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Regional Updates
Delay in gas power plant buildout could lead to new short-term power price spikes in Germany
Energy experts warn that Germany's shortage of controllable electricity capacity could trigger extreme power price spikes during periods of low renewable energy production. With secured power plant capacities decreasing by over 13 gigawatts since 2022 and the government's hydrogen-ready gas power plant plans falling through, the country faces potential electricity supply challenges. During 'dark doldrums' with minimal wind and solar output, wholesale electricity prices have already spiked near 1,000 euros per megawatt hour, forcing imports and fossil fuel plant activations. Experts recommend utilizing existing reserve power plants to mitigate price volatility and system instability.
Study: 70 Percent Less Electricity Costs Through Intelligent Charging with Time-Variable Grid Fees
A study by Neon consulting firm for Rabot Energy reveals that intelligent charging with dynamic electricity tariffs and time-variable grid fees can reduce electricity bills by up to 70 percent. Dynamic tariffs based on wholesale prices can already cut electricity costs by 47 percent, while more advanced time-variable pricing could potentially reduce costs to nearly zero. Intelligent charging not only benefits consumers by lowering electricity expenses but also helps stabilize the power grid by reducing strain on power plants and networks.
LG Residential Batteries Put on Stand-by and Certain Units Withdrawn in Germany
German construction company Viebrockhaus has placed LG residential batteries from a specific production series on stand-by following an explosion in Schönberg that destroyed a house wall. The company confirmed the battery was from 2019 and installed professionally. While Viebrockhaus reduced high and low voltage LG battery units in coordination with LG, they state there is no widespread concern, citing a RWTH Aachen University study showing a 0.0049% fire risk in home storage systems. LG's recall website warns affected batteries may overheat and cause significant property damage or serious injury, urging owners to check their battery serial numbers.
Scale Energy secures financing to build largest decentralised battery storage network in Europe
German battery storage developer Scale Energy has successfully closed an oversubscribed Seed funding round to accelerate industrial battery projects across Germany and Austria. The company aims to build Europe's largest decentralised energy storage network by utilizing existing grid connections, helping industries reduce energy costs, enhance grid stability, and lower CO₂ emissions. With a project pipeline of over half a gigawatt at 100 industrial sites, Scale Energy predicts its solution could save German industry more than 9 billion euros annually.
CSEM eröffnet schweizweit ersten Trockenraum für Batterieentwicklung
The Swiss Technology Innovation Center CSEM has opened Switzerland's first dry room for battery development in its Battery Innovation Hub. Starting September 2025, the facility will offer optimal conditions for processing moisture-sensitive materials like lithium, with an extremely low dew point of -50 degrees Celsius. The dry room is equipped with a pilot line for assembling pouch cells and aims to accelerate market readiness and industrialization of new battery technologies, particularly solid-state lithium batteries. CSEM plans to offer the infrastructure to Swiss startups and SMEs to reduce innovation risks and help them develop technologies under realistic conditions.
JinkoSolar Signs 66.5 MWh PV + ESS Project in Germany
JinkoSolar has signed a 66.5 MWh photovoltaic and energy storage system project in Germany, utilizing their 5 MWh liquid-cooled energy storage system and high-efficiency Tiger Neo series modules. The project includes 19MW of solar modules and features an innovative liquid cooling system that can control cell temperature differences to 2 degrees Celsius, improving system performance, lifetime, and safety. Anita Li, Vice President at Jinko ESS, highlighted the project as a milestone in creating innovative and scalable renewable energy solutions.
RWE to conduct market survey for hydrogen storage facility
RWE Gas Storage West GmbH, part of German energy group RWE AG, launched a market survey for a hydrogen storage facility expected to be commissioned in 2027. The survey aims to explore potential market interest and requirements for the upcoming hydrogen storage project, signaling RWE's strategic move into hydrogen infrastructure development.
Evonik is Building a Plant for Anion Exchange Membranes
Evonik is constructing a pilot plant in Marl, Germany, for producing DURAION® anion exchange membranes (AEM) for green hydrogen production. The low double-digit million euro investment will enable annual membrane production for 2.5 GW of electrolysis capacity by end of 2025. AEM technology promises lower investment costs and higher efficiency compared to conventional electrolysis processes, with membranes designed to allow anion passage while remaining impermeable to hydrogen gases under high pressure and temperature conditions.
Green District Heating: Construction of Large Heat Pump at Hannover Wastewater Treatment Plant Begins
Enercity is constructing a 30-megawatt heat pump at a Hannover wastewater treatment plant, set to generate green district heating from clarified water starting in 2027. The €56 million project will utilize the residual energy potential of treated water, which maintains a temperature of 12-16°C, to heat water for district heating to 95°C. By 2040, Enercity aims to expand its district heating network to 550 kilometers, enabling around 18,000 buildings to benefit from climate-neutral heating, with a total investment of €1.5 billion in green district heating infrastructure.
Electricians, Engineers Most Needed Professions for German Energy Transition Workforce - Analysis
A German Economic Institute report reveals significant skilled labor shortages in the energy transition sector, with over 18,300 unfilled vacancies in 2024, a 2.9% increase from 2023. Electrical construction faces the biggest bottleneck, with 14,200 skilled worker shortages in electrical engineering, a 10% increase. Construction electricians and electrical engineering specialists are critical for renewable energy infrastructure, wind and solar systems, and electric vehicle charging networks. The report suggests international skilled worker recruitment as a potential long-term solution to address these workforce gaps.
Conservative election win could slow German Energiewende
Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) won 28.5% of the vote in Germany's general election, likely forming a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD). With the pro-renewables Greens no longer needed in the government, the energy transition could face significant slowdown. Coalition negotiations will prioritize issues like immigration and Ukraine support over climate and energy policy, potentially impacting Germany's renewable energy progress.
Majority of German Metering Operators Yet to Install Their First Smart Meter
Nearly 500 out of 879 metering point operators in Germany have not yet installed smart meters, according to Der Spiegel. The Federal Network Agency has warned around 700 companies about potential fines for failing to meet installation quotas. Germany aims to equip at least 20% of electricity customers with smart meters by the end of 2025. These devices enable real-time electricity usage tracking and are crucial for dynamic electricity tariffs, which can help align renewable energy generation with consumption and improve grid efficiency.
Austria's Court of Audit Lacks Clear Cost Accounting for Energy Transition
Austria aims to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030, but the Court of Audit reports significant gaps in cost calculations. Rough estimates suggest total investments between 166-173 billion euros, with 20-27 billion for renewable energy generation and 6 billion for grid expansion. The audit criticizes the lack of transparent cost distribution between public and private sectors, recommending more comprehensive calculations. Key challenges include securing necessary land areas for photovoltaic and wind projects, with estimates ranging from 51-184 square kilometers nationwide, and establishing clear monitoring mechanisms for renewable energy goals.
After the Bundestag Election: Statements from the Renewable Energy Industry
Renewable energy associations and companies fear the accelerated expansion of renewable energies might slow down after the election. The Federal Association of Renewable Energy calls for continuing wind and photovoltaic expansion, emphasizing the need for quick coalition negotiations to guarantee a climate-neutral location. Key industry leaders like Markus Elsässer highlight that solar and wind energy are competitively cheap, with production costs between four to seven cents per kilowatt-hour. The industry seeks intelligent market regulation, improvements in the Renewable Energy Act, and a clear political framework to drive innovation and ensure planning security for the energy transition.
R.Power to supply solar power to Polish telecoms operator Play
Polish solar developer R.Power has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) to supply approximately 240 GWh of solar power to local telecommunications operator Play. The deal represents a significant corporate renewable energy procurement in the Polish market, highlighting the growing trend of telecommunications companies transitioning to clean energy sources.
Energy Infrastructure Partners acquires majority stake in BayWa r.e.
Investment platform Energy Infrastructure Partners (EIP) has increased its shareholding in BayWa r.e. from 49% to 65% through a capital increase of €150 million. The new ownership structure will enable BayWa r.e. to operate independently, with a focus on core markets and achieving financial stability. Based in 34 countries, BayWa r.e. has developed over 6GW of renewable energy and manages over 10.5GW of assets. EIP first acquired a minority stake in 2021 and will now refocus the company on its core competencies as a global renewable energy developer.
Photovoltaic Module Prices Rise, Signaling Market Shift
In February 2025, photovoltaic module prices have increased for the first time in two years across all technology classes, indicating a market trend reversal. The price rise is attributed to artificial scarcity from reduced production, with many higher module performance classes becoming increasingly limited. Market analysts expect module prices to moderately but continuously rise until at least the next quarter, driven by supply constraints and reduced production from Chinese Tier-1 manufacturers. The shift may lead to market consolidation, with smaller manufacturers potentially disappearing, while emphasizing the growing importance of quality and long-term system performance over pure module pricing.
AI-Powered Cargo Drones Tested at Vattenfall's German Offshore Wind Farms
Ampelmann, TNO, and Vattenfall tested AI-powered cargo drones at DanTysk and Sandbank offshore wind farms in the German North Sea. The project aims to develop automated systems for wind turbine blade monitoring and inspection. Drones can autonomously detect blade anomalies, capture high-resolution images, perform ultrasonic scans, and transport materials, reducing vessel trips and enhancing employee safety. Future AI developments could enable drones to make independent decisions during complex inspections, potentially freeing up valuable offshore working time.
Global Roundup
(Stories relevant to multiple regions)World is powering up…fast
Global electricity demand is set to rise rapidly, growing nearly 4% annually through 2027, driven by industrial use, air conditioning, transport electrification, and data centre expansion. Emerging economies, particularly China, will lead this growth, with renewables and nuclear expected to meet all new demand. Solar PV will supply roughly half of the increased electricity, while the US and China show strong demand growth, contrasting with Europe's slower recovery from the energy crisis.
Commission steps up support for Ukraine's energy security and paves the way for full market integration
The European Commission has offered a new support package to Ukraine to secure its energy system and enable full integration with the European energy market. The package includes electricity market integration by spring 2027, assistance in funding gas purchases, and accelerating renewable energy investments with up to 1.5 GW of generation capacity. This support aims to increase Ukraine's energy resilience, protect against Russian infrastructure attacks, and provide energy security, with the goal of fully integrating Ukraine's energy market with the EU by early 2027.
European Electricity Markets Drop 25-30%, Italian Market Down 6.9%: Weekly Average at €148.38/MWh
In the third week of February, European electricity market prices declined significantly, with the Italian IPEX market showing the smallest drop at 6.9% and the Nordic Nord Pool market experiencing the largest decrease at 39%. While gas prices fell below €50/MWh, the Italian market maintained the highest weekly average at €148.38/MWh. Solar photovoltaic production increased across major European markets, with Germany, Italy, and Portugal setting February production records. Electricity demand showed a downward trend in most markets, associated with rising temperatures.
LevelTen lanza una plataforma de compraventa de proyectos
LevelTen Energy introduces Asset Marketplace Listings, a centralized and anonymous platform that accelerates bilateral renewable energy asset transactions across Europe. The platform supports various project types including BESS, Solar PV, hybrid BESS + Solar PV, and wind projects, offering advanced search and filtering functions. Developers can list projects confidentially, while buyers gain instant access to a standardized renewable energy asset database. Active primarily in Italy, Germany, and Eastern European markets like Romania and Bulgaria, the platform allows transactions for projects of any size without predefined timelines.
Mitico raises $4.3M seed round to capture CO2 using 'prehistoric chemistry'
Mitico, a startup, has raised $4.3 million in seed funding to develop a novel carbon capture technology using potassium carbonate pebbles that can capture over 95% of carbon dioxide from exhaust streams. The company aims to reduce carbon capture costs to under $85 per metric ton by using a simple salt with a binder, targeting industrial boilers and eventually natural gas power plants. Their first pilot is at a refinery in Thailand, with the goal of providing cost-effective carbon capture solutions for industries facing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements.
US: Gore Street and Morningstar investment updates point to robustness of ITC for BESS
Gore Street Energy Storage Fund and Morningstar provided updates on US clean energy tax credits amid Trump's presidency, highlighting the resilience of investment tax credits (ITCs). Despite potential policy changes, Gore Street reports no action regarding ITCs and continues negotiating their sale, while Morningstar believes existing tax credits will be difficult to repeal. The companies suggest that while the US energy landscape faces uncertainty, the ITC remains robust, with projects potentially still qualifying for credits even if expiration is pulled forward to 2027.
InfoLink: 222 GWh more energy storage worldwide in 2025
The global energy storage market installed 175.4 GWh of capacity in 2024, with China, the Americas, and Europe accounting for over 90% of installations. Tesla led shipments in the first half of the year, with Sungrow catching up in the second half. InfoLink forecasts 221.9 GWh of energy storage capacity to be added in 2025, representing 26.5% growth, driven by the global energy transition. The Middle East and Africa are expected to see significant growth, with Saudi Arabia leading regional expansion. Despite geopolitical challenges, the energy storage market is anticipated to reach over 300 GWh of shipments in 2025.
N2OFF and Solterra Announce the Closing of a Definitive Agreement to Develop 196 MWp Battery Storage Projects in Italy
N2OFF has closed a definitive agreement with Solterra Renewable Energy Ltd to develop two 98MWp/392MWh Battery Storage systems in Sicily, Italy. The company will invest up to €2.3 million and hold 70% ownership in the projects. These initiatives align with Italy's MACSE scheme, which plans to conduct energy storage capacity auctions in 2025, supporting the country's renewable energy transition and grid stability. The projects are expected to reach a Ready-to-Build stage in 18-24 months.
Northvolt sells Industrial division, including Poland ESS factory
European lithium-ion manufacturer Northvolt has sold its Systems Industrial division, which includes an energy storage system factory in Gdansk, Poland, to Scania as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. The division, established in 2018 and employing 300 people, was sold to focus on core battery cell manufacturing activities. The transaction is contingent on regulatory clearances, and existing customer orders for 2025 will be executed as planned. This sale follows Northvolt's bankruptcy filing in November 2024, driven by challenges including falling battery prices from China and competitive pressures from US subsidies.
Cleaner, Cheaper Hydrogen That Fuels Both Energy and Industry
Researchers have developed innovative catalysts for hydrogen production using ethanol and methanol reforming, enabling lower-temperature processes with reduced carbon emissions. These catalysts operate at temperatures as low as 200-270°C, compared to traditional methods at 1000°C, and can produce hydrogen while minimizing CO2 output. By strategically dispersing platinum and iridium atoms on molybdenum surfaces, scientists have created catalysts that can generate hydrogen more efficiently and sustainably, potentially transforming the hydrogen economy by making production more environmentally friendly and accessible.
How the Russia-Ukraine War Reshaped Energy in Europe (and Italy)
The Russia-Ukraine war dramatically transformed European energy dynamics, with the EU significantly reducing Russian gas imports from 40% to a small fraction. The conflict cost EU countries 657 billion euros in energy subsidies, with Italy spending around 50 billion. The war highlighted the crucial role of US LNG shipments and created complex geopolitical energy challenges. A potential conflict resolution could see Russian gas flows resuming, with estimates suggesting 130 million cubic meters daily through Ukraine. Current energy concerns include rising gas consumption, depleted storage, and uncertainty about future energy strategies.
Brookfield to acquire National Grid Renewables
Canadian asset manager Brookfield is acquiring National Grid Renewables for approximately US$1.735 billion, expanding its renewable energy portfolio with a 3GW collection of solar, energy storage, and wind assets. The deal is part of National Grid's strategy to streamline its business and is expected to close between April and October 2025. This continues Brookfield's aggressive expansion in renewable energy, following previous acquisitions like Duke Energy's solar business and investments in global renewable assets. The transaction underscores ongoing investor interest in utility-scale renewable energy businesses.
GeoTHERM 2025: From Europe's Largest Trade Fair to World's Leading Trade Fair for Geothermal Energy
GeoTHERM 2025 solidified its position as the world's premier geothermal energy trade fair, attracting 8,522 visitors from 23 nations, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. The event featured 280 international exhibitors, a new Start-Up Area for innovative technologies, and a scientific congress with over 60 presentations. The expo showcased diverse geothermal technologies from drilling rigs to storage systems, highlighting the global potential and growing importance of geothermal energy. The next GeoTHERM expo will take place in Offenburg from February 2-27, 2026.
Shell Expects 60% Rise in Global LNG Demand by 2040
Shell forecasts a 60% increase in global LNG demand by 2040, driven by economic growth in Asia, AI impact, and decarbonization efforts. China and India are expanding LNG infrastructure, with the US and Qatar expected to provide around 60% of global LNG supply by 2035. The demand is estimated to reach between 630-718 million metric tons annually, with emerging markets driving growth despite declining domestic production in some regions.
CRMA: Supporting Supply Chains for the Energy Transition
EIT RawMaterials is calling for a €4bn investment under Framework Programme 10 to secure Europe's critical raw material supply chains. Currently, over 70% of raw materials for clean energy technologies are imported, exposing Europe to significant geopolitical risks. The Critical Raw Materials Act aims to increase domestic production to 10%, expand processing capacity to 40%, and achieve a 25% recycling rate by 2030. The sector has potential to generate €2tn in economic value and support 32 million jobs by 2030, highlighting the strategic importance of developing resilient and sustainable raw material supply chains.
2050 target not realistic say bosses
Only 16% of senior energy executives believe the world can reach carbon neutrality by 2050, down from 45% last year, according to the Energy Industries Council's Net Zero Jeopardy Report II. Business leaders cite policy instability, financial uncertainty, and slow project approvals as major obstacles. Just 14% are confident their country will meet 2030 climate targets, reflecting growing frustration over unclear regulatory frameworks and underinvestment in clean technologies. Urgent reforms are needed in permitting processes, policy clarity, and financial incentives to restore confidence in net zero goals.
Europe's Young Energy Ambassadors: 12 Recommendations for Energy Commissioner
A diverse group of 30 young energy professionals from across Europe presented 12 key recommendations to EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, focusing on democratizing energy transition. Recommendations include supporting flat dwellers in renewable energy communities, mandating citizen shares in renewable projects, integrating green transition topics in education, promoting recycling in renewable sectors, and establishing a European 'energy academy'. The proposals emphasize social equity, skills development, and sustainable infrastructure, with the goal of accelerating Europe's clean energy transition and meeting 2050 net-zero objectives.
German energy industry, NGO call on EU to retain green growth focus in upcoming 'omnibus package'
The EU is preparing to present its Clean Industrial Deal, a follow-up to the European Green Deal aimed at strengthening industry competitiveness and sustainable economic transition. German energy association BDEW and environmental NGO Germanwatch emphasize the need for continued climate protection, efficient implementation strategies, and investment incentives. Key stakeholders are calling for reducing system costs, improving energy infrastructure, and maintaining ambitious climate targets while addressing international competition and potential deindustrialization risks.
The Future of Energy Communities in Southeast Europe
The SunSharing Project, launched in December 2022, aims to transform the energy landscape in Southeast Europe by promoting photovoltaic-based energy communities across Greece, North Macedonia, Croatia, and Bulgaria. By introducing best practices and building local stakeholder capacity, the project demonstrates how citizen energy communities can drive sustainable development, offering opportunities for local employment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and empowering communities. Key examples from each country highlight innovative approaches to renewable energy, including crowdfunding solar installations, community-owned solar plants, and initiatives supporting vulnerable populations. The project emphasizes the importance of clear legal frameworks, financial incentives, social inclusion, and regional cooperation in advancing renewable energy transitions.
New method to predict potential induced degradation in glass-glass TOPCon solar modules
A research group led by Trina Solar developed a novel approach to predict potential induced degradation (PID) in dual-glass solar panels under multiple field conditions. Using the Arrhenius equation, researchers tested TOPCon solar modules at different temperatures and humidity levels, revealing PID degradation estimates of 1.57% in Hainan, 1.13% in Saudi Arabia, and 4.01% for offshore PV over 30 years. The methodology enables simultaneous PID and light exposure testing, offering a more comprehensive assessment of solar module performance and supporting the photovoltaic industry's transition to double-EVA configurations.
Eni named as offtaker in UAE-backed interconnection between Albania and Italy
Italian energy company Eni will be the preferred offtaker in a cross-border renewable energy project connecting Albania and Italy via subsea cables. The deal, signed at the Italy-UAE Business Forum, involves Masdar, TAQA Transmission, and Albanian power entities. While specific capacity and energy technology details were not disclosed, the project supports broader collaboration between Italy and the UAE, with up to US$40 billion in deals signed. The initiative aligns with the 'UAE Consensus' to triple global renewable energy and aims to enhance cross-border energy security and sustainable energy transmission.
Auctions: Dubai, France, and India
France launched a 400 MW commercial and industrial solar tender, with submissions due by March 28, 2025. Dubai's electricity authority issued a tender for a 1.6-2 GW solar project with 1 GW battery storage, while India's NTPC is seeking 250 MW/1 GWh of independent battery energy storage systems. These auctions highlight ongoing global investments in renewable energy and energy storage technologies across different markets.
Strawberry fields forever, and with transparent PV
Canadian researchers from Western University tested growing strawberries under transparent thin-film cadmium telluride solar panels with varying transparency levels. They discovered that 40% transparent panels maintained over 80% crop yield compared to uncovered plants. The study found that 70% transparency panels produced 140.6% of the average control group's fresh weight. Globally, if all strawberry farms adopted agrivoltaics, they could potentially generate up to 173 TWh annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 27-82 million tons per year. The research suggests agrivoltaics could transform the strawberry sector into a net electricity exporter while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Next Ocean CEO: 'Offshore Energy Vessel Crews No Longer Have to Operate Blind'
Dutch company Next Ocean is expanding its WavePredictor technology globally, which helps offshore energy vessel crews predict waves and vessel motions minutes in advance. The technology has been deployed on vessels from Boskalis, North Star, and Allseas, enabling crews to make safer operational decisions. CEO Karel Roozen notes the technology allows working up to 20% beyond conventional statistical limits, potentially saving vessels up to 8% of workable time annually. Next Ocean is currently exploring projects in the US and Australia, positioning WavePredictor as the most advanced solution in vessel motion prediction.