wind power

New RES units total 1.5 GW over just 5 months; NECP target exceeded

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Renewable energy facilities representing a capacity of 1.5 GW were launched over a period of just five months between early June and November last year, data provided by power grid operator IPTO data has shown.

RES facilities in operation totaled 12.2 GW in early November, 2023, up from 10.65 GW in early June, 2023, the IPTO data showed.

The November tally included 5.06 GW in wind farms and 6.55 GW in solar energy farms. As had been anticipated, solar energy farm launches recorded a bigger increase, which reached 1.28 GW, compared to five months earlier.

Wind farm capacity growth recorded a more modest rise of 261 MW. The remaining 35 MW in increased RES capacity resulted from biomass-biogas, small-scale hydropower and CHP installations.

RES facilities possessing connection terms totaled roughly 15.5 GW in November, 2023, which, combined with 12.2 GW in RES facilities already operating by that month, results in an overall RES portfolio capacity of 27.7 GW.

This figure greatly exceeds the country’s 2030 target for installed RES capacity, set at 23.5 GW in the revised National Energy and Climate Plan.

 

Offshore wind farm plan proving trickier than expected

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Implementation of the national offshore wind farm development program is proving to be trickier than expected, according to competent market sources, as local opposition and a number of constraints have raised questions over the feasibility of the initial plan.

Sites designated to host offshore wind farms are sufficient for the plan’s first wave of facilities until 2030, but the spatial sufficiency for further expansion, beyond 2030, is questionable.

The designation of offshore plots has been made by selecting marine areas situated at least six nautical miles, or 11 km, off coastlines, which, sources told energypress, ends up being inadequate if capacity targets of between 2 and 3 GW are to be achieved beyond 2030. An expansion of marine territory will be needed, the sources noted.

On the other hand, this distance criterion has also raised concerns among various local officials who fear offshore wind farm proximity could have an adverse effect on local economies.

Municipal and regional committees, tourism industry associations, hoteliers and a number of environmental groups are all on high alert and are even considering to take legal action in order to challenge the development of offshore wind farms. Strongest reaction, so far, has come from officials in Crete’s northeast, Ikaria and Corfu.

According to a preliminary national plan, an offshore wind farm target of 1,900 MW has been set for 2030, while a 6,200-MW target has been set for 2035. Further ahead, this plan’s goal for 2050 is 17,300 MW.

 

Manos Manousakis (IPTO): Τime to open debate on the creation of a pan-European HVDC interconnection network

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Key speaking points of the Chairman and CEO of Greek power grid operator IPTO at the ENTSO-E event on the Offshore Network Development Plan in Brussels

24/1/2024

“We need a pan-European network of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical interconnections to seamlessly integrate substantial volumes of renewable energy into our power systems. This is essential for harnessing the abundant wind potential in Europe’s sea basins. We need to begin this discussion now if we want to achieve our 2050 climate targets and attain net-zero emissions”. This was stated by the Chairman and CEO of IPTO (Independent Power Transmission Operator) Manos Manousakis during a special event organized by the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) to unveil the Offshore Network Development Plan, on January 23 in Brussels. High level speakers at the event included Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson and Tinne van der Straeten, the Minister of Energy of Belgium, the country holding the rotating EU Presidency for this semester.

“The time has come for vertical and horizontal electricity transmission corridors to take center stage in the public debate as they are a prerequisite for greening the energy mix, enhancing energy independence and improving the reliability of Europe’s electricity supply,” said Mr. Manousakis, noting that HVDC technology is essential due to its significant technical advantages, ensuring consistent power, voltage, and frequency, while enhancing grid stability and efficiency of the grid.

“In order to fully exploit the huge wind potential of Greece, the South of France, the North Sea, we need this infrastructure. And we need Transmission System Operators to communicate to governments the necessity of cooperation at European level to implement this infrastructure. It is time to plan the projects of the electricity corridors and the necessary interconnections between offshore wind farms in the framework of a holistic approach, considering their viability and cost-benefit ratio from a European perspective as Projects of Common European Interest, rather than bilateral projects between two states. We need to create solutions that support this policy” he said.  “Just as in Greece it is necessary to have vertical energy transmission axes from north to south, the same is required in Europe.” He cited as an example the Green Aegean Interconnector project to transfer the surplus wind potential of the Aegean Sea to the industrial centres of Central Europe.

The National Energy and Climate Plan of Greece foresees production capacity from offshore wind at 2 GW by the end of the decade and 17.3 GW by 2050. “However, our technical wind potential is much greater, and we can increase our ambition if we work together. That is why we need an integrated strategy that provides clear guidelines and appropriate tools for the planning and implementation of Europe’s electricity corridors,” concluded  IPTO’s Chairman.

RES project grid applications reach unrealistic level of 42 GW

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RES project applications being submitted to power grid operator IPTO by investors, for grid capacity reservations, have continued at an alarming rate, resulting in an enormous and unrealistic wave of applications representing a total of roughly 42 GW, energypress sources have informed.

The applications concern more than 1,700 prospective RES units holding either producer certificates or production licenses and representing an overall capacity of 34.1 GW, as well as group applications representing 7.9 GW in prospective RES units, the sources noted.

In addition to these grid capacity-reservation applications totaling 42 GW, 15 GW in RES units currently under development have received finalized connection offers, while 10.6 GW in RES units are operating, according to IPTO’s updated ten-year development program covering 2024 to 2033.

This essentially means that RES projects representing an overall capacity of 67.6 GW have either secured grid reservations or submitted applications for reservations.

Quite clearly, a large number of the 42-GW in RES projects for which grid-reservation requests have been submitted will not be developed. The upgraded National Energy and Climate Plan for 2050 has set a 54.4-GW target for installed capacity covering photovoltaics, onshore wind farms, combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) projects, biomass-biogas plants, and small-scale hydropower plants.

 

RAAEY announces first RES auction for installations in EEA

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RΑΑΕΥ, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water, has announced a first RES auction offering operating support to new solar and wind energy projects planned for installation in Bulgaria and Italy.

The cross-border auction has been made possible by a new local law that facilitates auctions for project development in the European Economic Area, an international agreement enabling the extension of the EU’s single market to member states of the European Free Trade Association.

Qualifying projects will have to sell their RES output in Greece’s day-ahead market on a daily basis daily, through physical delivery, meaning they will need to have secured interconnection rights.

A maximum capacity of 200 MW will be offered through the inaugural auction, whose bidding process was triggered by its announcement in the government gazette, and completed on March 11, 2024.

RAAEY will complete its appraisal of bids by April 18 and publish a list of qualifying and disqualified project bids, before releasing a finalized list of successful bids on April 25. Unsuccessful bidders will be given the opportunity to appeal during the intermediate one-week period.

Contrary to terms concerning mixed RES auctions for projects to be installed in Greece, no minimum percentage of successful projects per technology will be required.

In order to participate, prospective projects will need to possess valid connection contracts and/or finalized connection offers.

At least three projects linked with as many investors will need to participate for the auction to go ahead, while participants will not be able to compete for over 35 percent of the total capacity on offer.

PPC Renewables, Intrakat reach mutually beneficial deal

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PPC Renewables, a subsidiary of power utility PPC, and construction group Intrakat have just announced a deal promising to greatly boost the former’s portfolio of wind energy projects and accelerate development of the latter’s RES portfolio.

The overwhelming majority of RES units included in the agreement are wind energy projects, facilitating renewable energy production for PPC Renewables around the clock, not just during the daytime limits of PV-related generation.

PPC Renewables is taking over a 164-MW wind energy capacity, plus virtually half of a 1.6-GW portfolio maintained by Intrakat group companies. All these acquisitions concern wind energy parks at different stages of development.

The deal allies PPC with a large construction group, while also linking Intracat with a Greek energy giant that possesses expertise in energy production and management, ensuring rapid development of the construction group’s renewable energy portfolio.

The 164-MW portfolio of wind energy park projects acquired by PPC is comprised of 20 MW in projects already operating and 144 MW in projects in development.

Also, PPC is acquiring a 49 percent stake in the Intrakat group’s holding companies, representing roughly 1.6 GW in RES projects, with the right to acquire a majority stake in the future.

Apollo RES support program an opportunity for 1.1 GW in PVs

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Solar energy system investors are expressing strong interest to participate in Apollo, a 20-year RES support program presented early this month by the energy ministry and envisaged to offer RES output to low-income households, local government organizations, as well as public drainage and municipal water supply and sewerage companies.

This program has generated investor interest as it is expected to provide a development outlet for RES projects with a total capacity of 1.1 GW. It will also enhance grid-capacity preservation.

At present, roughly 8 GW in wind and solar energy projects with finalized connection offers have yet to secure tariffs for sale of output to the energy market. This shortcoming is creating financing obstacles for investors as banks hesitate to extend loans to customers without steady revenues. If they do decide to offer loans under such high-risk circumstances, interest rates are set extremely high.

Through the Apollo program, investors would succeed in derisking, or hedging risk, as the program is practically like signing a 20-year bilateral contract with the state as an off-taker.

The program also promises to boost new RES capacity, which, without Apollo, would be limited to the capacity offered by the approved RES licensing procedure, foreseeing 2 GW in new projects by 2025.

However, questions remain as to whether measures will be introduced to offset the program’s cost for the RES special account.

 

Zero-level wholesale prices reawaken RES investor fears

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Zero-level electricity prices recorded over a nine-hour period yesterday in the wholesale market as a result of overproduction in wind power due to strong winds have reawakened RES investor fears of massive energy cuts.

If it weren’t for a sudden dip in temperatures around the country yesterday, which boosted energy demand, the grid operator would have been forced to cut far more than the 60 MW in solar energy and 200 MW in wind energy that it was forced to block from the grid, for approximately one hour, to prevent grid overloading and ensure stability.

Resulting zero-level wholesale electricity prices and increased exports to neighboring markets does not mean that authorities can remain complacent.

On the contrary, the overproduction threat faced by RES investors will continue to grow, impacting revenues of their photovoltaic and wind energy facilities, as RES penetration of the system deepens and many renewables are activated without batteries.

Had yesterday’s developments taken place a week earlier, when weather conditions were milder, far more drastic RES output cuts would have been needed.

Regularly collapsing wholesale electricity prices and resulting RES output cuts by the grid operator are two factors RES producers will now definitely need to take into account when preparing their green-energy business plans.

 

Ministry working to resolve PPA issues faced by industry

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The energy ministry is working on a plan that would allow industrial enterprises to use green-energy power purchase agreements (PPAs) as a means of gaining long-term visibility on energy costs, while keeping supply prices at internationally competitive levels.

As part of the effort, the ministry is seriously considering the possibility of requiring RES projects that secure tariffs at future RES auctions to sign bilateral contracts with industrial consumers for a share of their overall power output.

Though a first round of green-energy PPAs involving energy-intensive consumers have already been established, challenges have been encountered, a key problem being a drastic reduction in grid capacity availability.

One solution being worked on by the energy ministry entails increasing an injection limitation for new photovoltaics to 50 percent of output, as well as making battery installations compulsory for new solar farms.

NECP investments of €192bn until 2030 promise GDP surge

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The revised National Energy and Climate Plan, boosted to include more ambitious targets for 2030, anticipates investments worth 192 billion euros – primarily in transport – which promise to provide unprecedented momentum for the Greek economy.

Of this 192 billion-euro total, an amount of approximately 100 billion euros is expected to be injected into the electromobility sector, for which an NECP target figure of 460,000 electric vehicles has been set by 2030.

This leaves a further 92 billion euros, still an enormous amount, for investments in other sectors. Energy-related modernization of household equipment and appliances, as well as building energy-efficiency upgrades, are seen capturing the biggest share, with nearly 50 billion euros in investments forecast over the next seven years.

Replacement of outdated household equipment with new, more efficient systems is expected to mobilize close to 42.4 billion euros, according to the revised NECP. A further 6 billion euros in spending is expected for energy-efficiency upgrades to buildings.

The numbers are staggering and highlight a prospective boom in construction and related sectors, as long as households are ensured substantial aid and financing.

Subsidy programs supporting home energy-efficiency upgrades and electric vehicle purchases will need to be doubled, even tripled, annually, compared to previous years, as pointed out in the revised NECP, if abounding theories contending that the green transition is costly and financially harmful are to be proven wrong.

The percentage of GDP for spending on all types of energy-related products and services is seen rising from 19.4 percent in 2021 to 21.6 percent in 2030, before sliding to 17 percent.

Investments in all forms of cleaner electricity production, from solar farms to onshore and offshore wind farms, are ranked third. The revised NECP anticipates investments totaling 11.9 billion euros until 2030 in this domain.

Grid development is ranked fourth with anticipated investments of 6.5 billion euros by 2030, followed by much smaller amounts for energy-efficiency improvements in industry, natural gas and oil systems and other alternative fuel-related expenditure.

Revised NECP sets more ambitious targets for 2030

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Greece’s revised National Energy and Climate Plan, forwarded to the  European Commission and published on its website, sets new 2030 targets of 23.5 GW for all forms of renewables, 5.3 GW in energy storage, 7.7 GW in natural gas-fueled power stations, zero lignite presence, as well as a fleet of 460,000 electric vehicles.

In the RES sector, the country’s new NECP sets goals for 2030 of 9.5 GW in wind energy capacity, including 1.9 GW in offshore wind farms; 13.4 GW in solar power capacity; and 0.6 GW in other RES technologies.

Onshore wind farm capacity is planned to expected to increase by 12 GW between now and 2030, from 11.5 GW at present to 23.5 GW in 2030. The 2030 capacity goal for hydropower plants has been set at 3.8 GW.

The energy storage goal of 5.3 GW is expected to consist of 3.1 GW in batteries and 2.2 GW in pumped-storage hydropower stations.

Total annual electricity production is expected to reach 64.6 TWh in 2030, while electricity imports are forecast to be slashed to no more than 3 percent of Greece’s overall electricity generation, according to the revised NECP.

Renewables are planned to represent 44 percent of energy consumption by 2030, up from 35 percent in the previous NECP. Also renewables have been set an objective to contribute 80 percent of electricity production by 2030, significantly higher than the current NECP’s level of 61 percent, and close to 95 percent from 2035 onwards.

The revised NECP includes a zero-carbon emissions target in electricity generation from 2035 onwards.

Carbon emissions have already dropped significantly in 2023 as a result of the withdrawal of lignite-fired power stations.

Grid injection limitation for new PVs to be revised to 50%

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A grid injection limitation for new PV projects will be revised to 50 percent as a connection term condition for RES projects seeking to secure grid capacity, while certain PV categories, still undetermined, will also be required to incorporate batteries into their systems, the energy ministry has decided, according to sources.

A previous grid injection limitation of 72 percent applied for new PVs which, up until July 4, 2022, had either not established connection term agreements or not submitted completed requests for connection term contracts.

Projects needing to be equipped with batteries will need to meet minimum technical specifications concerning choice of battery.

As for PV projects that will not be required to be equipped with batteries, it remains uncertain if they could secure financial viability with a grid injection limitation at a level of 50 percent.

RES producers will certainly be taking into consideration the course of battery costs over the next few years, while projects mature in terms of licensing and are ready to be developed, before reaching decisions on whether to incorporate batteries into their projects or not.

No grid injection limitation revisions are expected for wind energy facilities.

Investment interest soars for RES units with batteries

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Investment interest has soared for renewable energy projects equipped with storage units. A total of 81 producer-certificate applications concerning such projects and representing a total capacity of 2.44 GW were submitted to an October cycle, held by RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water.

Solar energy projects dominated the October cycle, numbering 48 in total. Wind energy projects followed, totaling 29.

If these October applications are approved, RAAEY’s registry of RES projects will increase to represent a total capacity of 7.73 GW.

Without a doubt, investors are being driven by an energy ministry announcement offering priority status to RES investments with batteries as a means of addressing a shortage in grid capacity.

RES output cuts, seen rising to protect the grid from overloading, is another key factor prompting investors to equip their projects with storage units.

Business plans for renewables with batteries are excessive and completely disproportionate to the needs of the grid, sector officials have noted.

Brussels to request 2024-26 interim targets for wind energy

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The European Commission is preparing to set interim targets between 2024 and 2026 to highlighting the extra effort needed in the EU if wind-energy goals set for 2030 are to be achieved.

Brussels is currently preparing its preliminary version of a Wind Power Package, expected to be presented today.

Though still just a draft, the package, it has been indicated, will highlight that growth in Europe’s wind-energy sector is well behind schedule, as has been pointed out on a number of occasions by Brussels-based wind energy industry association WindEurope.

According to the draft of the wind power package, obtained by energypress, the European Commission will call on EU member states to commit, by the end of 2023, to specific wind-energy targets that offer clarity on what lies in store for the sector’s development over the next few years.

These commitments would be incorporated into the European Commission’s ambitious target of 111 GW in offshore wind farms across the EU by 2030, the draft plan notes.

The package also expects wind-energy additions to National Energy and Climate Plans.

The European Commission plans to deliver recommendations concerning licensing matters and long-term renewable energy planning in December, after having assessed National Energy and Climate Plans submitted by member states.

In doing so, Brussels will seek to encourage member states to reinforce and specify national plans, especially on matters concerning wind energy.

In Greece, ELETAEN, the Greek Wind Energy Association, had responded to the country’s revised NECP, published in the summer, by noting that onshore wind farm goals were greatly reduced.

 

Licensing, financing upgrade for EU wind energy model

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Additional non-price criteria are among a number of changes planned by the European Commission for the EU wind-energy model as part of an effort to establish a more uniform system around the continent. Brussels’ Wind Power Package proposals will be presented tomorrow.

The package includes significant changes to the project licensing procedure, the focus being on simplification and acceleration as well as the provision of additional financial tools compensating for investment risk.

A draft of the Wind Power Package, obtained by energypress, includes six key initiatives designed to bolster the European wind energy industry against challenges currently faced. These include: accelerating project development through increased predictability and faster permitting; improvements to the auction model; improved access to finance; creating a fair and competitive international environment; and commitments from industry and member states.

The main initiatives proposed by the European Commission through the wind power package on the auction model concern the introduction of quality criteria and measures that will maximize the delivery of projects.

In addition, certain initiatives address cybersecurity risks and data security, while another action is foreseen to strengthen the European “Global Gateway” initiative.

Non-price criteria for the auctions model are expected to be delivered in the form of recommendations and guidelines by the end of March, 2024, following consultation between the European Commission member states and partners.

EWT to supply, install 3 DW54X-1MW turbines at Ross Island, Antarctica

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EWT has signed a contract with Antarctica New Zealand, for the supply and installation of 3 turbines type DW54X-1MW, hub height 40m, at Ross Island, Antarctica.

At Ross Island there are two Antarctic research stations: Scott Base of New Zealand and McMurdo Station of the United States, just a few miles apart from each other. The wind turbines will be installed at Crater Hill, about halfway between these two stations, and will be connected to a microgrid that provides electricity to both stations. The wind turbines are part of an extensive upgrade program, including replacement of three existing 300 kW turbines, replacement of the existing flywheel storage system with a large Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), upgrade of the high voltage network and replacement of the current diesel generators at Scott Base.

The climate conditions at Ross Island are very challenging. The annual average temperature at the site is -19.5°C, the coldest recorded temperature is -58.8°C and the warmest +4.5°C, which makes Antarctica colder than Alaska. EWT’s turbines will continue to operate until -40°C without any curtailment. The wind conditions at Crater Hill are very strong, the site is classified as a wind class IA site, with a high air density. By upgrading the energy system at the island, Antarctica New Zealand will be able to benefit more from these wind conditions and significantly increase the percentage of renewable energy in their total (and growing) energy demand.

Ross Island can only be reached during the summer season, which runs from November until March. This creates some logistic challenges for people and goods that need to be transported to and from the Island. A chartered vessel will transport the turbines to Ross Island, arriving February/March 2024, where the wind turbines will be stored at a lay-down area not too far from the site. The first wind turbine will be installed in November/December 2024, the other two about a year later in January/February 2026. Special precautions will be taken to make sure that the wind turbines are properly stored in the extreme weather conditions.

The EWT wind turbines will be a part of a large redevelopment program of Scott Base. All the existing facilities will be replaced by new facilities that will all be pre-constructed in New Zealand and transported to and installed at Ross Island. Since it will not be possible to pour concrete for the foundations at the site, the foundations for the wind turbines will be pre-constructed as so-called spider frame foundations, a combination of a large steel structure and pre-casted concrete blocks. The foundations will be shipped to the island and assembled at the site.

PV auction tariffs may be limited to units with batteries

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The energy ministry, which has identified an urgent need for battery integration into PV projects, aims to incentivize such a combination by restricting PV tariffs offered at RES auctions for investors developing solar energy units with storage units.

The ministry fears prospective solar energy growth would have an unfavorable wider impact on the grid if PV projects develop at a faster rate than battery usage.

Solar energy farms are seen, by the ministry, as a key problem as they operate in coordinated fashion, producing energy at the same time of day, regardless of where they are located around the country, whereas wind farms, offer inconsistent output, day and night, which varies depending on their location.

Installed RES capacity growing at a faster rate than electricity storage would not only shrink available grid capacity but will also exacerbate RES cutbacks, made to prevent grid overloading, the ministry has noted.

Ministry planning offshore wind farm pilot projects

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The energy ministry appears determined to press ahead with the development of one or two pilot projects for offshore wind farms at Greek territorial waters over the next few years, until market conditions for this sector have matured and technological advancements allow for bigger projects that are sustainable, based on market terms, a situation not expected before the end of this decade.

Ministry officials are exploring the possibility of EU funding for these pilot projects, but have yet to identify any specific sources.

These potential pilot projects are not related to bottom-fixed offshore pilot projects in the Alexandroupoli area, northeastern Greece, already being developed through a different procedure.

Support measures ensuring the sustainability of offshore wind farms, a RES sub-sector still at a nascent stage, are necessary, as was highlighted by a recent auction in the UK, which failed to attract any bidders. Without support, renewable energy growth rates may be impacted.

The energy ministry plans to soon complete an institutional framework, publish related maps, announce tenders and measure wind speeds.

Measurement details concerning all areas considered for offshore wind farms, not just those to host the pilot projects, are expected to be made available to investors so that they can have a complete picture for overall investment plans.

The country’s updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), currently being prepared ahead of its imminent submission to the European Commission for approval, will include revisions highlighting the Greek State’s objective of fostering robust growth for the offshore wind farm sector.

Speaking at the recent Thessaloniki International Fair, deputy energy minister Alexandra Sdoukou expressed a determination to dispel doubts about the offshore wind farm sector’s future in Greece. “Our wind [energy] potential is incomparably superior to that of our neighbors”, she noted.

Great depths encountered at Greek territorial waters will make it virtually impossible to install bottom-fixed wind turbines at most areas, meaning investors will need to opt for floating units as a means of exploiting the country’s rich wind potential, especially in the Aegean Sea.

 

Capacity boost to 1,000 MW for RES units with batteries

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The energy ministry is preparing to increase the total capacity of an operational support framework offered at auction for wind and solar energy units with batteries from 200 MW to 1,000 MW.

The ministry will need to enter discussion with the European Commission for revisions to the existing support system, already approved by Brussels.

Under the current format, the support framework provides for operational support of RES projects with a total capacity of 4,145 MW, of which 3,750 MW concern standard PV and wind energy units without energy storage systems.

Increasing the capacity of renewable energy projects equipped with batteries is a proactive measure favored by local authorities to address issues related to grid overloading and the curtailment of green energy output.

This approach aims to enhance the flexibility and reliability of the power grid while minimizing the need to curtail renewable energy generation during periods of high production.

The expectation is that renewable energy source output cuts will become more frequent in the future as a result of continued growth RES penetration.

RES units equipped with batteries also promise to serve as an antidote for grid saturation points anticipated in coming years.

 

Greece among EU’s top 5 RES producers in first half of 2023

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Greece was among the EU’s top five renewable energy producers in the first half of 2023, while Europe’s solar energy market has experienced a period of significant growth in recent years, a recent study from the energy think-tank Ember has shown.

A total of 17 EU member states achieved record RES energy-mix shares in the first half of 2023, according to the study. RES output in Greece and Romania represented more than 50 percent of the overall energy production levels for both countries, unprecedented for both, the study highlighted.

Also, Denmark and Portugal achieved a significant milestone, with their renewable energy output surpassing the 75 percent mark for the first time, the Ember study revealed.

In another first, wind and solar energy output exceeded 30 percent of the EU’s overall energy production in May and June, according to the study.

As for newly installed RES capacity during the first half of 2023, compared to the equivalent period a year earlier, the Ember study showed an acceleration in RES penetration, particularly notable in the PV sector.

Following 2022’s record performance for PV installations in the EU, which totaled 33 GW, the momentum continued through the first half of 2023. Germany was the EU’s best performer, installing 6.5 GW in PV capacity during the first six months this year, a 10 percent increase. Poland followed with 2 GW, a 17 percent increase, and Belgium ranked third with 1.2 GW, a 19 percent increase.

Belgium’s Fairwind seeking new partners in Greece

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Belgian company Fairwind, a global powerhouse in design, development and production of state-of-the-art, vertical-axis wind turbines, is looking for new partners in Greece.

According to energypress, a delegation of highly-ranked Fairwind executives will be in Greece in early October in order to meet with interested potential partners.

Greece is not an unknown market for Fairwind as its wind turbines have been installed in major wind projects at a number of locations, including the islands Halki and Evia, while the company has collaborated with major domestic wind-energy players.

Fairwind aims to establish an integrated approach with a local partner for design, installation and maintenance of vertical-axis wind turbines, as well as provision of technical assistance and support, energypress understands.

Due to its exceptional expertise, extensive international experience, and a well-established network of partners, Fairwind possesses valuable access to worldwide resources and a repository of best practices. As a result, its Greek partners stand to gain significant advantages, benefiting from this wealth of global knowledge and expertise that Fairwind brings to the table.

Installed RES capacity reaches 11,284 MW in June

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Installed RES capacity reached a total of 11,284 MW in June, according to a latest report published by DAPEEP, the RES market operator.

Solar energy installations, at 5,788 MW, represent this total’s biggest share, followed by wind turbines, at 4,828 ΜW, hydropower, at 280 MW, biomass, at 131 MW, and combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) units, at 255 MW.

As for the share of RES production by these technologies, 52.7 percent of output in June was provided by photovoltaics, 34.3 percent by wind turbines, 2.5 percent by roof-mounted solar panels, 4.6 percent by small-scale hydropower units, 3.1 percent by biomass-biogas units, and 1.6 percent by CCHP units.

Germany pursuing hydrogen-based generation as sun, wind substitute

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Germany is pursuing the ambition to become a global frontrunner in green hydrogen technology, a strategic endeavor rooted in the belief that harnessing fuel generated from renewable energy sources can play a pivotal role in mitigating worldwide carbon emissions. Furthermore, this endeavor is anticipated to fortify Europe’s biggest economy.

In this context, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) announced that it has agreed with the European Commission on a strategy for German hydrogen power plants.

The German government aims to have its electricity supply almost entirely based on renewable energy sources – mainly solar and wind – by 2035.

Nonetheless, during periods known as “dunkelflaute,” characterized by the absence of wind and sunlight required for energy production, power plants must be equipped to generate electricity using renewable fuels like hydrogen in order to meet demand.

Berlin’s agreement with the European Commission includes planned tenders for 8.8 GW of new hydrogen power plants and up to 15 GW of power plants to be switched to hydrogen operation by 2035.

 

Macquarie-Enel Green Power Hellas to invest €1bn by 2030

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Australia’s Macquarie Asset Management has entered a 50-50 joint venture with Enel Green Power Hellas following a 50 percent acquisition from Italy’s Enel Green Power.

The Macquarie-Enel Green Power Hellas joint venture for the Greek market has prepared a business plan whose investments total one billion euros until 2030.

Besides co-managing existing projects and reaping benefits from them, the partners also plan to invest in new RES projects with a focus on storage, PV, wind, and new technologies.

Taking this investment plan into account, the Italian corporation’s existing portfolio in Greece, totaling 566 MW, could more than double by the end of the decade.

Besides its existing 59 wind, solar and hydropower projects, representing an overall installed capacity of 482 MW, Enel Green Power Hellas is also developing six PV projects totaling 84 MW.

Enel Green Power Hellas also plans to develop PV units offering 11 MW in Kozani, northern Greece, which would take the company’s portfolio to 577 MW. This capacity could exceed 1.2 GW by 2030, boosted by new RES and storage projects.

RES project launches in 2023 forecast to reach record level

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Renewable energy project launches in 2023 are expected to reach a record level and break the 2,000-MW barrier, according to a first quarter report released by DAPEEP, the RES market operator.

RES project launches this year are expected to total 2,016 MW, comprised of 412 MW in wind farms, 1,584 MW in PVs, 13.5 MW in small-scale hydropower facilities, 5.5 MW in biomass units, and 1 MW in combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) units, the DAPEEP report noted.

The operator’s forecast on the overall market penetration of renewables in 2023 remained unchanged compared to its previous projection made in a preceding 2022 fourth-quarter report.

The average auction price of unused greenhouse gas emission allowances for the remainder of this year is forecast to reach 82 euros per ton, according to the DAPEEP report.

Funds expected to be raised through green-energy Guarantees of Origin auctions in 2023 are projected to reach approximately 5 million euros, the report noted.

RES auction to offer 1,662 MW, leftover capacity expected

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The next RES auction for large-scale wind and solar energy projects, scheduled to take place in September, will offer a mammoth capacity of 1,662 MW, consisting of 1,200 MW planned for this auction plus 462 MW left over from the previous procedure last September.

A total of 21 projects had secured an overall capacity of 538 MW from 1,000 MW offered last September.

If that session’s competition rules are maintained for the forthcoming session, then auction participants will need to represent a total of 2,992 MW, or 80 percent over the 1,662-MW total, for the full amount to be made available.

Market officials highly doubt that the participation level in September will be that high. If so, a RES auction capacity will be left over for a second year running.

This prospect has been largely attributed to the fact that investors behind a big portion of large-scale RES projects are preparing to establish PPAs.

Subdued starting prices set for September’s RES auction, a mixed session facilitating wind and solar energy projects, have been cited as another key factor likely to limit the auction’s level of participation as higher equipment and borrowing costs have not been taken into account, market officials added.

The starting price for solar energy projects has been set at 54 euros per MWh, while bidding for wind farm projects will start at 63 euros per MWh, the same levels offered at last September’s auction.

RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water, is expected to officially announce September’s RES auction in August.

 

 

RES project additions total 320 in first four-month period

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A total of 320 new RES projects were connected to the grid during the year’s first four-month period, increasing the number of active links to 19,182, up from 18,862 at the end of 2022, a new report released by DAPEEP, the RES market operator, has shown.

Active contracts are estimated to offer a total capacity of 10.14 GW for a production level of 1.55 TWh, while the net value of contracts is worth 144.5 million euros.

DAPEEP divides RES projects into two sections, one for projects activated prior to January 1, 2021, and the other for newer projects activated beyond this date.

The portfolio of projects activated prior to January 1, 2021 consisted of 18 fewer projects at the end of April, down to 15,332, from 15,350 last December, the DAPEEP report showed. These withdrawals are either RES projects seeking market alternatives following the expiry of contracts with DAPEEP or projects that have stopped operating.

On the contrary, the number of projects activated from January 1, 2021 onwards increased to 3,850 in April from 3,512 last December, the DAPEEP figures showed.

The country’s overall green-energy capacity totals 10.5 GW, led by solar energy farms, totaling 5.1 GW, followed by wind energy farms, at 4.5 GW, roof-mounted PVs, at 371 MW, small-scale hydropower units, offering 267 MW, biogas-biomass units at 115 MW, and combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) projects at 122 MW.

Until April, 2023, wind farms held the biggest share of the country’s green energy production, reaching 45.97 percent, followed by PVs, with 43.37 percent, small-scale hydropower units, with 4.29 percent, biogas, with 2.97 percent, roof-mounted PVs, with 1.73 percent, and CCHP units, with 1.61 percent.

 

New minister outlines sector issues ahead of policy speech

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The reelected conservative New Democracy party government’s newly appointed energy minister Theodoros Skylakakis has, in recent days, been preparing a list of energy market problems and pending matters, with emphasis on major issues, such as new tariffs, RES production cuts – needed during periods of low demand to avoid grid overloading – as well as development plans for offshore wind farms and hydrocarbon exploration, ahead of his parliamentary speech in Parliament tomorrow, when key policies by the new government will be outlined by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his associates.

In the lead-up, Skylakakis has held meetings with top officials representing key market players such as RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water; power utility PPC; power grid operator IPTO; distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO; gas grid operator DESFA; RES market operator DAPEEP; and EDEYEP, the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company, to discuss and take note of energy-sector problems and pending issues ahead of tomorrow’s speech in parliament.

The energy minister has also noted views expressed by RES sector officials on the new National Energy and Climate Plan. According to sources, Skylakakis’ predecessor, Pantelis Kapros – who served a short stint as energy minister in the caretaker government that held office between two rounds of voting, in May and June – has passed on a RES mix plan entailing a 60-40 share between wind and solar energy units, respectively.

Also, the new energy minister prefers to stick to a schedule that would terminate energy-crisis support measures at the end of September, rather than offer extensions, sources added.

 

RES investors turn to storage, fearing grid injection cuts

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RES investors are turning to energy storage solutions in growing numbers, fearing revenue shortfalls as a result of operator-enforced grid injection cuts during periods of lower energy demand.

In June alone, RES investors submitted a total of 24 producer certification applications, representing 1.6 GW, for RES projects combining energy storage units, energypress sources informed. These portfolios include both solar and wind energy parks.

Investors behind RES projects with maturing licensing procedures are also expressing great interest in renewable energy facilities incorporating energy storage systems.

Also, interest in energy storage unit additions to RES projects already holding producer certificates has been on the rise since February, when a total of 24 applications, representing 644 MW, for license revisions enabling generation-storage combinations were submitted by investors.

RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water, plans to soon assess all these applications.

Projects to be given the green light by the authority will join an already substantial portfolio of RES facilities equipped with energy storage systems.