The increasing role played by renewable energy sources, including PV, requires a new perspective on Europe's power system management. Under all scenarios envisioned for the coming decades, PV will play an important part of Europe's electricity mix - covering about 15% (or, under a paradigm shift scenario, up to 25%) by 2030. "Connecting the Sun: Solar photovoltaics on the road to large-scale grid integration", a new report from EPIA, shows how Europe's electricity system can integrate high levels of solar PV in the coming decades.
"In many ways, PV is already providing grid-integration solutions," explains EPIA's President, Dr Winfried Hoffmann. "PV is meeting a growing share of electricity demand at increasingly competitive cost without creating undue strain on the power system. By making smart choices now to improve energy infrastructure, European policymakers can ensure that the EU's ambitious energy and decarbonisation goals are met."
The report was conducted after interviewing several network operators, both at transmission and distribution level, so as to identify best practices and build recommendations on the basis of real-world experience. It also includes input from external experts.
The main findings of "Connecting the Sun" include:
"People want solar power," continues Dr Hoffmann. "And even its harshest critics in the conventional energy sectors will ultimately have to agree that under all scenarios envisioned in the coming decades, solar PV will be a major part of Europe's electricity mix. This makes it crucial to consider the implications of a growing penetration of PV on the electricity grid. With this study, we look at those implications, present realistic options for addressing them, and make clear policy recommendations aimed at facilitating the process."
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