solar

Next mixed RES auction offering Europe’s lowest starting prices

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RES auction starting prices in Greece have, contrary to other European markets, remained unchanged at levels set earlier this year ahead of a  session in September and, as a result, are currently the continent’s lowest.

Several months ago, local authorities set RES auction starting prices of 54 euros per MWh for solar energy and 63 euros per MWh for wind energy.

The energy crisis and its escalated wholesale electricity prices prompted – in more recent times – countries such as Germany to offer investors generous increases in RES auction starting prices.

These rises were offered in parts of the continent after European RES auctions held in 2022 failed to attract the anticipated level of interest from investors, leaving significant amounts of unwanted capacities, including in Greece.

Berlin raised its RES auction starting price for solar energy to 73 euros per MWh from 60 euros per MWh for a session in March. The initiative drew a satisfactory number of participants.

Serbia, preparing for its inaugural RES auction, is offering a starting price of 105 euros per MWh for wind energy and 90 euros per MWh for solar energy to attract investors.

Italy, for its most recent RES auction, in May, set a starting price of 65 euros per MWh for solar energy, the same level set by Spain for its most recent RES auction.

The UK recently offered a starting price of 54.8 euros per MWh for solar energy and 61.9 euros per MWh for wind energy.

Returning to Greece, it remains to be seen if the de-escalation in electricity prices of late will prompt investors to choose RES auctions for their project tariffs or instead opt for other solutions such as PPAs.

 

Interest in roof-mounted solar panel subsidies gaining momentum

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Homeowners are displaying a satisfactory level of interest in the energy ministry’s subsidy support package for roof-mounted solar panel installations, launched in early March, though there is room for swifter progress, energy market players have noted.

Also, the emergence of new products in the sector is sparking greater consumer interest, while companies are making necessary adjustments to meet heightened demand, officials have noted, in response to energypress questions.

The energy ministry launched a platform offering subsidies for roof-mounted solar panel installations on March 2. Some 3,800 applications were submitted during the first nine-day period, while the total number of applications lodged has since risen to 11,000, of which approximately 6,500 have already been approved.

The support program has ushered in a new era for the solar panel market, representatives at Inergio-Tesco, Big Solar, Recom, Baywa r.e., JinkoSolar and S ungrow, told energypress. Sector revenues are rising, while customers are no longer perceiving self-production as an alien concept, the companies noted.

Intersolar 2023: GoodWe solidifies leadership in hybrid inverter technology

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Munich, Germany – June 5, 2023 – GoodWe, a leading provider of PV energy storage solutions, will be presenting its latest innovations at booth B4-210 during Intersolar 2023 in Munich, Germany, from 14 to 16 June. Building on the proven success of GoodWe’s cutting-edge hybrid inverters, the company is set to unveil a brand-new suite of energy storage solutions specifically designed for the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment. Highlights also include exciting additions to the company’s residential and utility product portfolios, further demonstrating GoodWe’s unwavering commitment to delivering seamless solutions across all market segments.

With the launch of the EcoSmart Commercial portfolio, GoodWe offers a compelling lineup of energy storage solutions to accommodate the fast-growing C&I segment. Incorporating a broad selection of compatible products spanning inverters, batteries and accessories for C&I applications, the new product line enables modularized system-design while also providing convenient all-in-one solutions. The inverter solutions of GoodWe are at the core of every system, intelligently managing the battery while optimizing PV yield. By installing GoodWe’s PV energy storage system, businesses, both large and small, can benefit from significant economic, environmental, and operational advantages.

A comprehensive energy storage portfolio for residential applications is available under the EcoSmart Home umbrella, with products designed to optimize self-consumption of generated PV power. While already available on the market, the EcoSmart Home is extending its product portfolio. Visitors will have the opportunity to preview a new-generation ET hybrid inverter and Lynx F high-voltage battery prior to their official launch.

Product development is central to GoodWe’s business operations; the company is constantly innovating and expanding to create value for its customer base. This commitment is also reflected in the new additions to the utility portfolio. A new, highly durable string inverter with power ratings up to 350kW will be introduced at the exhibition. The inverter has been engineered to work tirelessly even in high-temperature conditions, effectively reducing LCOE for large-scale projects. Furthermore, GoodWe offers a compact MV station that combines easily with its string inverters, completing the solution offering.

“GoodWe’s remarkable journey over the past few years has been characterized by rapid product deployments across continents,” states Thomas Haering, President of GoodWe EMEA. “With our brand well-established in the market, Intersolar presents an exceptional opportunity to connect with the individuals driving our success. We look forward to engaging in face-to-face interactions and fostering open exchanges during the exhibition. Together, we are shaping the future of solar energy.”

GoodWe’s booth, featuring state-of-the-art inverters at its core, presents a full range of solutions for residential, commercial, and large-scale scenarios, all known for their exceptional efficiency, safety, and quality. These solutions will be displayed across the generous exhibition space of almost 500 sq meters. Furthermore, the Intersolar will see a relaunch of the popular GoodWe PLUS+ installer loyalty program, offering new and attractive benefits such as free warranty extensions.

GoodWe sincerely welcomes solar professionals from all segments to visit its booth to further explore the brand-new solar products tailored for the EMEA region.

About GoodWe

GoodWe is a world-leading PV inverter manufacturer and smart energy solution provider listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 688390). The company has more than 4,600 employees worldwide and has a track record of over 52 GW of installations in over 100 countries and regions. GoodWe offers an extensive range of products and solutions tailored for residential, commercial and industrial, and utility-scale PV systems, delivering reliable and high-performance solutions across its entire portfolio. In 2021, GoodWe was recognized as one of the top three hybrid inverter suppliers worldwide by Wood Mackenzie. For more information, visit goodwe.com.

Next mixed RES auction planned for September

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The country’s next mixed RES auction is planned to be staged in September, according to a latest ministerial decision. Its official announcement, by RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water, is expected to be made in mid-August.

The intention to stage the next mixed RES auction in September is not coincidental as, judging by latest indications, the authority will be focused on staging an inaugural auction for energy storage units over the preceding two months.

RAAEY expects to announce the forthcoming auction for standalone batteries a little after mid-June. Bids by participants are expected to face an early-July deadline.

September’s RES auction is planned to be staged as three sections, one each for solar and wind energy facilities, plus a combined section.

Starting prices for the mixed RES auction have been set at 54 euros per MWh for solar energy facilities and 63 euros per MWh for wind energy units, while a maximum capacity of 1,200 MW will be offered, including approximately 460 MW that was left over from a mixed RES auction in September, 2022.

The RES auction for solar energy units will be open to small-scale facilities with capacities of up to 1 MW. Investors behind these projects will bid for tariffs representing a total capacity of 200 MW at a starting price of 70 euros per MWh.

The RES auction for wind energy units will be open to small-scale units of up to 6 MW. A total of 100 MW will be offered at a starting price of 83 euros per MWh.

New RES spatial framework identifying wind energy areas

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An energy ministry committee working on Greece’s updated spatial framework for RES facilities, an effort now into its second stage, has been tasked with accurately identifying the country’s Wind Priority Areas (PAP) and Wind Suitability Areas (PAK).

The committee plans to identify these areas in collaboration with the Center for Renewable Energy Sources (KAPE/CRES) and RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, the aim being to redefine exploitable wind energy potential in PAP and PAK areas, a decisive factor for the design of wind energy installations.

The energy ministry intends to consider the inclusion of areas for which strong investment interest concerning RES installations has been expressed.

The current RES spatial framework’s ground coverage limits for PAP and PAK areas, standing at 8 and 5 percent per municipality, respectively, will be adjusted to ensure RES installation capacities in PAP areas are greater than those in corresponding PAK areas.

As for the solar energy sub-sector, revisions to be considered by the committee include reducing the maximum soil coverage of PVs on farmland to 3 percent per region.

Furthermore, the revised framework’s new regulations for offshore wind farms will need to be adjusted to accurately reflect those of the National Offshore Wind Farm Development Program. This initiative will be conducted in cooperation with EDEYEP, the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company.

Delivery of the updated RES spatial framework has been given a deadline extension until the end of March, 2024, based on a recent energy ministry decision.

Motor Oil’s Unagi takeover secures sizeable solar energy portfolio

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Motor Oil’s 75 percent acquisition of Unagi, controlling 51 percent of RES companies Baliaga, Pivot Solar and Teichio, creates a solid foundation for the petroleum group to expand in the RES sector, especially solar energy, a sub-sector in which its investments have lagged behind as a result of a focus on wind energy projects, the group’s leadership informed analysts during a presentation of 1Q results.

Motor Oil’s takeover of Unagi primarily concerns a portfolio of licenses rather than RES projects in operation. Baliaga, Pivot Solar and Teichio hold licenses for solar energy projects throughout Greece.

The petroleum group is taking on a 1.9-GW portfolio capacity through the acquisition, of which approximately 380 MW are close to securing connection terms and are expected to be fully constructed within the next year and a half.

The amount agreed to by Motor Oil for the acquisition is 10 million euros, a relatively modest sum as it mostly concerns licenses, analysts were informed by the group’s leadership.

Motor Oil’s share of the cost for RES projects to be developed by Unagi as a first phase is estimated at 100 million euros, the group’s leadership informed.

Motor Oil’s administration, responding to a question on whether it had completed its cycle of purchases in the RES sector with this acquisition, informed it probably had done so as it now finds itself having exceeded goals set. The focus will now be on developing the portfolio’s projects, the group’s leadership stressed.

Motor Oil buys 51% of Unagi, indirect RES partnership formed with PPC

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Two of the country’s leading energy groups, power utility PPC and Motor Oil, have entered an indirect partnership in the RES sector following an announcement, by the latter, of a 75 acquisition of Unagi.

According to MORE, a Motor Oil subsidiary, Unagi holds a 51 percent stake in a portfolio of 1.9 GW in solar energy projects, in Greece, currently at various stages of development. The other 49 percent of the Unagi portfolio was acquired by PPC Renewables approximately a year ago.

Unagi’s 1.9-GW in solar energy projects, located in northern and central Greece, have involved three companies, Baliaga, Pivot Solar and Teichio. Control of these projects will now be assumed by PPC and Motor Oil.

Development of the first project in this 1.9-GW portfolio is expected to commence early in 2024, PPC and Motor Oil officials have informed.

PPC plans to sign PPAs to purchase electricity produced by the Unagi solar energy facilities.

Some of the 1.9-GW portfolio’s solar energy projects located in northern Greece’s west Macedonia region are expected to soon receive connection terms from power grid operator IPTO.

Most of the Unagi portfolio’s other projects are at advanced stages of maturity, have received environmental permits, and should secure connection terms by the end of this year.

 

EU’s RES installations in ’22 climb to record level

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Wind and solar energy installations reached a record level in the EU last year, adding 57 GW to the continent’s grid, a 16 percent year-on-year rise, according to a European Commission report for the fourth quarter in 2022.

These increased RES installations helped renewable energy capture an increased share of the EU’s energy mix in 2022, rising 39 percent, up from 38 percent in 2021, the Brussels 4Q report showed.

Solar energy output rose by 26 percent in 2022, offering an additional 41 TWh, onshore wind farm generation increased by 10 percent, or 33 TWh, while offshore wind farm production grew by 4 percent, delivering an additional 2 TWh to Europe’s grid.

Solar and wind energy’s combined output in 2022 rose by 14 percent, offering an additional 76 TWh, according to the report.

Hydropower generation fell by 17 percent, or 61 TWh, as a result of dominant drought periods in a number of European countries during 2022.

Nuclear energy generation was also down in the EU last year, falling 17 percent, or 118 TWh, as a result of disruptions and facility maintenance delays in France.

The European Power Benchmark, the continent’s average wholesale baseload electricity price, rose 121 percent in 2022 compared to a year earlier, reaching 230 euros per MWh, the 4Q report showed.

Italy recorded Europe’s highest average wholesale electricity price in 2022, at 304 euros per MWh, followed by Malta, at 294 euros per MWh, Greece, at 279 euros per MWh, and France, at 275 euros per MWh, the European Commission report noted.

Two mixed, two technology-specific RES auctions this year

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The energy ministry is laying the groundwork to stage four RES auctions during the remainder of 2023, offering a total capacity of 1,600 MW. Two of these sessions will be mixed RES auctions while the other two will be technology-specific.

The ministry is preparing to sign a ministerial decision that will enable these auctions to be staged. They will be open to both small and large-scale solar and wind energy facilities.

The same ministerial decision will also launch a pilot auction for green-energy facilities combining batteries into their operations. A total of 200 MW will be offered to investors through this auction.

All the aforementioned competitive procedures are foreseen in a new support scheme that was given the green light by the European Commission in late November, 2021. One mixed RES auction has already been held within this plan’s framework.

Two mixed RES auctions offering a total capacity of 1,200 MW will be staged for large-scale wind energy facilities with capacities exceeding 6 MW and solar energy parks with capacities over 1 MW. According to sources, auction starting prices will be set at 63 euros per MWh for wind energy units and 54 euros per MWh for solar farms.

The imminent ministerial decision will also enable the staging of two technology-specific RES auctions in 2023, both for small-scale projects. One will concern solar energy units with capacities of less than 1 MW and offer a total of 100 MW at a starting price of 70 euros per MWh.

The second of these two technology-specific RES auctions will concern wind energy facilities with capacities of less than 6 MW, at a starting price of 83 euros per MWh.

 

Starting price for next RES auction ahead of May 21 vote

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The energy ministry is pushing to deliver, ahead of the May 21 legislative election, a ministerial decision setting a starting price for the next RES auction.

If issued prior to the legislative election, the ministerial decision will pave the way for RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water, to stage a second auction offering remuneration to major-scale green energy power stations regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election.

The government is now taking initiatives to settle a variety of energy-sector matters prior to the May 21 election as a second round of voting, if needed, will be held between one and one-and-half months later, stagnating concerns during the inter-election period.

The energy ministry recently announced a two-month package of electricity subsidies for consumers covering May and June, instead of continuing its support on a month-by-month basis.

The second auction offering remuneration to major-scale green energy power stations will, once again, be open to investors behind solar energy facilities of over 1 MW and wind energy facilities of more than 6 MW.

The total capacity to be auctioned off is expected to exceed 1 GW. A left-over capacity of approximately 475 MW from the first auction will be made available to investors in the second auction.

 

JinkoSolar webinar on rooftop solar panels, storage May 18

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JinkoSolar is organizing the first of a series of webinars titled «JinkoSolar’s technology solutions for rooftop solar applications with battery storage systems» on May 18.

In the context of the webinar, JinkoSolar’s new technology rooftop solar panels in combination to storage will be presented, suitable both for the residential and the commercial sector.

The webinar is addressed to installers, consumers and other interested parties, where they will have the opportunity to learn about the important advantages of the new product that will be available soon on the Greek market.

The program of the webinar includes:

  • Presentation of the new residential Tiger Neo PV modules N-Type TOPCon technology
  • Technical explanation of the products
  • The main advantages for the consumer
  • JinkoSolar’s new product line of residential energy storage systems

Speaker: Evangelos Makrigiannis, Technical Service Engineer, JinkoSolar EU

The webinar will be held on May 18th 2023, at 14:00 (EEST) with the support of energypress.gr

Interested parties may register at  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8113334115520716629

Speaker’s CV

Evangelos joined JinkoSolar in 2022 and has been working as a Technical Service Engineer supporting pre-sales and after-sales in the PV business in EU. He holds a BSc in Physics (AUTh), a Master’s in Applied and Engineering Physics (TU München) and a Master’s in Business Administration (AUEB). He started working in research in 2014 and his main focus was nanomaterials applications and energy storage devices (WSI Munich, NCSR Demokritos Athens). Currently he is supporting the JinkoSolar Residential Energy Storage business entry strategy in EU.

 

RES spatial plan revision to be passed on to next government

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The country’s revised RES spatial plan, a tricky task requiring authorities to strike the right balance between the conflicting concerns of environmental groups and investors, will be delayed until after Greece’s forthcoming general elections, scheduled for May 21, as the issue could develop into a damaging debate for rival political parties.

Though a new RES spatial plan, to replace a version from 2008, has almost been completed by authorities and scheduled for delivery to the energy ministry by late April, it now appears certain that the next government will need to take on the task of forging a plan that satisfies as many conflicting interests as possible.

The revised spatial plan nearing completion addresses rules concerning so-called “wind priority” and “wind suitability” areas that may host RES projects, and also takes into account Natura restrictions for environmental protection.

It also factors in the increased size of turbines since the country’s RES spatial plan from 2008, meaning issues such as distance between such facilities and their impact on the environment have been reexamined. Size restrictions concerning wind energy facility installations at certain areas have been taken into account.

Wind energy installations at mountain areas is another matter of concern. At present, eight mountain ranges in various parts of Greece are included in the country’s RES spatial plan.

In addition, the revised RES spatial plan’s details aim to keep the strategy compatible with National Energy and Climate Plan targets.

 

IPTO’s necessary RES injection limits universal, proportional

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Power grid operator IPTO is examining a number of factors concerning periods that combine low domestic electricity demand with high RES production, the most recent example being the March 25-26 weekend, in order to decide on an optimal formula protecting the grid’s security and stability.

Net-export periods limit the need for extraordinary measures, while, on the contrary, net-import periods require far greater caution.

Getting the balance right for an optimal formula regarding RES contributions to the grid is far trickier when high RES output primarily stems from abundant sunshine. Under such conditions, significant proportions of green-energy injections are provided by small-scale PV units not detectable by DEDDIE/HEDNO, the distribution network operator, as a result of the grid’s shortage of telemetrics, which offer automatic measurement from remote sources. If the grid were equipped with sufficient telemetrics, the operator’s task of intervening accordingly to get the balance right would be made simpler.

Conditions combining low electricity demand and high RES production are a new reality that will continue to exist for many years, until energy storage technologies have matured sufficiently and become an integral component of the grid.

Until then, IPTO must – and already has – deploy solutions such as limiting both electricity imports and RES output injected into the grid. For the time being, grid-injection limits on RES producers are being imposed universally and proportionately.

PPA market could achieve supply-demand balance by 2030, study notes

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The country’s PPA market is greatly imbalanced as numerous investors behind a large number of RES projects are keen to establish power purchase agreements, promising priority status for their licenses as well as favorable borrowing terms, but, on the other hand, the number of interested customers, major industrial consumers, willing to purchase power through PPAs is limited, a study by Aurora Energy Research has shown.

This imbalance, in which supply of green-energy PPAs exceeds demand, is significantly reducing PPA prices to levels well below those reflecting the actual cost of such agreements, according to the Aurora study, whose findings were presented at the recent 4th Power & Gas Forum in Athens by Evaggelos Gazis, Aurora’s Head of South Eastern Europe.

The study found that the fundamental fair value of typical fixed-price PPA contracts in 2025 could range between 60 and 100 euros per MWh.

A fair value for a 7-year PPA starting in 2025 is over 70 euros per MWh for solar and over 80 euros per MWh for onshore wind, the Aurora study determined.

Though supply for PPA contracts is currently much higher that demand, increased demand from utilities and aggregators could balance the market by 2030, the study noted.

The fair market value of a PPA depends on the asset’s capture price, the value of risk and hedge as well balancing cost and value of Guarantees of Origin (GO) certificates, the study pointed out.

EU’s RES goals need ‘measures, major grid, storage investment’

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European Commission REPower EU targets aiming for additional RES capacities of 510 GW in wind energy and 592 GW in solar energy by 2030 cannot be achieved without a new framework of measures and incentives supporting PPAs and ambitious investments for network upgrades and energy storage installations, a new report by sector association Eurelectric, representing the common interests of the electricity industry at a European level, has highlighted.

Highlighting the extent of the effort needed, the Eurelectric report notes that, compared to the sum of installed EU capacities in 2020 – 175 GW for wind energy and 100 GW for solar energy – wind energy installations must increase by 191 percent and solar energy installations need to grow by 492 percent if the 2030 targets are to be achieved.

The Eurelectric report, a proposal focused on market design the European Commission ought to adopt to ensure the continent’s green-energy RES targets are met, was presented in Brussels just days ago. It was delivered as the association’s contribution to consultation staged by the European Commission for a new market design in the EU.

Even split in wind, solar systems optimal balance, studies show

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An even split between prospective solar and wind energy installations in Greece is the perfect balance in terms of cost-effectiveness and investment, studies conducted by two Greek universities have shown.

Emphasis on the development of either of the two RES technologies is not optimal for RES growth in Greece, Panagiotis Papastamatiou, chief executive of ELETAEN, the Greek Wind Energy Association, told the recent Power & Gas Forum in Athens, citing the university studies.

Although solar energy installations are lower in cost, they require large storage capacities for energy transmission, coming at an increased cost, the ELETAEN official noted, adding that, on the other hand, investment costs for wind energy installations, especially offshore systems, are elevated.

This view raises questions about the National Energy and Climate (NECP) plan, envisaging greater development of solar energy installations, and whether this approach would maximize benefits for consumers, compared to a 50-50 split.

A study conducted by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) showed that a combination of 10 GW in solar energy systems and 10.5 GW in wind energy systems would reduce overall generation cost.

Another study, by the University of Piraeus, also showed that a 50 to 60 percent wind-energy share of prospective RES installations is the optimal combination that should be pursued.

 

‘Incentives for battery additions to PVs would free up grid space’

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Power grid operator IPTO’s Deputy Chairman, Ioannis Margaris, participating in a panel discussion at yesterday’s second and final day of the Power & Gas Forum in Athens, proposed incentives for behind-the-meter energy storage unit additions to still-unelectrified solar panel installations as a means of making available extra grid capacity for new RES projects.

Efficient use of the grid’s limited capacity is crucial. Authorities have already warned that unless drastic action is taken, the country’s grid capacity is headed towards exhaustion in the coming years.

At present, occupied grid capacity totals 25 GW, 11 GW concerning RES projects already operating and 14 GW concerning active final connection offers, the IPTO deputy noted.

Margaris stressed that grid access in many parts of the country will soon become unavailable given the large number of RES project connection applications submitted by investors to IPTO.

Stricter terms limiting the duration of connection offers for stagnant projects, a measure that was recently ratified in Parliament as part of a multi-bill submitted by the energy ministry, will help free up valuable grid capacity, the IPTO deputy stressed.

Also taking part in the forum’s panel discussion, Dr. Stavros Papathanasiou, Professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), agreed that a solution concerning the addition of energy storage units to RES projects will, sooner or later, need to be adopted.

Adding behind-the-meter batteries to solar panel systems, either under development or already operating, is the only option to avoid big project cuts as the objective is to accommodate as many RES units as possible into the grid’s limited capacity, the professor stressed.

Battery additions will, of course, increase the cost of solar energy projects, but this increase should not add more than 15 to 20 euros per MWh to the cost of electricity produced by each project, assuming batteries with a duration of between 0.5 and one hour are installed, Papathanasiou informed.

 

Record-level solar panel installations in 2022 reach 1,362 MW

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Solar panel installations in 2022 reached an all-time high of 1,362 MW, exceeding the previous record capacity of 838 MW tallied in the previous year, preliminary data provided by SEF, the Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies (HELAPCO), has shown.

Last year’s surge in solar panel connections to the grid took the country’s portfolio of installed PVs to 5,488 MW.

The number of solar panel systems that were connected to the grid also rose sharply last year, reaching 341 MW.

Net-metering installations also rose considerably in 2022, reaching a total capacity of 110 MW, approximately triple the capacity amassed in 2021, when the installed net-metering capacity totaled 38 MW, the preliminary SEF figures showed.

The net-metering boost in 2022 was almost exclusively linked to system installations made for commercial purposes.

A forthcoming subsidy program for roof-mounted solar panel installations is expected to lift solar panel installations to a new record figure in 2023.

Roof-mounted PV, solar water heater subsidies imminent

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The energy ministry is adding final touches to guides for highly anticipated subsidy programs supporting roof-mounted solar panel and solar water heater installations.

One of the two guides could by announced by the ministry this Friday, while the other may follow suit next week, sources noted.

The subsidy program for roof-mounted solar panels, to offer a total of approximately 150 million euros in subsidies, will be restricted to households as funds currently available do not suffice to also include farmers and businesses in the support program, as had been originally intended.

The support program is expected to subsidize photovoltaic system installations with a maximum capacity of 10 kW if they are backed by batteries offering up to 10 kWh in storage capacity and are equipped for three-phase electricity supply.

It will also offer subsidies to photovoltaic systems with capacities of up to 5 kW, as long as they are equipped for single-phase power supply and incorporate 5 kWh batteries.

According to sources, the subsidy program for roof-mounted solar panels will be divided into three income-based categories.

Low-income households will be eligible for subsidies fully covering the cost of batteries and 65 percent of solar panels.

Individuals with income levels of up to 20,000 euros per annum and families with a combined income level of up to 40,000 euros will be entitled to subsidies fully covering battery costs and 35 percent of solar panels.

Also, individuals with income levels of more than 20,000 euros per annum and families with a combined income level of more than 40,000 euros will be entitled to subsidies covering 90 percent of battery costs and 25 percent of solar panels.

As for solar water heating systems, first-home owners and owners of holiday homes will be eligible for subsidies covering between 50 and 60 percent of this water-heating technology’s overall cost, depending on income level and boiler capacity.

Income-based criteria for this subsidy program are expected to divide interested parties into three categories: Below 5,000 euros per annum; between 5,000 and 10,000 euros per annum; and over 10,000 euros per annum.

 

PPC close to signing first PPAs with industrial consumers

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Power utility PPC and a number of industrial players are examining a series of details, including legal matters, before signing the country’s first round of power purchase agreements (PPAs) for supply of lower-cost green energy.

PPC and industrial consumers are aiming to sign PPAs by Monday, though it remains uncertain if this target will be achieved, energypress sources have informed.

Procedures leading towards the country’s first PPAs between PPC and industrial groups have moved rapidly since a recent announcement by RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, exempting PPAs from a wholesale electricity market price cap. This measure comes into effect as of tomorrow.

The PPAs involving PPC and industrial consumers are planned to have ten-year durations. Industrial consumers will need to be supplied electricity through thermal power stations for the first two years of these ten-year periods, providing energy supply coverage until new and required RES facilities being developed by the power utility are up and running.

PPC’s launch date of new solar farms, which will ensure green energy supply to industrial consumers, is a key matter in the final-stage talks before PPAs are signed. According to sector officials, these RES projects are expected to be launched in 2025.

Some of these RES facilities have already obtained connection terms from power grid operator IPTO, but most have not, preventing absolute certainty of their launches in 2025, as projected.

Net metering applications for roof-mounted PVs restarted

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Distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO’s information system accepting net-metering applications for solar panels with capacities of up to 10 KW was relaunched last week following a three-week break for revisions and, according to energypress sources, has so far attracted over 650 grid connection applications through a greatly simplified procedure.

Roughly one third of these applications concern small-scale photovoltaics with batteries. These 200 or so applications have presumably been submitted by consumers planning to be subsidized for their project plans as a new support program for roof-mounted solar panels only subsidizes projects incorporating energy storage systems.

The subsidy program concerning roof-mounted photovoltaics installed for net-metering purposes is expected to be launched in March, energy minister Kostas Skrekas told Greek Parliament’s Standing Committee on Production and Trade yesterday, during its examination of a multi-bill covering a wide range of energy-sector issues.

A launch of the subsidies program before March 25 is possible as its guidelines have been completed and are ready for publication, energypress sources noted.

The subsidy program for roof-mounted photovoltaics will also be open to projects that secured grid connections prior to its upcoming launch but are still not operating.

The energy minister, during yesterday’s parliamentary committee session, reiterated a total of 300,000 consumers – households, farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises – stand to receive subsidies for their roof-mounted photovoltaic projects through the support program.

A capacity upper limit on roof-mounted photovoltaics for households included in the subsidy program appears set to be revised upwards to 10 KW from 7 KW.

Energy ministry multi-bill at parliamentary committee

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Greek Parliament’s Standing Committee on Production and Trade begins is set to begin discussions today on a multi-bill covering a wide range of energy-sector issues. The committee’s talks are expected to continue during the week, but a date has yet to be set for the multi-bill’s tabling in Parliament for ratification.

Energy-sector issues included in the multi-bill include a formula for filtering out stagnant RES projects as a means of freeing up required grid capacity.

Non-auction tariff levels in 2023 for small-scale wind and solar energy projects of up to 6 MW is another matter included in the energy ministry’s multi-bill, as are power purchase agreement (PPA) rights for RES projects, instead of fixed tariffs, which were trimmed as part of the new deal.

Also included is an article concerning a compensation amount for gas company DEPA Commercial following the cost of its recent decision to cancel LNG orders, not required as a result of lower energy demand this winter.

It also includes revisions exempting businesses and farmers from public service compensation surcharges, included in electricity bills, worth 63 million euros.

In another section, the multi-bill includes terms increasing upper capacity limits to 100 kW on solar energy panels installed for net-metering purposes by churches, charities, NGOs and schools.

Moreover, the revisions include an EU formula to be adopted for the development of offshore wind farms as a pilot project off Alexandroupoli, northeastern Greece.

 

Two-thirds of PPC’s depleted lignite mines to the State

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Roughly two-thirds of power utility PPC’s depleted lignite mines are in the process of being transferred to the Greek State. The power utility has scheduled an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting on March 30 for approval of the transfer of ownership.

More specifically, 16,400 of 24,700 hectares of depleted lignite mine property is planned to be transferred to the Greek State. PPC will maintain control of the remainder, primarily for development of solar farms.

As noted by PPC, the completion of this transfer of property is subject, by law, to approvals by the General Assembly of PPC’s shareholders, the signing of a relevant notarial deed, as well as the receipt of all necessary approvals from competent authorities.

Small-scale RES units to continue securing non-auction tariffs in ‘23

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Small-scale solar energy facilities with capacities of up to 500 KW and wind farms with capacities of up to 6 MW will be able to continue securing tariffs without competitive procedures in 2023, according to a new energy ministry draft bill forwarded for consultation last Friday.

Small-scale solar energy facilities will be able to secure tariffs through non-competitive procedures until December 31, while solar energy facilities that are part of energy communities will be able to do so until September 30.

Small-scale wind farms will be able to secure tariffs through non-auction procedures until December 31, 2024, according to the draft bill.

It also includes a section designed to filter out RES projects that have remained stagnant for years and are occupying needed grid capacity. This revision will concern RES projects that have received finalized connection terms up to July 4, 2022. They will be set deadlines.

Small-scale PV net-metering applications platform reopening

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An online platform upgrade by distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO for net metering applications concerning solar energy panels with capacities of up to 10 KW has been activated by a ministerial decision published yesterday, but the operator still needs a few more days to make minor IT adjustments before applications can be accepted.

According to energypress sources, the net-metering platform will be ready to fully operate on February 28, a few days beyond the original date planned.

The operator’s platform was temporarily shut down on February 7 for its upgrade and scheduled to reopen on February 22.

The platform upgrade is planned to simplify the net-metering application procedure and also cover a forthcoming subsidy program for roof-mounted photovoltaics.

Asset Management – the new market need

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The photovoltaic industry and RES in general are entering a new era of maturity. Until a few years ago, investments in RES were based on government subsidies, which especially in the early days were quite generous, offering high returns to the first investors of this new, unknown sector. With the development of technology and the increase in production volume worldwide, costs have decreased dramatically and simultaneously (or at least with some time lag) the financial incentives offered by various governments have also decreased. Today, PV is the most cost competitive electricity generation technology without any government subsidy, especially in countries with abundant sunshine like Greece.

Moving up the learning curve, PV has now gained its place in the power generation mix, competing with conventional fuel technologies. Sizes have multiplied (from a few tens of kW to hundreds of MW) and investment return has decreased, as it is based on competitive participation in the energy market without subsidies. The investors of “mega projects” are mainly utilities, international funds and institutional investors, who are required to manage large investments with geographical spread, possibly with different business models and technological diversity, without necessarily having the required know-how. For many, the photovoltaic plant is now an investment product. In a regime where energy sales prices are now determined by competitive processes or by market rules through bilateral contracts (PPAs) and the duration of contracts can be very close to the payback period of the investment, the optimal performance of a PV installation matters much more than it did in the past.

This need is met by the Asset Manager, who creates added value for the investor, taking over the management on his behalf. By providing the right services, the asset manager can guarantee the maximization of financial and technical performance throughout the project’s life cycle and achieve the following objectives:

1. Increase of performance

2. Reduction of operating costs

3. Financial restructuring

4. Renegotiation of contracts in favor of the investor

5. Technological Upgrades

6. Human resource management

7. Health and safety system management

8. Environmental management

Asset Management is significantly different from the operation and maintenance (O&M) of a solar plant. Management is about the investment (the company – SPV), not just the installation, from design and development to construction, operation and end-of-life of the project, even the recycling of materials. The long life cycle of assets (30+ years) requires a comprehensive, long-term planning approach. Each asset also has unique characteristics and needs, which may require a different management approach. Best international management practices should form the basis of the asset management framework applied to each portfolio with the necessary adjustments.

An integral part of the evolution of Asset Management is the adoption of quality systems and digital tools. The ISO 55001 standard for asset management was published in 2014. However, there are very few management service providers certified to this standard. Quality systems are the backbone of any standardization and in the management field they indicate the internal transformation that service providers should follow, to optimize their own processes and offer consistent service quality.

At the same time, the adaptation of digital tools and information management systems contributes to the optimal provision of services. With the right tools, information gaps are avoided, which limit the potential for strategic, long-term planning and delivering added value to investors.

It is no coincidence that, as Europe moves towards the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C and prepares to reach TW of installed capacity this decade, the Solar Quality Summit Europe was organized in January 2023 in Barcelona. The conference has allowed the exchange of views between managers, investors, manufacturers and service providers regarding the best practices in construction, operation, maintenance and asset management, identifying the challenges as well as new technologies and trends to achieve their goals .

Dr. Alexandros Zachariou, PV Consultant, Greensolver Business Development, Greece

February 2023

Ministry putting final touches to solar panel subsidies offer

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The energy ministry is finalizing the details of a subsidy program for roof-mounted solar panels to be made available to a total of 300,000 applicants – households, farmers, and businesses.

Pre-notification of the support program’s guidelines is expected to be released next week, barring unforeseen developments, so that interested parties may begin preparing their applications, energypress sources informed.

In addition, distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO has just about completed a platform simplifying net metering application procedures, so that interested parties may submit applications prior to the launch of the subsidy program for roof-mounted solar panels.

The subsidy program will need to be approved in Parliament as part of a draft bill also including other RES sector matters.

Speaking at an industry event yesterday, energy minister Kostas Skrekas noted that a 40 percent share of the subsidy program’s funds would be allocated for households, while farmers and businesses would each share 30 percent. This share of the funds means roughly 120,000 households, 90,000 farmers and 90,000 businesses will be eligible.

The ministry has increased the subsidy program’s total number of eligible parties to 300,000 from 250,000 as it opted to lower the program’s capacity limit for household roof-mounted solar systems to 7 KW from 10 KW, energypress sources informed.

 

Greek-Egyptian grid link prospects gaining ground

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A prospective Greek-Egyptian subsea grid interconnection, planned to exclusively transmit green energy from Egypt to Greece as a means of increasing the energy-mix share of renewables in Greece and the wider region, while also bolstering energy security in Europe, has gained further ground on a number of key fronts.

Political support has been expressed, progress is being achieved on the project’s engineering study, and the Copelouzos group, seeking to develop the project, is in talks with potential investors.

As for the technical side, agreements are being worked on for a detailed engineering study as well as a feasibility study for the project, whose cable installation will reach as deep as 2.7 kilometers at certain sections.

A Copelouzos group team headed by its president, Dimitris Copelouzos, has held talks in Cairo with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and other leading Egyptian officials on regions where wind and solar farms could be developed to feed the Greek-Egyptian subsea cable.

The focus of these talks, also involving Egypt’s minister of electricity and renewable energy Dr. Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi, was on developing wind energy facilities in areas offering wind speeds of more than 10 meters per second. Such speeds are exceptional, well over those of locations hosting Greece’s best-performing wind energy facilities, where wind speeds reach 6.5 to 7 meters per second.

As for the solar energy sector, production tariffs of between 15 and 17 dollars per MWh offered at previous auctions in Egypt, a country offering flat land, are extremely competitive compared to prices in the Greek and Italian markets, even if energy transportation costs to Europe are taken into account.

Solar and wind energy investments offering a total capacity of 9.5 GW are planned to be developed in Egypt by the Copelouzos group, with partners, at a cost of approximately 8 billion euros. European, US, Middle East and Japanese companies have expressed interest to join the Copelouzos group for these projects.

Though investor interest for the Greek-Egyptian grid interconnection is strong, the European Commission’s stance will be crucial as it will be called upon to decide on the project’s inclusion in the projects of common and mutual interest (PCI/PMI) list, which would ensure EU funding support.

The Copelouzos group submitted its application last December. Brussels is expected to release PCI/PMI short lists in June, followed by finalized decisions in November.

HEDNO: Grid capacity boost of 5 GW by 2025 for RES units

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Distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO plans to increase the network’s capacity by 5 GW to 13.5 GW by 2025 to facilitate RES output, Dimitris Vranis, the operator’s Director of the Network Users Division, has told an industry event in Thessaloniki.

The capacity goal set in the revised National Energy and Climate Plan for 2030 would, as a result, be exceeded, noted Vranis, while offering his views on the progress of PV and energy storage unit licensing at an annual event staged by POSPIEF, the Pan-Hellenic Federation of Photovoltaic Producer Societies.

A 25-GW objective has been set by the NECP for RES penetration by 2030, the official said.

Considering that half the RES units to be involved in this further penetration are expected to concern low and medium-voltage connections, the distribution network will need to be able to host projects representing 12.5 GW.

Given this projection, the operator’s aim for a distribution network capacity increase to 13.5 GW by 2025 exceeds the aforementioned capacity needed by 8 percent.

In addition, between 2025 and 2030, DEDDIE/HEDNO plans to further boost the network’s capacity by 2 GW, increasing it to 15.5 GW, Vranis told the POSPIEF event.

At present, RES facilities representing a total capacity of 6.5 GW are linked to the distribution network, the DEDDIE/HEDNO official noted.

Some 7,000 small-scale RES projects representing a total capacity of approximately 2 GW are now being developed, most of these PVs, while 5,300 units are privately owned and represent a capacity of roughly 400 MW, Vranis noted.

 

DEPA Commercial staging solar farm tenders for its RES entry

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Gas company DEPA Commercial, preparing to also venture into the renewable energy sector with solar farms offering a total capacity of 550 MW, plans to announce tenders for the development and installation of these facilities within the next three months, energypress sources have informed.

DEPA Commercial will look to attract construction companies with experience and knowhow in the RES sector. At this stage, DEPA Commercial officials are considering the number of tenders to be staged.

The total budget for these solar farm projects is expected to reach an estimated 400 million euros. Incentives for swifter project completion will be incorporated into the tenders.

The bulk, or 450 MW, of DEPA Commercial’s 550-MW in solar farms is planned to be developed in the Kozani area, northern Greece. One of these units, expected to offer 400 MW, will be among Greece’s biggest. DEPA Commercial’s remaining 100 MW is planned to be developed in the Viotia region, northwest of Athens.

Helleniq Energy, formerly named ELPE, and PPC Renewables are also developing major-scale solar farms.

DEPA Commercial, whose entry into renewables comes as part of the company’s plan to vertically integrate, intends to follow-up its initial lot of 550-MW in solar farms with an additional 150 MW in RES projects, still awaiting connection terms.