Solarplaza Summit Greece

Wednesday 25 September 2024

19:00

Pre-Conference Networking Event

We're very happy to kick off the summit with you during our networking dinner on the night prior to the conference. We've chosen a floating venue which will guarantee some stunning 360° views of the Attica riviera. The outside terrace enables to enjoy a late summer night with old and new business friends. Drinks and food included!

The Networking Event will take place in Ploes Floating Venue

Thursday 26 September 2024

Program

08:45

Registration & Welcome Coffee

30 min.

Session Topics:

09:15

Welcome Words

15 min.

Edwin Koot

Solarplaza

Session Topics:

Session 1

Current Status of the Greek Solar and Storage Market

09:30

Navigating the Dynamic Greek Solar + Storage Market: Latest Updates and Insights

presentation

20 min.

We’ll set the scene with a broad update on the past year of Greek solar energy and storage market development. As we uncover the latest market trends and changes, you’ll gain a comprehensive overview of today’s challenges and opportunities in the sector. Explore the status of ongoing projects and investments in the pipeline and gain insights into the market's division among residential, commercial & industrial, and utility segments, as well as data on current and future price trends.

Stelios Psomas

HELAPCO - Hellenic Association of PV Companies

Session Topics:

Status of solar and storage projects and investments
Overview of market split (Residential/C&I/Utility)
Current and future price levels

09:50

Regulatory Framework and Incentives Update

presentation

20 min.

Dive into the intricacies of Greece’s regulatory framework for renewables, with a focus on the recent amendments and evolving opportunities. The ideal opportunity to get valuable insights into the legislature and incentives that are shaping the solar industry.

Evans Courakis

Koutalidis Law Firm

Evans Courakis

Partner

Koutalidis Law Firm

Evans is Partner and Head of Energy, Sustainability & Infrastructure (ESI) at Koutalidis Law Firm. He has a wide contentious and non-contentious energy practice, focusing predominantly on renewable energy and has more than 19 years of experience dealing with Energy & Infrastructure matters. He regularly represents multinational green energy developers, investors, EPC contractors, operators, off-takers, and financiers on matters relating to project acquisition, development, financing, construction, operation, and sale of energy. Evans also has significant experience in energy- and infrastructure-related international arbitrations. Evans holds an LL.M. from the University of Cambridge, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Athens with Summa Cum Laude. In addition to his practice, Evans regularly lectures lawyers on contract drafting, EPC contracts, and legal issues concerning energy-related transactions. Evans is recognized by Chambers for his “deep knowledge of the Greek energy sector” and “complex problem-solving”, with some clients highlighting that he “considers both legal and commercial aspects of projects” and that he “thinks out of the box.”

Session Topics:

Getting a clear picture of the latest regulatory changes
The latest on interconnection terms
Upcoming tenders

10:10

The Greek Investment Climate: How to Move Forward?

panel

40 min.

This panel will dig into the dynamic landscape of solar energy investment in Greece, dissecting the challenges and opportunities at hand for both domestic and international investors. The discussion will highlight the impact of the recent changes in the regulatory framework and other general market trends, to empower investors to make informed decisions.

moderator

Epistimi Oikonomopoulou

Clifford Chance

Ypatios Moysiadis

Wattcrop

Ypatios Moysiadis

Managing Partner

Wattcrop

Ypatios Moysiadis’ early years spent growing up in an industrial coal mining town in Northwest Greece had a profound effect on his career and helped embed a focus on sustainability in all his future ventures. He started working in renewables 15 years ago, capitalising on the legislative introduction of renewable energy incentives. Over the years he expanded his scope into the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets. This work lead to posts at major British and international organisations like Galliford Try Group, Grupotec, Foresight Group, BayWa r.e. and Voltalia Group, working in several spot markets and countries. Ypatios has worked across the value chain on all major renewable technologies, with emphasis on Solar PV. Today, Ypatios is the Managing Partner of Wattcrop focusing on development of new generation projects internationally and advancement of innovation within the services sector of Renewable Energy. He is a visiting lecturer at Cass Business School London and ESCP Business School Paris, and promotes Renewables as an author and active blogger.

Nikos Giannoulis

Iqony Sens

Christodoulos Chaviaras

PwC

Christodoulos Chaviaras

Partner

PwC

Chris is a Partner and the Renewables lead within Corporate Finance at PwC Greece with over 17 years of experience in the European Equity Markets both in Greece and the UK. Chris joined PwC in 2018 and led several landmark RES transactions in Greece including the acquisition of the largest PV park in Greece by Helleniq Energy from juwi Group, the JV formation between PPC and RWE for the development of 2 GW solar PV projects, PPCR’s acquisition of Volterra’s entire RES portfolio and several wind farm and PV transactions (including the first offshore wind transaction in Greece) with a multinational variety of counterparties both in Greece and the wider Balkan region. Prior to PwC, Chris headed the European General Retail team at Barclays Capital in London covering retail stocks in excess of €250bn market cap. Chris led the team to a consistent top 5 ranking in annual investors surveys. Chris also created and led the General Retail team at Bloomberg, offering research advice to investors and frequently commenting on financial media. Chris is a Chartered Management Accountant with CIMA, holds an MSc in Economics & Finance from Warwick Business School with Distinction and a BSc in Banking & Finance from the University of Piraeus.

Eirini Samara

Huawei

Session Topics:

Impact of recent regulatory changes on the investment climate
Unraveling the level playing field on the Greek market
Future needs of investors and developers

10:50

Morning Networking Break

Session Topics:

Session 2

Grid Challenges and Solutions

11:30

The Pressing Grid Challenge that Greece - and Europe as a Whole - is Facing

presentation

15 min.

A crucial presentation that will address the intricacies of the Greek, and larger European, electricity grids, focusing on the challenges they face in integrating renewable energy. Learn what initiatives and strategies are explored in other countries aimed at optimizing grid efficiency and resilience while accommodating the increasing penetration of solar energy.

Elisabeth Cremona

Ember Climate

Session Topics:

Current and future outlook
Grid improvements vs market solutions

11:45

Breaking the Gridlock: Strategies to Mitigate Grid Congestion Challenges

panel

35 min.

Engage your fellow attendees and the experts on stage as we discuss the grid-related challenges Greece is facing, with a specific focus on strategies for mitigating curtailment. We'll assess high-potential solutions like grid modernization, energy storage, further electrification, and smart technologies that can support an optimized grid (eg. demand response, load shifting, peak shaving).

moderator

Evans Courakis

Koutalidis Law Firm

Evans Courakis

Partner

Koutalidis Law Firm

Stella Zacharia

Optimus Energy

Stefanos Papaefthymiou

HEDNO - Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator

Stefanos Papaefthymiou

Director of Protection Branch

HEDNO - Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator

Dr. Stefanos Papaefthymiou works for the Grid Operations Department of HEDNO, as Director of Protection Branch. Previously, he has worked for the Network Major Installations Department of HEDNO, as protection engineer responsible for maintenance of HV/MV Substations. He has also worked for the Islands Network Operation Department of HEDNO with the object of development and operation of generating stations (conventional and RES) in NII, and earlier for the Distribution Division of PPC, occupied with distribution network protection studies, as well as with the implementation of Distribution Network Control Centers. Furthermore, he has served as technical advisor to PPC Renewables SA for implementation of the Hybrid Wind-Pumped Storage Power Plant in Ikaria island and he has supported the Greek Regulatory Authority of Energy in establishing the institutional framework for Hybrid Renewable Power Stations in NII. Additionally, he has provided consultancy services to HEDNO for definition of optimal strategy for management and operation of the NII electrical systems, according to the provisions of the NII Power Systems Management Code, as well as for implementation of the required projects (interconnection projects, Energy Control Center, etc.) for connection and smooth integration of the Ikaria Hybrid Project. Last, he has been involved in the preparation of techno-economic studies for RES Producers. He is a registered member of the Technical Chamber of Greece and a member of CIGRE.

Konstantinos Petsinis

ADMIE / IPTO

Konstantinos Petsinis

Director

ADMIE / IPTO

Mr Petsinis is currently working as Director of Market & Network Regulation in the Greek Transmission System Operator (ADMIE or IPTO). He has a leading role in the re-organization and the structural reforms of the Greek electricity market towards the adoption of the European Electricity Target Model. He is leading the market design and the restructuring of the operation of the TSO mainly focusing on balancing, ancillary services, and capacity mechanisms. The integration of RES, Storage and Demand Response in the Greek electricity market is another focus area. Mr Petsinisi is also involved in the design of the internal market for electricity in Europe participating in the Market Committee and other relevant groups of ENTSOe. Before joining the Greek TSO, he was working in the Commercial Division of Attiki Gas Supply Company (EPA Attikis), as a Business Development & Strategic Planning senior analyst identifying opportunities, designing tariff policy, developing and monitoring the Business Plan and Key Performance Indicators, and reporting to the Management Team and Shareholders. Finally, since 2002 he has worked as a consultant with expertise in business plans, techno-economic studies, proposals for government subsidies and engineering studies.

Kostas Athanasopoulos

Sympower

Session Topics:

Creating grid space
Role of batteries in congestion management
Strategies dealing with curtailment
Cross-border power grid interconnection opportunities

12:20

Business Model Strategies for Battery Projects

panel

40 min.

Let’s focus on innovative business models for battery projects in Greece. We’ll zoom in on strategies for financing, deploying, and operating energy storage solutions that enhance grid reliability and support the integration of renewable energy.

moderator

Stavros Skarlis

Aurora Energy Research

Dr. Sotiris Kapellos

HELLENiQ RENEWABLES ENERGY

Dr. Sotiris Kapellos

Chief Operating Officer

HELLENiQ RENEWABLES ENERGY

Dr S. Kapellos is a graduate of the Chemical Department of the University of Athens. He received a PhD on the field of Physical Chemistry from the same Institution. Between 1993 and 2007, he had the opportunity to fill various managerial posts within the BP Hellas Organization: Quality, Health, Safety and Environment, Human Resources, Customer Services, Pricing and Credit, Retail Fuels District Manager Northern Greece. In 2007, he is appointed as the CEO of BP Solar Hellas, to setup the new business. Since 2010, he works for HELLENiQ RENEWABLES, 100% owned by HELLENiQ ENERGY Group (Former Hellenic Petroleum). He currently holds the position of the Chief Operating Officer and BoD member of the company. Τhe RES portfolio of HELLENiQ RENEWABLES is comprised of more than 4 GW of PV, Wind and Storage Projects, of which 241 MW PV and 100 MW Wind in operation in Greece and 41 MW PV in Cyprus. HELLENiQ RENEWABLES recently announced the acquisition of an under construction 180 MW PV project in Kozani and another one 211 MW in Romania, both to be fully operational in 2025. Adding up another PV project of 200 MW in Evros and the 100 MW Battery Storage that has been won in the last auction, both to be operational in 2025, the target of HELLENiQ to operate 1 GW RES projects in 2025 has already been secured. Dr. S. Kapellos has published several scientific articles in international magazines during his academic career and several articles on subjects related to RES, Solar Technology and Energy Policy for newspapers, relevant magazines and e-media. Since 2008, he is being an elected member of the board of the Hellenic Association of PV companies (HELAPCO) and since April 2013 Chairman of the board of the Association. Since April 2021 he has been elected as President of the Energy Committee of the Hellenic-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Joshua Murphy

Econergy

Stathis Galanopoulos

Motor Oil Renewable Energy (MORE)

Session Topics:

Stand-alone versus colocated storage
From utility-scale solar + storage to behind-the-meter C&I + storage opportunities
Bankability of different storage business models - Storage projects with Contracts for Difference
Merchant-based storage projects - The latest ins and outs on optimization agreements

13:00

Lunch Networking Break

Session Topics:

Session 3

New Revenue Streams

14:30

Self-consumption and Energy Community Projects

panel

35 min.

This presentation will elaborate on the opportunities coupled with commercial & industrial (C&I) and self-consumption sector integration through innovative business models, new technologies, and fresh legislative adoptions for new market opportunities.

moderator

Ioanna Souka

The Green Tank

Ioanna Souka

Data Analyst

The Green Tank

Ioanna Souka is currently working at The Green Tank, a think tank based in Athens, aiming to provide policy solutions for a sustainable future. She specializes in the Energy sector, focusing on the decarbonization of the electricity production system, but also the industry. Another area she is working on is the energy communities and the self-production projects, as it is important to ensure that the energy transition will be also just. She is a member of working groups in European networks of organizations, collaborating for proposing policy solutions at European and national level towards a clean energy system, away from fossil fuels. In her career she has been also working on the development of software for demand forecasting, team management as well as technical support and automation of processes. She graduated from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the Aristotle University Thessaloniki, specializing in the field of Energy. During her internships at the University of Denmark (DTU) and CERTH, but also her thesis, she worked on the analysis and visualization of domestic energy consumption, monitoring of solar panels production and district heating systems.

Ruben Carvalho

Greenvolt Next

Lina Tsaltampasi

WEnCoop

Lina Tsaltampasi

President

WEnCoop

Mrs. Tsaltampasi is the initiator and the elected President of the 1st Women's Energy Community WEnCoop and President of the Greek Association of Women Entrepreneurs – SEGE. In the business sector, she is the CEO of the OECON Group of Companies, which includes companies in Greece and abroad. She actively supports Women's Entrepreneurship and the Promotion of Women in all sectors of the economy through SEGE, as well as through other positions she holds. She is the A’ Vice President of AFAEMME – Association of Organizations of Mediterranean Businesswomen, and the President of the Balkan Women Coalition (B-WCo). Additionally, Mrs. Tsaltampasi is a member of the Financial Committee of Women20 (W20) and holds the position of G7 Advisor related to the W7 agenda. Mrs. Tsaltampasi was a Finalist for the EUSEW 2022 Awards in the Category of “Women in Energy”. Last but not least, as president of SEGE and WEnCoop, has led WEnCoop to international recognition, and to win the National and European Award, of the category “Supporting the Sustainable Transition”, in the European Enterprise Promotion Awards - EEPA 2022. WenCoop is recognised as a Global Good Practice by both the UN and the European Union, being the first women's partnership to successfully operate in the energy sector. SEGE is cited in the minutes of the Commission as a European best practice for addressing both women's entrepreneurship and women's empowerment issues in an integrated manner, making the Association a key interlocutor of the Commission on Equal Opportunities.

George Roulias

Glensol Energy

George Roulias

Managing Partner

Glensol Energy

George Roulias was born in Athens, Greece and started working in his family business making confectionary products in Greece, Africa and Middle East. In early 2000 he left the family business to form a JV with Virgin Entertainment Group UK where he served as a Managing Director for nearly a decade, from1999 to 2009. In 2009 he decided to make a swift to his career and move to Renewable Energy Sector at the time European and Greek solar markets began to explode. He participated as Business Development Director in Inet Energy SA a Greek EPC company until 2011. He also founded his third company, Glensol Energy Ltd an independent provider of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions for public and private sector based in Greece and operating in EMEA region. The company has built its presence in South East Europe with a proven track record of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Greece, Cyprus and Romania. The company is expanding its activities in Middle East and Africa through a network of local partners. The boundless potential of Renewable Energy exploitation and the preservation of sustainable development have become the cornerstones of his abiding interests.

Dimitris Giannopoulos

Tikun Olam

Session Topics:

C&I Update
Incorporating the industry's flexibility in grid optimization
Energy storage behind the meter

15:05

Testing the Bankability Waters for Hybrid Financing and Hybrid Assets

panel

40 min.

In this session we'll delve into the complexities of financing solar projects comparing the viability of merchant market financing versus Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Additionally, we'll examine the emerging landscape of hybrid assets, where solar energy is integrated with storage systems, and discuss the key considerations for ensuring bankability in these innovative projects.

moderator

Joost Samsom

Voltiq

Joost Samsom

Partner & Co-Founder

Voltiq

Joost Samsom is partner and co-founder of Voltiq. Voltiq is a boutique investment banking firm specializing in energy transition. Joost has 24 years of experience in the development, acquisition and management of renewable energy projects and companies. He has been leading numerous equity and debt raisings for solar and wind developers throughout Europe and Latin America. Before co-founding Voltiq in 2009, Joost was an Executive Board Member at the clean energy branch of global retail and distribution company SHV. Prior to working for SHV, Joost worked for Dutch utility Nuon (nowadays Vattenfall). From 2002 – 2006 he was responsible for Nuon’s investments in Spain based in Seville. Joost has served as an executive and non-executive director on the board of renewable energy companies in the United Kingdom, Germany, Chile, Mexico, Spain and The Netherlands. He has in-depth knowledge of wind, solar, bio-energy, battery storage and hydrogen. Joost is a graduate in European Studies at the University of Amsterdam and is fluent in Dutch, English, Spanish and German.

Evgenia Vasileiadi

Baringa

Apostolos Panos

Principia Energy

Christos Nakos

Metlen Energy & Metals

Giorgos Anomeritis

Eurobank

Session Topics:

A financier's perspective at merchant vs PPA financing of assets
Bankability of standalone and colocated storage assets
How to further improve the bankability of these projects
Trends in hybrid financing

15:45

Afternoon Networking Break

Session Topics:

Session 4

Futureproofing Asset Strategies and Outlooks

16:30

Optimizing Solar Plant Performance

panel

40 min.

Solar asset portfolios are expanding rapidly, which brings about new challenges for owners and operators trying to maximize revenue while controlling costs. The experts on this panel will outline the top obstacles in asset performance management and review the cutting-edge techniques and optimization solutions that industry leaders are increasingly implementing both in the design phase as in the operational phase.

moderator

Dr. Aris Polychronopoulos

SKPLUS Engineering Company

Jesús Prado

Nextracker

Ioannis Grammatikakis

Power Factors

Ioannis Grammatikakis

Vice President, Global Sales Unity Projects

Power Factors

Ioannis Grammatikakis is an experienced manager with strong engineering and business background. He is self-motivated and results oriented with broad skills including product development, people and project management, account management and new business development. He is one of the founding members of inAccess, where now after the acquisition by Powerfactors holds the position of VP, Global Sales for Unity Projects. In the past, while at Inaccess, Ioannis was a Senior Product Manager and responsible for the company operations in the UK. He has played a significant role for driving the Unity solution from its birth to a multimillion business with worldwide presence. Ioannis holds a diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the NTUA. After completion of his undergraduate studies he was accepted in the Imperial College and he was awarded the MSc on “Communications and Signal Processing” with distinction, having the highest academic performance in his class. He has also attended the Executive MBA of the AUEB, where he also had the highest academic performance in his class. Finally, Ioannis is a certified product manager by the AIPMM.

Dimitris Kyriakopoulos

PHAETHON Asset Management

Session Topics:

How design choices can positively impact an optimal plant performance
O&M and AM tools for increasing the production and optimization of your assets
The importance of collecting and standardizing operational data across your PV portfolio
Role of predictive maintenance
How to protect your assets from extreme weather impact

17:10

Transforming the Power System and Industry Towards 24/7 and 100% Renewable Energy Supply

presentation

20 min.

Join us for an insightful session with Stephen Woodhouse, Director at Afry Management Consulting and renowned expert on European market design, as he delves into the future transformation of Greece’s power industry. In this session, Stephen will explore the complex challenges of matching supply and demand in a grid increasingly reliant on intermittent renewables. He will address the emergence of new business models amidst commercial disruption. Stephen will also highlight the pivotal roles of flexibility and digitalization in driving a decarbonized energy system, sharing a compelling case study on 24/7 clean energy matching. Finally, he will envision what a 100% renewable energy system might look like in the long run, offering a glimpse into Europe's and Greece’s sustainable future.

Stephen Woodhouse

AFRY

Session Topics:

17:30

Closing Remarks

presentation

10 min.

Edwin Koot

Solarplaza

Session Topics:

17:40

Closing Networking Drinks

Session Topics:

Solarplaza Summit | Greece

Registration & Welcome Coffee

Welcome Words

Current Status of the Greek Solar and Storage Market

Navigating the Dynamic Greek Solar + Storage Market: Latest Updates and Insights

Regulatory Framework and Incentives Update

The Greek Investment Climate: How to Move Forward?

Grid Challenges and Solutions

The Pressing Grid Challenge that Greece - and Europe as a Whole - is Facing

Breaking the Gridlock: Strategies to Mitigate Grid Congestion Challenges

Business Model Strategies for Battery Projects

New Revenue Streams

Self-consumption and Energy Community Projects

Testing the Bankability Waters for Hybrid Financing and Hybrid Assets

Futureproofing Asset Strategies and Outlooks

Optimizing Solar Plant Performance

Transforming the Power System and Industry Towards 24/7 and 100% Renewable Energy Supply

Closing Remarks