Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Language: English | Duration: 8:27 .
Claus Wattendrup from Vattenfall, a Swedish utility company known for its hydroelectric origins, discusses the complexities and innovations in hybrid energy projects. He highlights the integration of wind, solar, and battery systems to optimize energy production despite challenges posed by seasonal variations in Europe. In Sweden, where Vattenfall benefits from abundant hydropower resources alongside wind power, they have successfully created balanced energy solutions that fill gaps left by intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. This approach has been particularly effective for data centers due to their specific consumption profiles. However, he notes difficulties replicating this model in Germany due to limited hydropower availability; instead relying on batteries to shift supply times slightly but not providing baseload capacity cost-effectively. While market optimization offers higher profits without fixed customer contracts—appealing especially when financing is challenging—it lacks revenue security needed for smaller companies seeking bank support. Claus invites further discussion on securing revenues across different markets while maintaining sustainable practices.
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Claus Wattendrup
CEO
Vattenfall
Netherlands
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
Speaker
Claudia Günther
Research Lead Northwestern Europe
Aurora Energy Research
Germany
Speaker
Eduard Foved Johe
Yield Assessment and Performance Manager
Engie
Spain
Speaker
Christian Folke
Head of Technology & Innovation
Uniper
Germany
Speaker
Kai Becker
Chief Development Officer
Energy2Market
Germany
Speaker
Claudia Günther
Research Lead Northwestern Europe
Aurora Energy Research
Germany