Panel Discussion: How to Unlock the Gigantic Flexibility Potenial of Solar-Hybrid Power Plants?

Premium Account

Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 10:27 .

Experts Discuss Future of Co-Located Battery Storage and Wind Farms at Energy Conference

During a presentation, Cecilie addressed questions regarding energy storage systems and their integration with renewable sources. Jake Iverson from Redox One inquired about the optimal charge-discharge duration for co-located storage assets, to which Cecilie responded that it varies based on market applications but noted a general trend towards two-hour durations. She highlighted global targets set by the IEA and COP29 for short-duration (1.5 terawatts by 2030) and long-duration (5 terawatts by 2040) energy storage. Philip from BKV Infra Service asked about integrating battery storage with wind farms concerning grid connections. The discussion revealed that while solar projects have predictable patterns like the duck curve, wind projects offer more consistent supply over time but are site-specific due to varying production profiles. The conversation also touched upon challenges faced in predicting future trends due to policy shifts like IRA tax credits affecting US markets' stability. Despite uncertainties impacting investor confidence, opportunities exist as standalone storages become saturated; co-located solutions can leverage complementary strengths of renewables and participate actively in power markets. Panelists concluded with reflections on optimizing grid resources and reducing total system costs through hybrid PPAs.

Automatisierte Zusammenfassung durch AI Conver

Rebecca McManus
Research Associate
Aurora Energy Research
Germany

Cecilie Kristiansen
Research Associate
Wood Mackenzie
United Kingdom

Ulrike Gunnemann
Head of Storage & Hybrids
BayWa r.e. AG
Germany

Bruce Douglas
CEO
Global Renewables Alliance
Belgium

Grid congestion, curtailment and increasing occurrence of negative electricity prices have spread across Europe as the growth of intermittent renewables has reached significant levels and continues to grow.A key to solving these challenges lies in flexibility. Hybrid PV power plants -which combine solar with wind and storage - are emerging as a critical solution for both existing and new projects. This session will explore the market potential, framework conditions, and outlook for hybrid solar-based energy systems in Europe. This session will provide: Key drivers for hybrid solar plant development in Europe Challenges and opportunities for project implementation Policy frameworks supporting solar-based hybrid power plants in the EU Market outlook for hybrid PV power plants.

Further Talks of this session:

Speaker

Bruce Douglas
CEO
Global Renewables Alliance
Belgium

To Talk

Speaker

Carlos Perez Linkenheil
Head of Market Analysis Germany
AFRY Management Consulting
Germany

Video is not available.

Speaker

Ulrike Gunnemann
Head of Storage & Hybrids
BayWa r.e. AG
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Rebecca McManus
Research Associate
Aurora Energy Research
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Cecilie Kristiansen
Research Associate
Wood Mackenzie
United Kingdom

To Talk

Weiterführende Inhalte
Webinar
Mixed Investment Solar Projects in Mexico: The 54% Model Explained

January 29, 2026

Mexico has introduced a new mixed investment scheme for renewable power generation, requiring a minimum 54% direct or indirect participation by CFE.

Anna Darmani, Principal Analyst from Wood Mackenzie
Big BESS Is Here to Save the Day

The smarter E Podcast Episode 246 | Language: English

January 8, 2026

Utility-scale batteries are booming in Europe. Discover key BESS trends, market impacts, and what to expect for large-scale storage in 2026.

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025
Setting the Scene "Affodability"

Wednesday, May 07, 2025, 04:00 pm - 05:30 pm

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program

Premium Account

Photovoltaic prices have fallen continuously in recent years - a trend that should translate into a growing market for off-grid solutions. Declining costs are crucial for rural electrification in particular, making sustainable energy supply economically viable in remote regions. However, so far many of these price advantages have not yet reached the people that need them most. Do existing framework conditions to foster rural electrification still work in this new market reality? Which measures are needed to ensure that cost reductions reach our target group? This session discusses strategies for improving the availability of low-cost off-grid solutions, financing and innovative business models. A look at successful practical examples shows which political, economic and technological levers need to be pulled to make off-grid PV accessible on a large scale.

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025
Setting the Scene "Off-Grid"

Wednesday, May 07, 2025, 04:00 pm - 05:30 pm

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program

Premium Account

Photovoltaic prices have fallen continuously in recent years - a trend that should translate into a growing market for off-grid solutions. Declining costs are crucial for rural electrification in particular, making sustainable energy supply economically viable in remote regions. However, so far many of these price advantages have not yet reached the people that need them most. Do existing framework conditions to foster rural electrification still work in this new market reality? Which measures are needed to ensure that cost reductions reach our target group? This session discusses strategies for improving the availability of low-cost off-grid solutions, financing and innovative business models. A look at successful practical examples shows which political, economic and technological levers need to be pulled to make off-grid PV accessible on a large scale.

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025
Q&A Session of of the Session Off-Grid: Rural Electrification Based on Solar Systems - Lessons Learned

Wednesday, May 07, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program

Premium Account

Off-grid solar systems are often the least expensive option for rural electrification. Solar home systems can power individual households, while mini-grids can supply entire villages. Each comes with its own advantages, disadvantages, and challenges. The aim of this session is to explore challenges as well as success stories. It takes well-functioning components such as battery systems, charge management and inverters to make projects successful. Proper system sizing, maintenance and repair management, as well as a robust financial concept are also necessary. If one of these elements is missing, the electrification will not be sustainable. This session will focus on the aspects mentioned above. The speakers will present successful and unsuccessful approaches and discuss what can be learned from them.

Sie verwenden einen veralteten Browser

Die Website kann in diesem Browser nicht angezeigt werden. Bitte öffnen Sie die Website in einem aktuellen Browser wie Edge, Chrome, Firefox oder Safari.