Trends in Development, Building & Operating PV Power Plants

Recording of Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 14:07 .

Stefan Müller of Enerparc Explores Tech Integration and Cybersecurity in Renewable Energy Projects.

Stefan Müller, a founder of Enerparc, provides insights into the dynamic landscape of renewable energy development and management. With over 25 years in the industry, he explains how Enerparc has matured beyond its startup phase to manage more than 3.8 gigawatts in power plants across various stages using their proprietary trading platform Sonic. The company is fully owned by its management team and operates throughout the value chain. Müller observes significant changes as large corporations now engage earlier in project developments rather than waiting until completion—a shift affecting Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) processes with complex requirements like integrating PV systems with wind or battery storage solutions becoming standard practice. In Operations & Maintenance (O&M), proactive strategies leveraging AI and machine learning are crucial for managing numerous plants efficiently while external software providers play an essential role. Asset management evolves from reactive reporting towards comprehensive risk assessments due to new ownership expectations emphasizing flexibility amidst these shifts. Technological integration within asset management and O&M increasingly intertwines with cybersecurity concerns involving passive stakeholders such as community co-owners interested in developments. Early involvement of potential buyers reflects this transition; they bring diverse demands including CO2 footprint considerations or marketing visibility preferences based on proximity. Renewable infrastructure's importance grows evident through Germany achieving a 60% renewable milestone primarily via PV and wind sources—necessitating addressing grid needs like battery management alongside hybrid solar-wind setups exemplified by Enerpark’s extensive substation networks rivaling major operators while exploring additional services such as commercial re-evaluation refinancing strategies holistic off-taker relationship approaches spanning financial spectrums.

_{Automated summarization by AI Conver}

Speaker

Stefan Müller
COO
Enerparc AG
Germany

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.