Recording of Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 10:11 .

Navigating Complexities in EPC Contracting: Key Strategies for Successful Renewable Energy Projects

The presentation discusses the complexities and considerations in selecting Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors from an owner's perspective. Engie, a global player in renewables with significant investments until 2030, emphasizes understanding constraints beyond technical aspects when choosing EPC partners. The development stage is crucial for planning as execution proceeds rapidly once initiated. Key factors include project profitability, grid requirements compliance, financing agreements, long-term operation strategies (O&M), quality control measures, cost management challenges due to multiple concurrent projects and evolving market conditions. Two critical choices are highlighted: strategy formulation—how works are packaged—and partner selection based on contractor capabilities within competitive markets influenced by risk appetite at launch time or organizational constraints like lender demands regarding performance stakes/guarantees transferability among others affecting decision-making processes significantly impacting outcomes positively if done correctly while ensuring transparency throughout delivery phases via comprehensive dialogues addressing health/safety concerns alongside cyber risks/environmental ethics/social responsibility issues integral now more than ever before given increasing stakeholder scrutiny necessitating partnerships rather than one-off engagements across repeated solar initiatives globally fostering successful deliveries consistently over time without compromising core principles such as timely completion under budgetary limits maintaining high standards always paramount ultimately driving trends shaping future directions industry-wide today tomorrow alike!

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Speaker

Alexandra Fioux
Senior Construction Contracts Manager
Engie
Spain

Talk of session: Utility-Scale Solar Power I: Trends in Development, Construction & Operation

The utility-scale solar segment expanded its market share in Europe last year despite growing challenges. Developers often still face long approval times, grid connection hurdles, and increasing local opposition to large ground-mounted projects. EPCs must navigate volatile prices and rapidly evolving product portfolios, while operators face declining market values for solar power in many European countries. Additionally, ESG compliance adds another layer of complexity across the value chain. This session will provide: Key risks and opportunities for utility-scale solar developers in Europe Best practices for EPC and O&M of PV plants Asset management strategies for profitable long-term operations Panel discussion on how to successfully develop and operate utility-scale PV in Europe.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome & Introduction

Speaker

Dr. Benedikt Ortmann
Global Director Origination & Business Development Projects
BayWa r.e. AG
Germany

To Talk

Trends in Development, Building & Operating PV Power Plants

Speaker

Stefan Müller
COO
Enerparc AG
Germany

To Talk

Contractual Quality Assurance Smoothing the Path for Finance

Speaker

Daniel Barandalla
Solar Advisory Lead EMEALA
UL LLC
U.S.

To Talk

How to Ensure Transparency in Procurement Process Along the Supply Chain

Speaker

Rachel Owens
CEO
Solar Stewardship Initiative
Belgium

To Talk

Panel Discussion: How to Overcome Obstacles for Utility-Scale Solar in Europe?

Speaker

To Talk