Welcome & Introduction of the session Hybrid PV Power Plants II

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Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Language: English | Duration: 4:49 .

Exploring the Future of Hybrid PV Power Plants and BESS as Potential "Black Swan" in Energy Sector at Fraunhofer ISE Session

The session "Hybrid PV Power Plants 2" is introduced by Dr. Harry Wirth from Fraunhofer ISE, who highlights the unexpected and transformative growth of photovoltaic (PV) technology. He compares this development to a "black swan," an unforeseen event that significantly impacts markets, noting a remarkable 25% compound annual growth rate over the past 14 years. The focus then shifts to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), questioning whether they might become another black swan in the energy sector due to their agile start as indicated by global installation trends. Despite initial skepticism among attendees—only about 10% believe BESS will have such an impact—the session aims to explore these possibilities further through presentations and discussions led by experts like Claudia Günther from Aurora. She specializes in power market outlooks and strategic studies on energy transition topics including electricity market design, decarbonization, and renewable energy integration into existing systems.

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

Claudia Günther
Research Lead Northwestern Europe
Aurora Energy Research
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Eduard Foved Johe
Yield Assessment and Performance Manager
Engie
Spain

To Talk

Speaker

Christian Folke
Head of Technology & Innovation
Uniper
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Claus Wattendrup
CEO
Vattenfall
Netherlands

To Talk

Speaker

Kai Becker
Chief Development Officer
Energy2Market
Germany

To Talk

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

To Talk

Further Content
Webinar
Growth of the European Solar Market, Specifically, Romania

February 24, 2026

Webinar: EU Solar Market Overview with Focus on Romania

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Factors That Influence the Success of a Minigrid Project

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

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program

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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.

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.

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

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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.

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