Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Language: English | Duration: 23:52 .

Experts Analyze Resilience of Hybrid PV Systems and Regulatory Shifts in Germany's Energy Market

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).

_{Automated summarization by AI Conver}

Speaker

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

Talk of session: Hybrid PV Power Plants II: Business Models, Economics & Case Studies

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:

Welcome & Introduction

Speaker

Dr. Harry Wirth
Director, Division Power Solutions
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Germany

To Talk

Economics of Hybrid Solar and BESS in Germany

Speaker

Claudia Günther
Research Lead Northwestern Europe
Aurora Energy Research
Germany

To Talk

Impacts and Challenges of Flexible Hybrid Systems in Solar Plant Design Optimization and Yield Assessment

Speaker

Eduard Foved Johe
Yield Assessment and Performance Manager
Engie
Spain

To Talk

Unlocking Co-grid Potential: Addressing Grid Connection Scarcity Through Integrated RES + BESS

Speaker

Christian Folke
Head of Technology & Innovation
Uniper
Germany

To Talk

Lessons Learned With Hybrid Power Plants

Speaker

Claus Wattendrup
CEO
Vattenfall
Netherlands

To Talk

Battery Storage in Co-locations: Turning Negative Prices Into Revenue Opportunities

Speaker

Kai Becker
Chief Development Officer
Energy2Market
Germany

To Talk