Impacts and Challenges of Flexible Hybrid Systems in Solar Plant Design Optimization and Yield Assessment

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Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Language: English | Duration: 13:18 .

Eduard Foved Johe of Engie Emphasizes Yield Assessment's Importance in Designing Profitable Hybrid Renewable Projects

Eduard Foved Johe, a yield assessment and performance manager at Engie, underscores the pivotal role of yield assessment in hybrid renewable energy projects. This process involves estimating the energy output from renewable assets to optimize project design effectively. Even minor variations in yield can significantly influence design decisions and profitability. At Engie, site-specific meteorological data is crucial for designing efficient hybrid systems that integrate technologies like solar plants with existing infrastructure such as wind farms. The optimization process includes evaluating CAPEX and OPEX alongside macroeconomic factors to guide investment choices. Johe identifies challenges when integrating new solar PV installations with operational wind farms—particularly concerning data quality across different asset stages—and stresses accurate financial modeling to manage profitability expectations realistically. Understanding grid code requirements is vital due to shared connection points between assets affecting equipment sizing and power limits. Engie's strategic approach has led to substantial installed capacity growth globally, aiming for 95 gigawatts by 2030 through innovation driven by past experiences. The discussion also focuses on co-locating solar and battery storage systems worldwide, highlighting a specific project involving a 200 MW peak solar plant paired with four- or five-hour battery storage aimed at optimizing dispatch strategies while potentially offering grid services. Two main challenges are highlighted: deciding whether batteries should be placed on the DC or AC side of the system—a decision impacting oversizing capabilities—and ensuring precise data granularity beyond typical meteorological year (TMY) formats for accurate assessments necessary for optimal designs.

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Eduard Foved Johe
Yield Assessment and Performance Manager
Engie
Spain

The profitability of hybrid PV power plants has improved significantly. In addition to steep cost declines in solar and storage solutions, evolving policy frameworks support a variety of business models for hybrid PV power plants to address flexibility needs. This includes merchant markets, PPAs, grid services and contracts for difference. In addition, some companies are requesting a 24/7 renewable energy supply that matches hourly supply and demand. This session will provide: Economic viability analysis of hybrid PV power plants Overview of viable business models for hybrid solar projects Case studies showcasing different technology combinations and market offerings Update on 24/7 renewable energy matching.

Further Talks of this session:

Speaker

Dr. Harry Wirth
Director, Division Power Solutions
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Claudia Günther
Research Lead Northwestern Europe
Aurora Energy Research
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Christian Folke
Head of Technology & Innovation
Uniper
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Claus Wattendrup
CEO
Vattenfall
Netherlands

To Talk

Speaker

Kai Becker
Chief Development Officer
Energy2Market
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Claudia Günther
Research Lead Northwestern Europe
Aurora Energy Research
Germany

Eduard Foved Johe
Yield Assessment and Performance Manager
Engie
Spain

Christian Folke
Head of Technology & Innovation
Uniper
Germany

Kai Becker
Chief Development Officer
Energy2Market
Germany

To Talk

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