south of Houston, Texas. This will at least allow the company to reduce the CO2 emissions generated for energy production. The refining of petroleum into various petrochemical products such as fossil fuels continues to produce immense CO2 emissions. But with solar energy, at least its production is climate-neutral, which makes it only marginally better in view of the climate crisis.

70 per cent for self-consumption

Total Energies has installed about 705,000 solar modules to supply the three plants on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. These have a combined output of 380 megawatts. About 70 per cent of the solar power generated is sufficient to supply the production facilities with electricity.

See also: Stabilisation of solar module prices seems to be in sight

Total Energies markets the remaining approximately 30 per cent to the real estate company Kilroy Reality under a power purchase agreement (PPA). The latter will purchase the profit from the solar power for the next 15 years at a fixed price and use it to supply its commercial properties.

Storage unit provides grid service

In addition, Total Energies has installed 114 containers full of battery storage on the site of the solar farm south of Houston. These were made by the subsidiary Saft. They can hold as much as 225 megawatt hours of the Myrtle solar power plant and feed it into the grid when needed. This enables it to take over grid stabilisation services from the Texas grid operator Ercot.

Tax subsidised by the IRS

The Myrtle solar power plant is, according to Total Energies, the largest project of its kind built in the USA to date. It is part of a strategy by the group to establish integrated production based on self-supply in the USA, as Vincent Stoquart, head of Total Energies’ renewable division, points out.

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Times are good for such a strategy in the US. This is because the project benefits from tax credits as provided for in the US government’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) industrial incentive programme. Based on the benefits of the IRA tax credits, Totals Energies will actively expand its portfolio of renewable energy projects in the USA. In total, this includes a green power capacity of 25 gigawatts, part of which is already in operation. (su/mfo)





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