Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 17:42 .

Siemens Expert Highlights Role of Advanced Inverters in Enhancing Grid Stability and Preventing Blackouts

The speech addresses the integration of renewable energy sources into power grids, focusing on their effects on grid stability and business operations. It references a recent blackout in Spain to illustrate challenges arising from high reliance on renewables without sufficient support systems. The transition from centralized coal-based energy to decentralized renewables requires enhanced grid responsiveness capabilities. Power converters offer rapid response times but lack features like natural frequency damping and short circuit contributions, posing issues for companies such as Siemens AG that provide grid protections. Two main approaches are discussed: Grid-following involves current source generation based on voltage references; whereas, grid-forming entails creating voltage sources synchronized with or independent of the grid using necessary storage systems due to primary resource variability. Advanced functionalities including reactive/active ramps and synthetic inertias through stored energies are vital for stable operation within European country-specific codes. Challenges include managing ROCOF adjustments, active power management, and synchronous generators' roles in maintaining stability. Forming converters help mitigate oscillations caused by regional active power differences at low frequencies—an area where Siemens is enhancing blackstart capabilities crucial during outages when relying solely on neighboring countries’ support due to limited local storage infrastructure. Manuel from Siemens clarifies misconceptions about his presentation's timing relative to events while emphasizing new inverter technology must be paired with adequate storage solutions given solar’s unpredictability.

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Speaker

Manuel Jimenez Castro
Global Application Engineer, PV + BESS + H2
Siemens AG
Germany

Talk of session: Solar Technology I - Solar System Product Innovations to Keep Cost Reduction in Line with Falling Prices

The pace of solar system technology advancements has been remarkable in recent years, with major improvements in efficiency, usability, and energy yield across all components - including modules, mounting systems, and inverters. However, with persistent overcapacities and intense price pressure, the race for cost reduction through innovation has never been more crucial. Solar companies must continually push the boundaries of technology to remain competitive. This session will provide: Overview of major technological advancements in solar system components Updates on the latest innovations in modules, inverters, balance-of-system equipment, racking, and tracker solutions Discussion on different technology roadmaps shaping the future of solar deployment.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome & Introduction

Speaker

Jenny Chase
Lead Solar Analyst
BloombergNEF
United Kingdom

To Talk

Solar Cell, Module & Material Trends

Speaker

Dr. Gianluca Coletti
Adjunct Professor
UNSW Sydney
Australia

Recording of presentation not authorized for publication.

Inverters Fast Track to the Flex Era

Speaker

Liam Coman
Solar Research Analyst
S&P Global

To Talk

Cost and Technology Developments of Mounting Systems

Speaker

Nadine Wade
Productmanager
K2 Systems GmbH
Germany

To Talk

Improving Yield and System Flexiblity Through Trackers in Various Applications

Speaker

Alejandro Cardona Velez
Corporate Engineering Director
Soltec
Spain

To Talk

Panel Discussion

To Talk