Solarplaza Summit | Asset Management Europe

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Tuesday 7 October 2025


08:30

Registration & welcome coffee

Session 1

Conference opening

Room - C3

09:15

Opening & welcome by Solarplaza

15 min.

Lorena Nieuwenhoven


09:30

System perspective: Navigating the challenges of electrification

presentation

30 min.

As electrification accelerates across sectors, grid operators, utilities, and technology providers face mounting challenges in system integration, flexibility, and reliability. This session explores the systemic impacts of large-scale electrification, from infrastructure bottlenecks to policy alignment, and discusses innovative approaches to ensure a stable and sustainable energy transition.
 

Gerrit Jan Schaeffer

IEA PVPS


10:00

Analyst insight: State of the European market

presentation

20 min.

Get the latest data-driven insights into the current state of the solar and storage market, with a focus on key trends impacting O&M strategies and performance.
 

Sam Wilkinson

S&P Global Commodity Insights


10:20

Navigating asset value volatility: How can investors stay ahead in a shifting market?

panel

40 min.

The European renewable energy market is experiencing a significant shift—from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market—as asset values decline amid increased price cannibalization and power market volatility. This session explores how developers and IPPs are adapting their strategies in response.

With many developers now choosing to hold onto projects and evolve into independent power producers (IPPs), the industry is recalibrating how it approaches long-term value creation. Experts will discuss the drivers behind falling asset values, the impact of merchant exposure, and how volatility is reshaping revenue models. We'll explore emerging solutions such as co-location with BESS, green hydrogen integration, and other innovative approaches to safeguard asset value and stabilize returns.

moderator

Marta Valien

Foresight Group

Felice Basile

NextEnergy Capital

Alexander Meyer

Berenberg

Jeanette Edlund Petersson

Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE)

Viteszlav Rosik

Sungrow


11:00

Morning networking break

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Session 2A

Financial asset management

Room - C3

11:40

Standalone solar is dead: Implications for asset management

presentation

20 min.

As the energy landscape evolves, the days of relying solely on standalone PV projects are rapidly fading. Developers, investors, and asset owners face growing pressure to diversify their portfolios and embrace hybrid solutions that combine solar with storage, wind, or other technologies. These integrated approaches not only enhance grid resilience and flexibility but also improve project bankability, revenue stability, and long-term asset value. This session will explore the drivers behind the shift toward hybrid assets, the risks of sticking to single-technology strategies, and the opportunities for those who adapt early to this new reality.

Charles Lesser

Opus Corporate Finance


12:00

Unlocking financing opportunities for solar PV: What are the winning strategies for growth and investment?

presentation

20 min.

Join us in this session to explore the evolving landscape of solar PV financing. Learn how to tap into emerging opportunities through innovative financial structures, re-financing, and re-structuring. Gain insights into navigating regulatory changes, optimizing cost forecasting, and leveraging Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to enhance project bankability and long-term financial performance.

Andreas Ditlev Duckert

Obton


12:20

Future-proofing revenue strategies: How can PV and BESS thrive amid uncertainty?

panel

40 min.

As the European energy market matures and subsidy schemes are phased out, the demand for stable, long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) continues to grow. This session will delve into managing contractual risks, evaluating offtaker creditworthiness, negotiating competitive PPA prices, and mitigating the impact of grid curtailment. Speakers will also explore emerging strategies for hybrid assets (PV+BESS) and the growing relevance of merchant exposure. Get a forward-looking perspective on how to secure and diversify revenue streams in a rapidly changing market environment.
 

moderator

Kyle Barth

Apricum

Nagat Karroum

Uniper Renewables GmbH

Berto Martins

EDP Renewables

Isabelle Bélanger

Coup de Vent Energie GmbH

Emma Alfonsi

Streem Energy


Session 2B

Workshop: unlocking the value of AI in renewables

Room - C2

11:40

Workshop introduction: impact of AI on O&M

15 min.

This presentation provides an introduction to the workshop, understand how AI is currently affecting different implementations throughout the renewable value chain. Get real-life examples of how artificial intelligence is already being applied in creating smarter O&M practices and strategies.

Mousa Sondoqah

Becquirel Institute


11:55

Unlocking data: determining the level of AI integration for your asset

20 min.

Through 2 reflective excercises by Quintas's Analytics, attendees will gain insights into the applications required behind the 4 levels of artificial intelligence integration, how to maximise the knowledge behind current data sources, and create smarter KPIs. 

Antonio Domínguez

Quintas Analytics


12:15

The business case behind AI optimisation in asset management

20 min.

Though a real life operational challenge, learn in real time how Smart Helio's tool can help asset managers co-solve business issues. 

Govinda Upadhyay

SmartHelio


12:35

Exploring the role of AI in the future of grid flexibility

20 min.

A dual presentation from DSO Stedin, on their inhouse AI tooling for forecasting to steer flexible assets Gain insight into the challenges in the congestion space faced by and what is required from the side of asset managers to collaborate and co-create the future of the grid. 

Dirk Wolffenbuttel

Stedin

Lennard Zonneveld

Stedin


12:55

Workshop wrap up and Q&A

5 min.

moderator

Mousa Sondoqah

Becquirel Institute

Dirk Wolffenbuttel

Stedin

Antonio Domínguez

Quintas Analytics

Govinda Upadhyay

SmartHelio

Lennard Zonneveld

Stedin


13:00

Networking lunch break

Session 3A

BESS

Room - C3

14:30

Financing BESS projects in Europe: How to succeed in a complex market?

presentation

20 min.

As battery energy storage systems (BESS) become a core part of the energy transition, securing financing for these projects is increasingly nuanced. This session explores the evolving financial landscape for BESS in Europe—covering various business models, bankability criteria, and risk mitigation strategies. Experts will share insights into structuring viable storage projects, managing market volatility, and building investor confidence without relying on subsidies. Learn how to make your BESS project stand out in a competitive and fast-changing market.
 

Jon Ferris

LCP Delta


14:50

Maintaining BESS assets: What best practices drive reliability and longevity?

panel

40 min.

Maximizing the performance and lifespan of battery energy storage assets requires a robust operations and maintenance (O&M) strategy. In this session, technical specialists will present best practices for preventive maintenance, system monitoring, and lifecycle asset management. Attendees will gain practical guidance on minimizing downtime, managing degradation, and ensuring safety and compliance with European regulations. Whether you’re managing standalone or hybrid systems, this session will provide tools to optimise performance and reduce OPEX over time.
 

moderator

Jon Ferris

LCP Delta

Konstantin Fellner

BayWa r.e.

Anouk Hut

3E

Álvaro Sanz

Enerside Energy

Karsten Klug

Blueray Services


Session 3B

Cybersecurity & workshop

Room - C2

14:30

Cybersecurity in renewables: What predictions and risks should you prepare for?

presentation

20 min.

The renewable energy sector faces mounting cyber security challenges in the form of inadequate security controls, resource constraints, and evolving regulatory frameworks like NIS2. This presentation examines the current threat landscape, explores real-world challenges through a detailed case study, and provides actionable insights to strengthen cyber security resilience in the renewable energy sector.

Derek Glynn

EMR Integrated Solutions

Stephen Parsons

VISO


14:50

Roleplay game: survive the project handover chaos

40 min.

This interactive, roundtable-style session invites attendees from across the value chain—EPCs & Developers, O&M Providers & Asset Owners, and Investors—to engage in a collaborative exchange of perspectives. Participants will be divided into their respective stakeholder groups to discuss how their segment approaches common industry challenges such as underperformance, project delays, or evolving compliance standards.

Each group will be prompted to answer key questions like: “Given Challenge X, how would your group respond or adapt? What are your priorities and constraints?”

The session will culminate in a cross-group sharing exercise where insights are exchanged across tables, helping to uncover disconnects, align priorities, and inspire new approaches to collaboration. Expect candid insights, diverse viewpoints, and opportunities to build mutual understanding in pursuit of more aligned, resilient projects

moderator

Edwin Koot

Solarplaza

moderator

Inés Monroy

Social License Energy


15:30

Afternoon networking break

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Session 4

Industry resilience & durability

Room - C3

16:10

How asset owners can monetize BESS in the age of flexibility

presentation

20 min.

 This session will delve into the age of flexibility and its impact on energy infrastructure, highlighting what it means for asset owners and operators. We will explore monetization opportunities for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with Germany as a leading case study, and outline the challenges that lie ahead. Participants will gain practical insights into how to seize new revenue streams while mitigating emerging risks.

Florian Mayr

Strategy&


16:30

Turning curtailment into cash: how hybrid PV + BESS boost trading performance

panel

15 min.

With curtailment becoming a growing concern in several European markets, hybrid PV+BESS systems are increasingly seen as a tool for flexibility and value optimization. This session delves into the operational, technical, and strategic levers that influence trading performance—beyond just market conditions. Topics include EMS optimisation, system availability, data integrity, and dispatch strategy. Speakers will highlight how well-managed hybrid assets can help mitigate curtailment risks and unlock revenue in dynamic and often volatile power markets.

Panu Matilainen

Capalo AI


16:45

From factory to field: How QA/QC drives solar project durability

panel

35 min.

This panel discussion will explore the vital role of implementing a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) program during the pre-manufacturing, manufacturing, and post-installation phases of solar projects. Industry experts will examine how rigorous QA/QC practices help ensure that essential components meet strict quality standards, directly influencing the long-term performance and success of solar assets. Attendees will gain practical insights into proven best practices, common challenges, and effective strategies to ensure reliability and durability from the outset.

moderator

Alejandro Trujillo

Lightsource bp

Nihal Kannanari

JA Solar

Jorge Solórzano

QPV

Dr. WANG Yan

Quantified Energy


17:20

Closing remarks

presentation

10 min.

Lorena Nieuwenhoven


19:00

Rooftop networking dinner

Connect over great food at our exclusive Networking Dinner!

A ticket is required and sold separately; reserve yours to connect in a relaxed, social setting.

Wednesday 8 October 2025


08:30

Registration & welcome coffee

Session 5

Operations and maintenance

Room - C3

09:15

Opening & welcome by Solarplaza

presentation

15 min.

Lorena Nieuwenhoven


09:30

Best practices for large-scale portfolio strategies

presentation

20 min.

This presentation covers the most effective strategies for managing large-scale solar and storage portfolios. Explore best practices in asset optimization, risk management, and financial performance to ensure long-term success and growth in the competitive renewable energy market.
 

Stefan Müller

Enerparc AG


09:50

Over & underperforming assets – optimized design and maintenance strategies

panel

45 min.

This panel will delve into optimizing a PV asset’s performance. It is starting with considering new power plant configurations, achieving the highest value from the asset, going all the way to the technical root causes behind solar asset underperformance, from inverter failures and tracker misalignment to cabling issues and persistent soiling. Industry experts will share hands-on insights into the value of different plant designs, diagnosing and resolving these challenges through robust maintenance strategies. Explore how effective vegetation control, thermal inspections, and component-level interventions can enhance system uptime and energy output, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

moderator

Thomas Neff

meteocontrol

Ursula El Mir

Clean Power Research

Andrea Viaro

Stäubli

Philipp Kunze

Nextracker

Jose Pascoal

WiseEnergy


10:35

Morning networking break

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Session 6A

NATCAT

Room - C3

11:30

Improving accuracy of PV Performance measurement: Monitoring of weather conditions and PV cell temperature according to the latest IEC 61724 standards

presentation

20 min.

In asset management of PV power plants, there is a central role for Performance Ratio and Performance index measurements. The measurement of weather conditions - in particular solar irradiance - and PV cell temperature are both large contributors to the uncertainty of the measured performance. The presentation comments on best practices and how to implement best-accuracy “Class A” monitoring according to the latest IEC 61724 standards.

Kees Van Den Bos

Hukseflux


11:50

Protecting solar assets: How ready are you for extreme weather and insurance challenges?

panel

45 min.

As extreme weather events become more frequent across Europe, solar asset owners must adopt smarter strategies for risk mitigation and recovery. This session explores best practices for integrating weather alerts into operational planning, securing panel stowage, and incorporating guidance from OEMs and insurers. We'll also examine the use of drones for post-event damage assessments and discuss how to navigate rising insurance costs in a tightening market. Gain practical insights into strengthening your disaster preparedness, safeguarding assets, and ensuring project bankability amid growing climate-related risks.
 

moderator

Felix Hübner

Christian Boll

SECURE GREEN

Javier Rubio Abellán

Aukera Energy

Will Hitchcock

Above Surveying

Tobias Weil

OTT HydroMet


Session 6B

New opportunities & market expansion

Room - C2

11:30

Powering the transition: What opportunities are emerging in the Czech PV & BESS market?

presentation

20 min.

Get up to speed on the Czech Republic’s rapidly evolving solar and energy storage landscape. This session offers a concise market update on key policy shifts, project development trends, and the growing role of BESS in supporting grid reliability. Perfect for stakeholders eyeing opportunities in Central Europe.

Jan Fousek

AKU-BAT CZ

Jan Krcmar

Czech Solar Association


11:50

Unlocking dual land use: Agrivoltaics in action

panel

45 min.

This session explores the practical potential of agrivoltaics across diverse agricultural settings—from crop cultivation to livestock grazing. Through real-world case studies from both developers and farmers, we’ll examine how Agri-PV systems can enhance land productivity and create new value streams. The discussion will also address key considerations such as insurance solutions and the regulatory frameworks that influence project viability and long-term success.

moderator

Constantin Klyk

Agri-PV Consulting

David Schuppisser

Insolight

Jiri Bim

Czech Solar Association

Tomasz Nowosielski

Burgenland Energie


12:35

Networking lunch break

Session 7

Repowering and C&I

Room - C3

14:00

Renewables unlocked: Leveraging data models for next-level performance

presentation

15 min.

Explores how renewable energy operators can transform large volumes of data into actionable insights. In an increasingly complex energy landscape, where operators manage multi-technology portfolios and hybrid plants, the ability to contextualize and analyze operational data is key to driving performance.

This session highlights how data models and digital platforms enable better decision-making, predictive maintenance, and improved efficiency. Through real-world examples, the speaker will demonstrate how structured data enables faster and smarter responses across diverse renewable assets. Learn how to turn complexity into clarity and make data work for your long-term energy goals.

 

Casper Johansen

TGS


14:15

Repowering: Unlocking solar potential with Storage solutions

presentation

20 min.

Europe’s initial wave of distributed solar installations is reaching end-of-life, and repowering with modern modules offers a clear path to increased output on existing sites. However, the phase-out of subsidies and declining daytime electricity prices are placing pressure on standalone solar economics. Integrating storage introduces flexibility and enables access to new revenue streams, improving profitability and reducing investment risk. This session will examine a real-world business case demonstrating how storage integration can strengthen the financial rationale for distributed solar investment — delivering value for both utilities and clients.

Teresa Lobato

EDP Renewables


14:35

O&M in C&I solar: How to tackle the biggest complexities?

panel

40 min.

This session will explore the unique operational and maintenance challenges of commercial and industrial solar systems. From balancing cost-effective installations with long-term quality assurance to managing varied ownership models and stakeholder expectations, panelists will offer real-world strategies for keeping systems running efficiently. We’ll also examine the integration of complementary technologies—such as EV charging—into smart energy ecosystems, and the pros and cons of in-house versus third-party O&M approaches.

moderator

Juan Monge

Wood Mackenzie

Jörn Carstensen

greentech

Richard Gabor

reWATT CZ

Frederik Merz

Amperecloud

Dr. Robin Hirschl

PV-Invest


15:15

Afternoon networking break

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Session 8

Closing session

Room - C3

15:45

Closing the loop: Advancing PV and BESS recycling for a circular energy future

20 min.

With solar panels and battery systems approaching the end of their lifecycles at scale, the need for robust, cost-effective recycling solutions is more pressing than ever. This session will explore the full spectrum of challenges and opportunities in PV and BESS recycling—from material traceability and supply chain transparency to the role of policy, lead markets, and emerging technologies.

We'll also bring in the investor lens, examining how ESG goals and sustainable finance are driving demand for circular practices. Learn how aligning environmental responsibility with economic feasibility can unlock new value streams and reduce risk across the asset lifecycle.

Jan Bargel

SOLAR MATERIALS


16:05

Beyond PV and BESS: System change for new energy technologies

20 min.

To conclude the conference, we turn our attention to the next frontiers in the energy transition. This session will spotlight the role of electrification and Power-to-X—particularly Power-to-Hydrogen—in unlocking new pathways for utilizing surplus renewable electricity. As we move toward a more integrated and decarbonized energy system, hydrogen stands out as a key vector for sector coupling and long-term energy storage. But how do we progress when business cases are not yet viable?
Join us as we explore how we can change the system in order to progress faster.

Gerben Hieminga

ING Bank


16:25

Closing remarks

presentation

5 min.

Lorena Nieuwenhoven


16:30

Networking Drinks

Wrap up the event, reflect on the final sessions and make your last connections during the networking drinks, from 16:30 to 17:30. 

Got questions?

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Send us an email; we’d be more than happy to help.

Tor Jörgensen
Business Developer

For practical questions regarding our activities:

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Marjory Dupouy
Teamleader Events Team

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Sanna Solkinen
Senior Project Coordinator

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