Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe 2025 | Language: English | Duration: 23:52 .
The discussion centers on enhancing energy system resilience, particularly following a blackout in the Iberian Peninsula. Eduard proposes hybrid PV systems as a solution but notes regulatory and technical hurdles. He highlights untapped flexibility in standalone PV systems and advocates for grid-forming inverters with batteries to bolster stability. The conversation shifts to Germany's evolving regulations promoting flexible grid connections due to limited connection opportunities, which could optimize solar assets while aiding grid operations if structured correctly between DSOs and asset developers. Concerns arise over TSOs' apprehensions about hybrid assets amidst increasing battery capacity requests within German markets, potentially leading opportunistic players without genuine intent towards system overloads. Bankability issues related to financing new or retrofitting existing PV-battery projects are discussed alongside revenue uncertainties from tolling agreements—a significant challenge despite being an attractive current solution akin to PPA market dynamics. Electricity price prediction models consider commodity prices and ancillary markets like FCR/AFR capacities—small yet pivotal for setting reliable revenue floors amid fluctuating stock prices. Asset-backed trading is highlighted as a strategy for optimizing earnings through fundamental trend predictions without active engagement. Hybrid power plants combining solar, wind energies with batteries require performance guarantees traditionally provided by EPCs but now need adaptation due to changing grid dynamics. Research institutions play a crucial role through R&D efforts aimed at improving resilience via technologies like grid-forming solutions that enhance renewable participation in services such as inertia provision or black start capability using Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
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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
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
Claus Wattendrup
CEO
Vattenfall
Netherlands
Speaker
Kai Becker
Chief Development Officer
Energy2Market
Germany