Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 11:12 .

Liam Cowman Discusses Innovations and Challenges in Grid-Forming Technology Amidst Evolving Energy Market Demands

Liam Cowman, a clinical analyst at S&P Global, delves into the recent challenges and innovations within the energy sector. Key areas of innovation include enhanced software for managing residential energy flows, transitioning utility-scale installations to 2000 volts for improved efficiency and cost reduction, grid-forming inverters that bolster renewable integration by mimicking traditional generation systems' responsibilities, and heightened cybersecurity focus due to increased digitalization. The residential market faces cooling demand with complex consumer needs necessitating advanced software solutions for effective management of home energy assets like solar panels and EVs. Utility-scale operations are shifting from 1500V to 2000V but face delays due to undeveloped standards and component shortages until around 2027-2028. Grid-forming inverter technology is advancing rapidly yet remains costly without adequate incentives or regulatory support across Europe despite its importance alongside rising renewables penetration requiring robust security measures against cyber threats globally amidst exponential data growth trends observed recently worldwide. Despite these hurdles, significant progress continues as demonstrated by projects like Black Hillock in the UK showcasing advancements over the past year.

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Speaker

Liam Coman
Solar Research Analyst
S&P Global

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.

Inverter Advanced Grid Functionalities

Speaker

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

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