Latest Newsletter
Regional Updates
Local citizens invited to invest in under-construction Germany BESS, guaranteed 3-3.5% returns
German companies Energieversorgung Beckum, Westenergie, and E.ON Energy Solutions launched construction of a 2.75-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) in Beckum, offering local citizens investment opportunities with 3-3.5% guaranteed annual returns. The project aims to stabilize the power grid, reduce price fluctuations, and improve renewable energy productivity, with up to 500 parties able to invest. The BESS will be operated by a new joint venture, with technical implementation by E.ON Energy Solutions and maintenance by Westenergie Netzservice.
My View on the Coalition Agreement of CDU/CSU and SPD
Hans-Josef Fell, President of the Energy Watch Group, critically analyzes the new German coalition agreement, highlighting significant concerns about climate protection. While the agreement includes some positive language about renewable energies and decentralized energy systems, Fell argues it still heavily supports fossil fuel infrastructure like new gas power plants and carbon capture technologies. He emphasizes the urgent need for a rapid transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030 to avoid what UN Secretary-General Guterres calls 'racing towards climate hell'. Fell believes the success of climate protection depends on citizen energy movements actively investing in solar, wind, and decentralized energy solutions.
BGH to Hear Case on Network Connection Costs for Battery Storage
The German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) will hear a case examining whether a network operator can charge a construction cost contribution for connecting a battery storage system to the electricity distribution network. The case centers on whether the current calculation method using the performance price model is discriminatory, particularly because battery storage systems have different usage patterns compared to traditional electricity consumption, with intermittent energy storage and feed-in characteristics. The Federal Network Agency is challenging a lower court's decision that suggested the current cost calculation method may unfairly treat battery storage connections.
Einhundert Energie Acquires Solarimo's Nationwide Tenant Solar Portfolio
Einhundert Energie GmbH has acquired Solarimo GmbH's nationwide tenant solar portfolio from Engie Deutschland, aiming to accelerate climate-friendly energy supply in the housing sector. The transaction involves transferring 300 photovoltaic installations with 10.3 megawatts of installed capacity, which will provide local solar electricity to over 10,000 tenants and potentially save approximately 4,000 tons of CO2 annually. CEO Dr. Ernesto Garnier views this acquisition as a significant step towards decarbonizing German building stocks and expanding sustainable energy access.
NORD/LB closes 200 million euro finance framework for Ampyr Solar Europe's Gorgast solar cluster
NORD/LB has secured a 200 million euro project finance framework for the Gorgast solar cluster in Brandenburg, Germany, developed by Ampyr Solar Europe. The cluster consists of three 15 MW solar farms with 45 MW total capacity, featuring 75,000 ground-mounted solar panels that will provide clean electricity to approximately 12,000 households. The flexible finance structure enables Ampyr Solar Europe to quickly fund up to 250 MW of future solar and battery storage projects, supporting Germany's ambitious goal of reaching 215 GW solar capacity by 2030.
TOPCon UV tests 'exaggerate' degradation issues – Fraunhofer ISE
Fraunhofer ISE research suggests that standard UV degradation tests for TOPCon solar modules may overstate performance decline. The study found that while some modules show UV sensitivity, the actual degradation is less severe than initial tests indicate. By stabilizing modules after UV exposure, researchers observed significant performance recovery, with some modules showing minimal efficiency loss. The institute recommends further analysis to more accurately predict long-term solar radiation effects on module yield.
Vestas sees Merz government on pro-renewables course but warns against negative bidding
Vestas' Central and Northern Europe CEO Nils de Baar expressed confidence in the new German government's commitment to renewable energy, citing the €100bn reserved for climate action. De Baar noted the German wind energy market continues to grow with increased permits and auction volumes, despite the new coalition having less emphasis on clean power compared to the previous government. The company warns against negative bidding practices while seeing positive momentum for a secure and sustainable energy system.
Stadt Bedburg and RWE Invest in Wind Power Project
RWE and the city of Bedburg are developing their third wind park on recultivated Garzweiler mining land, featuring nine wind turbines with a total capacity of 60 MW. The project will bring their total installed wind power to 156 MW, with seven turbines at 7 MW and two at 5.7 MW. Construction begins in April, with full commissioning planned for late 2026, aiming to produce green electricity for approximately 36,500 households. The partnership involves Bedburg owning 49% and RWE 51%, with RWE paying 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour to local municipalities.
Germany's Grid Regulator Approves A-Nord Power Link, Targeting Mid-2027 Operation
Germany's Bundesnetzagentur has approved the A-Nord power link, a 2 gigawatt subterranean direct current line extending 300 km in northwestern Germany. Expected to be operational by mid-2027, the line will connect Emden's offshore wind power port to Meerbusch near Duesseldorf. The project is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade to transmit wind energy from north to south, with grid regulator Klaus Mueller overseeing the construction of 9,600 kilometers of high-voltage grids to support Germany's renewable energy transition.
Global Roundup
(Stories relevant to multiple regions)AspenTech: IPPs' Rise in a Data-Driven Energy Landscape
Sally Jacquemin from AspenTech highlights the growing impact of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the energy sector, driven by AI's increasing power demands. IPPs offer flexibility in energy generation, leveraging advanced operational technology to optimize power production, integrate renewable sources, and respond quickly to market needs. As AI applications surge, IPPs are uniquely positioned to diversify the energy mix, address climate objectives, and provide competitive, sustainable power solutions through data-driven strategies.
Siemens Smart Infrastructure: Local Flexibility Markets
Thomas Kiessling from Siemens Smart Infrastructure explores local flexibility markets as a solution to renewable energy grid challenges. By 2040, up to 310 TWh of renewable energy could be curtailed annually due to grid congestion. Flexibility markets create localized marketplaces where Distribution System Operators can procure flexibility services from nearby energy resources, enabling real-time supply and demand adjustments. This approach reduces grid expansion costs, creates new revenue streams for energy 'prosumers', and supports a more sustainable, decentralized energy ecosystem by efficiently managing renewable energy integration.
Negative Electricity Prices: Increasingly Frequent in Europe
In 2024, Europe experienced a record increase in electricity negative price hours, with Montel Analytics reporting 4,838 hours, nearly double the 2023 figure. The growing prevalence of negative prices is reshaping the balance between renewable energy, grid flexibility, and market dynamics. Brussels is considering incentive reforms to address this emerging trend in the electricity market.
Germany and France eye relaunch of European electricity market integration
France and Germany are preparing to renew their cooperation on energy policy, with plans to boost the joint European electricity market and emphasize France's nuclear power contribution. The initiative, led by potential conservative chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to relax EU regulations, cut red tape, and potentially reconsider the ban on new combustion engine car registrations. This renewed collaboration comes amid transatlantic tensions and seeks to strengthen the EU's 'Franco-German engine' by focusing on closer market integration, technology cooperation, and European security.
EU Energy Outlook 2060: Power Price and Energy Transition Scenarios
The EU Energy Outlook 2060 reveals critical insights into Europe's energy markets. Failing to achieve energy transition goals could increase power prices by 50%, potentially averaging €100/MWh versus €65/MWh in a successful transition scenario. Power consumption is expected to rise over 50% by 2040, with flexible consumption devices accounting for one-third of power use by 2050. The report explores power price trends, generation structure shifts towards renewables, and electricity demand forecasts across EU-27, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK. Analysts predict increased price volatility and a sharp decline in negative pricing hours during the 2030s.
ENERGIZE: Pioneering Cooperative Energy Models for Sustainable Industrial Parks
The ENERGIZE project addresses industrial energy challenges by creating renewable energy communities in four EU regions. By developing a digital hub, acceleration programme, and circular practices, the initiative aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 930 tonnes, generate €10 million in sustainable energy investments, and train 400 individuals. The project demonstrates how collaborative energy models can help industrial parks optimize resources, reduce costs, and contribute to the EU's net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
UN carbon market advances on leakage, baseline issues
The UN's climate arm UNFCCC has refined rules for the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (Pacm), focusing on greenhouse gas leakage definitions and emissions reduction baselines. The methodological expert panel developed draft standards addressing negative leakage, baseline setting to prevent over-crediting, and progress on 'suppressed demand' concept. The panel agreed on a conservative 1,000kWh/per capita level to minimize over-crediting and continued work on transitioning methodologies from the clean development mechanism. Stakeholders can submit new methodological proposals by April 21 for consideration at the panel's next meeting in May.
Europe's Energy Storage Outlook: 89GW Capacity by End of 2024
The European Market Monitor on Energy Storage reveals a record year for energy storage in Europe, with total capacity reaching 89GW by the end of 2024. The deployment includes 4.9GW/12.1GWh front-of-the-meter and 7.1GW/9.8GWh behind-the-meter capacity, predominantly led by pumped hydro (53GW) and electrochemical storage (35GW). The report projects an additional 128GW/200GWh of electrochemical storage by 2030, with increasing project durations and growing co-location with renewable energy. EU legislation like the Clean Industrial Deal is expected to further drive energy storage deployments, particularly from 2027 onwards.
Bankability and the funding Pathway for BESS and Hybrid projects
Large-scale energy projects with battery storage require significant capital, with debt typically funding 50-75% of project costs. 'Bankability' is a specific term related to lenders' requirements for independent revenue forecasts. Unlike traditional renewable energy investments, battery storage projects require complex modeling that accounts for battery operating parameters, degradation profiles, and market participation strategies. Developers need flexible modeling tools that can optimize project design, test commercial strategies, and provide transparency. The market is shifting towards hybrid projects and merchant BESS investments, with increasing sophistication in financial modeling and risk assessment.
Why isn't hydrogen competitive in the CEE region?
Mol Group's VP Ádám Horvath highlighted key challenges for hydrogen development in Central and Eastern Europe, including disadvantageous renewable electricity pricing, higher network utility fees, and EU regulations that do not account for regional specifics. Despite environmental considerations remaining important, the industry faces technological, market, and economic obstacles. The region lags behind Southwestern Europe and Nordic countries in hydrogen competitiveness, with limited large-scale electrolyser experience and infrastructure challenges. By 2030, pipeline networks will likely not reach the CEE region, though hydrogen imports could potentially balance regional differences.
Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA) Sets 2025 Action Plan for Grid Infrastructure and Clean Power
UNEZA members have committed to supporting the tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with $57 billion annually for grids and $60 billion for renewables. Their 2025 plan focuses on building resilient grid infrastructure, prioritizing policy support, capital mobilization, and supply chain expansion. The alliance aims to reach 850GW renewable capacity by 2030, addressing grid connection bottlenecks and facilitating infrastructure development. With over 50 members, UNEZA plans to engage regulators, collaborate with financial institutions, and drive global grid investment strategies.
Orsted and Equinor warn wind wakes from Total project 'threaten viability of assets'
Orsted and Equinor estimate that wind wake losses from TotalEnergies' planned offshore wind farm could cost their nearby assets up to $480 million, potentially threatening the economic viability of projects including Orsted's Hornsea arrays. Both companies submitted financial impact assessments in the UK planning proceeding for the Outer Dowsing wind farm, highlighting significant potential revenue losses from wind turbine wake effects. Analysts warn these wake losses could pose a serious challenge to offshore wind project economics.
Two 'hybrid assets' could kickstart Europe's offshore supergrid
Two offshore hybrid energy grid projects connecting the UK with the Netherlands and Belgium have received final regulatory approvals, potentially launching the development of an integrated North Sea offshore grid. The offshore hybrid asset (OHA) concept aims to efficiently distribute renewable energy across borders by combining electricity interconnection with offshore wind into a single asset, optimizing grid infrastructure and enabling energy trade between countries. The LionLink project between the UK and Netherlands, approved by Ofgem, represents a significant step towards this integrated grid vision.