Solarplaza Summit Balkans

Wednesday 23 October 2024

19:00

Pre-Conference Networking Event

The Networking Event will take place in Johann Franck

Thursday 24 October 2024

Program

08:30

Registration & Welcome Coffee

45 min.

Session Topics:

09:15

Welcome by Solarplaza

presentation

15 min.

Teodora Tompea

Digi24

Kevin Strietman

Solarplaza

Session Topics:

Session 1

Market Overview and Policy Framework

09:30

Keynote Opening: EvKlips’ Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future

presentation

20 min.

Join EvKlips for a visionary keynote on transforming the energy landscape. Learn about their latest innovations in sustainable technology and how they are spearheading the integration of renewable energy solutions to build a greener future.

Elena Rasheva

Evklips Energy

Session Topics:

09:50

International Solar Trends Unfolded: Getting Up To Speed With The Balkan Solar Market

presentation

15 min.

Gain crucial insights from a leading market analysts This presentation will briefly overview significant solar trends across Europe, aligning with global industry shifts and providing strategic insights for stakeholders.

Ioanna Barouni

Aurora Energy Research

Session Topics:

About Aurora Energy
Renewables policy ambition in the Balkans
Merchant project economics
Capacity buildout projections

10:05

Live Podcast - Navigating the Balkans: Policy Dynamics and Integration Insights

panel

40 min.

Explore the dynamic interplay of policy shifts, permitting complexities, and EU integration as they reshape the Balkan energy landscape. This panel brings together top industry experts to discuss strategic adaptations and emerging opportunities within the region’s evolving regulatory framework.

moderator

Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson

Montel News

Aljoša Pleic

Acciona Energía Croatia

Saša Jovičić

Wolf Theiss

Andreas Rörig

E.ON Group

Margareta Rončević

EASE - The European Association for Storage of Energy

Danijela Isailović

RES SERBIA

Session Topics:

Policy Changes Overview: Discuss recent legislative updates affecting the Balkan energy sector.
Permitting Challenges: Explore complexities in obtaining permits and navigating bureaucratic processes.
EU Integration Impact: Analyze how EU policies influence local energy strategies and market entry.
Strategic Adaptations: Share insights from sector leaders on adapting business practices within new regulations.
Opportunities Arising: Highlight new opportunities created by regulatory changes and EU integration for developers and investors.

10:45

Morning Networking Break

Session Topics:

Session 2

Technological Innovations and Solutions

11:40

Spotlight on HEP: Pioneering Korlat, Croatia's first Renewable Hybrid Energy Park

presentation

15 min.

A deep dive into Hrvatska elektroprivreda (HEP) Group's journey and learnings into building Korlat Park,
Croatia's first Renewable Hybrid Energy Park with both Solar PV and wind. Join this presentation in exploring challenges, milestones, and the project's impact on the regional renewable energy landscape.

Dražen Lovrić

HEP Grupa

Session Topics:

Project Overview: Introduce Korlat Energy Park, detailing its unique aspects as Croatia’s first permitted renewable hybrid energy park combining solar PV and wind.
Development Challenges: Discuss the specific challenges faced during the planning and permitting phases, including technical hurdles and environmental considerations.
Milestones Achieved: Highlight key milestones and breakthroughs in the project’s development, showcasing how these were accomplished.
Technological Integration: Explore the integration of solar and wind technologies and how this hybrid approach enhances energy production and stability.
Future activities: Future development of existing space in order to maximise energy production and minimize land occupancy.

11:55

Advancing PV Module Efficiency: LONGi’s Commitment to Technological Excellence and Lifecycle Reliability

presentation

15 min.

A deep dive into the latest developments in photovoltaic module technology, focusing on increased efficiency, durability, and the potential impact on the cost-effectiveness of solar projects in the Balkans.

Hao Ge

LONGi

Session Topics:

Solar Industry Trends
Advancements of back-contacted (BC) solar modules
How LONGi maximizes customer value: technology leadership, lifecycle reliability, and superior bankability

12:10

Global Tech, Local Impact: Elevating Eastern-European Solar Projects

panel

40 min.

Discover how cutting-edge solar technologies from global manufacturers can revolutionize project efficiencies in the Balkans. Moderated by Karanovic & Partners, this panel featuring developer and asset owner CWP Global and international manufacturers Runergy and Trina Solar, will delve into practical applications to reduce costs and enhance solar integration.

moderator

Ferid Kapidžić

Karanovic & Partners

Jovanka Atanacković

CWP Global

Victor Manuel Rada

Runergy

Milan Pudich

Trina Solar

Milan Pudich

Sales Utilities Team Lead Eastern Europe

Trina Solar

For over two decades, Milan Pudich has been a driving force in the energy sector, shaping the future of energy production and consumption in Europe and Africa. He has held various influential positions, including board member roles, where he has delivered outstanding results in productivity and sales processes, leading teams in energy companies like Shell. Milan has also embraced the challenge of transitioning from traditional energy sources to new energies, gaining expertise in bio-LNG, GTL, hydrogen, and the solar industry. Currently, he leads the Sales Utilities team in Eastern Europe, including Balkan, at Trina Solar, one of the world's largest solar and storage manufacturers, where he oversees operations and drives growth in 20 countries. Milan is not only a successful leader, but also a passionate visionary with a mission to implement more innovations, green energies, and new ways of working to make our world a better place to live. He is always looking for new opportunities to create value, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. He inspires his colleagues and partners with his enthusiasm, dedication, and optimism.

Session Topics:

Advanced Solar Hardware: Showcase the latest innovations in solar modules and hardware from leading global manufacturers.
Data-Driven Solutions: Explore how data analytics and digital tools can optimize solar project performance and operational efficiency.
Cost Reduction Strategies: Discuss methods and technologies that are proving effective in reducing the costs of solar projects in the Balkans.
Local Integration Challenges: Examine the practical challenges and solutions for integrating global technologies within local Balkan markets.
Success Stories: Share case studies and examples of successful implementation of advanced technologies in regional solar projects.

12:50

Lunch Networking Break

Session Topics:

Session 3

Financing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

14:25

Evolution of the Bankability of Energy Storage Projects

presentation

20 min.

Learn more about Clean Horizon's Pan European experience about Energy Storage, how revenue streams continue evolving in maturing regions and what can be expected in the Balkans.

Naim El Chami

Clean Horizon

Session Topics:

Battery system deployment in Western Europe and revenue streams evolution.
Bankability of standalone and hybrid projects.
What can be expected in Central Eastern Europe and in the Balkans in the coming years.

14:45

Investment Hotspots in the Balkans

presentation

20 min.

Join Zoran Obradović from wpd Adria as he delves into the vast investment potential and pressing challenges in renewable energy across Croatia and WB6, highlighting grid connectivity issues, project feasibility, and the critical role of energy storage.

Zoran Obradović

wpd Adria

Session Topics:

Great investment potential for RES in Croatia and WB6
Lengthy procedures slow down the development of projects and hinder maximizing investment opportunities
Grid connection challenges
Grid development doesn’t follow project development
Capture rate for PV projects
Feasibility challenge
Question of energy storage

15:05

PPA Strategies Unlocked: Enhancing Bankability in Solar Investments

panel

40 min.

Explore the critical role of Power Purchase Agreements in advancing solar project finance. This expert panel will delve into PPA strategies, the interplay between solar pricing dynamics such as price cannibalization, and the integration challenges of hybrid solar+BESS systems. Learn how these elements influence the financial landscape and the bankability of renewable energy projects, especially under fluctuating market conditions.

moderator

Martina Vajdić

European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)

Martina Vajdić

Policy Officer Market Data

European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)

Martina Vajdić works as a Policy Officer at the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, where she focuses on regulatory cooperation, reporting guidance, and policy activities to support REMIT reporting mandates. With over 9 years of experience as a Market Specialist and Analyst at the Market Operations Department of Croatian Power Exchange, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her current role. She holds an MSc in Electrical Engineering from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb, and an MBA, from Cotrugli Business School, providing her with a strong foundation in both technical and management skills. She is experienced in energy market implementation, testing, and operation projects, with a keen interest in data analysis from both technical and economic perspectives. Fluent in Croatian, Slovenian, English, German, and Spanish, she has successfully managed and conducted educational workshops and has been an active participant in various panels and conferences.

Marin Cerjan

NGEN Group

Andrija Hren

Privredna banka Zagreb d. d.

Branimir Beljan

Danske Commodities

Ante Krečak

Erste Bank

Corentin de Ricaud

Apricum

Corentin de Ricaud

Director

Apricum

Corentin de Ricaud has significant project finance expertise and over 16 years of experience acquired through leading financial institutions and energy and infrastructure companies working on projects in the power and renewables industries. At Apricum, Mr. de Ricaud works on a range of clients including project developers, governments and institutional investors, helping them to develop bespoke project and financing solutions as well as successful investment strategies. Before joining Apricum, Corentin was an investment officer at the European Investment Bank where he was involved in the financial close of the Scaling Solar 34 MW PV project in Zambia and was active in originating new project finance transactions in MENA countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia and West Africa. Prior to that, he spent five years as a dedicated in-house financial advisor at ENGIE, where he led the landmark Gulf of Suez 262.5 MW BOO wind project in Egypt from inception to financial close, being the very first renewable energy IPP project in the country. Prior to that, he held positions at BNP Paribas and Bouygues Construction. Corentin holds a master’s degree in finance and strategy from The Paris Institute of Political Sciences (“Sciences Po”).

Session Topics:

PPA Contract Essentials: Outline the core elements that constitute a bankable PPA, focusing on term length, pricing structures, and performance guarantees.
Financing Hybrid Systems: Discuss financing criteria and conditions for solar+BESS systems, emphasizing their role in stabilizing revenue amidst price fluctuations.
Impact of Solar Price Cannibalization: Examine how periods of low or negative prices affect the attractiveness and financial viability of solar projects.
Curtailment Risks and Management: Explore strategies for managing curtailment risks and their impact on project revenue and PPA terms.
Market Exposure and Risk Management: Analyze how market-exposed projects can mitigate financial risks associated with volatile energy prices.
Innovative Financial Models: Review emerging financial models that enhance the attractiveness and bankability of solar projects, including revenue stacking and risk-sharing mechanisms.
Case Studies and Lessons Learned: Share real-world examples and lessons from across Europe on navigating the complexities of PPA arrangements and hybrid project financing.

15:45

Afternoon Networking Break

Session Topics:

Session 4

Energy Storage and Grid Integration

16:10

Storing Success: Lessons in Energy Storage from Across Europe

presentation

20 min.

Join Paul Raats from DNV as he unravels the evolving landscape of energy storage in the Balkans. Discover the region's emerging trends, challenges in adoption, and the transformative potential of storage solutions through key case studies and market insights.

Paul Raats

DNV

Paul Raats

Principal Consultant for Energy Systems

DNV

Paul is a seasoned Project Manager and solar PV Expert with regional experience in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He combines over 30 years of professional experience in business consulting, industrial manufacturing, product innovation and energy regulatory affairs. Paul works in solar since 2002 serving financiers, utilities, developers, manufacturers, NGO’s and governments through owner’s engineering, technical advisory and due diligence assignments, business viability studies and policy advice. His first project in solar PV was in 2002 with the Dutch regulator exploring the possibilities for grid regulation to enhancing the penetration of distributed photovoltaic systems. One of his most recent ones comprises technical advisory to the EBRD to finance landfill solar sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although his focus is on solar, Paul gained working experience on other power system’s themes in multiple occasions, energy storage amongst them. As mechanical engineer, Paul graduated from the Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. Before joining DNV in 2004, he worked at The Boston Consulting Group, Heineken Breweries, and he was employed by the Dutch state energy regulator in The Hague.

Session Topics:

Regional Overview: Insights into energy storage progress and potential across the Balkans, with a focus on Croatia's leading role.
Market Studies and Forecasts: Summary of studies conducted for the institutional financiers, highlighting upcoming opportunities and the status of energy storage tenders in the region.
· Case Study from Poland: Detailed discussion on implementing battery storage to mitigate issues of regulatory restrictions and negative pricing impacts on small solar installations.
Procurement and Financing Challenges: Overview of the client inquiries and how DNV assists with procurement strategies and financing for emerging storage projects.
Lessons from Western Europe: Drawing parallels with advanced storage implementations in the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK, focusing on stacked revenue streams and integration strategies.
Future of Solar and Storage in the Balkans: Projections on how combined solar and storage solutions could affect the energy landscape in the Balkans, considering the current limited industry knowledge and infrastructure readiness.

16:30

Overcoming Grid Integration Challenges

panel

40 min.

This panel will bring together utility companies, grid operators, and renewable energy experts to discuss the challenges and solutions related to integrating solar energy into the Balkans' power grids, focusing on regulatory hurdles, technical bottlenecks, and innovative grid management solutions.

moderator

Neven Vukadinović

Statkraft

Goran Majstrović

Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP)

Goran Majstrović

Assistant Director

Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP)

Goran Majstrović is an Assistant Director and Head of Transmission and Distribution Department in the EIHP, Croatia where he has been working since 1998. EIHP is a research and energy consultancy institution. Field of Goran's interest is RES integration, transmission system planning and analysis as well as electricity market design. He served as a consultant for the World Bank, USAID, European Commission, EBRD, KfW, Energy Community, different governments, regulatory agencies, power companies, TSOs, DSOs etc. As an author he published more than 120 studies and more than 90 papers. Goran holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and serves as a lecturer at post-graduate MBA study Energy Economics at University of Rijeka, Croatia and external colaborator of European University Institute, Robert Schumann Center, Florence School of Regulation, Florence, Italy and Energy Regulatory Regional Association (ERRA), Budapest, Hungary. He is a vice-president of Croatian CIGRE Committee and a Member of the Scientific Council for Energy in the Croatian Academy of Art and Science.

Igor Šumonja

Hops

Prof. Hrvoje Pandžić

University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing

Session Topics:

Assessing Grid Capacity: Explore the current capacity of the Balkans' power grids to handle increased solar energy influx and the necessity for upgrades.
Regulatory Frameworks: Discuss the existing regulatory environment and needed reforms to facilitate smoother integration of solar power into regional grids.
Technical Challenges: Identify key technical bottlenecks in grid integration, such as voltage regulation and frequency control, and how they can be addressed.
Innovative Solutions: Highlight innovative technologies and system management solutions that are being implemented to enhance grid stability and efficiency.
Best Practices for Grid Connections: Examine successful case studies from the region or internationally, focusing on effective practices for connecting large-scale solar projects to the grid.
Future Outlook: Provide insights into the future developments in grid technology and management that could support the growing share of renewable energy in the Balkans.

17:25

Closing Remarks

presentation

5 min.

Teodora Tompea

Digi24

Session Topics:

17:30

Closing Networking Drinks

Session Topics:

Solarplaza Summit | Balkans

Registration & Welcome Coffee

Welcome by Solarplaza

Market Overview and Policy Framework

Keynote Opening: EvKlips’ Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future

International Solar Trends Unfolded: Getting Up To Speed With The Balkan Solar Market

Live Podcast - Navigating the Balkans: Policy Dynamics and Integration Insights

Technological Innovations and Solutions

Spotlight on HEP: Pioneering Korlat, Croatia's first Renewable Hybrid Energy Park

Advancing PV Module Efficiency: LONGi’s Commitment to Technological Excellence and Lifecycle Reliability

Global Tech, Local Impact: Elevating Eastern-European Solar Projects

Financing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

Evolution of the Bankability of Energy Storage Projects

Investment Hotspots in the Balkans

PPA Strategies Unlocked: Enhancing Bankability in Solar Investments

Energy Storage and Grid Integration

Storing Success: Lessons in Energy Storage from Across Europe

Overcoming Grid Integration Challenges

Closing Remarks