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: The Solar Landscape in the Balkans: Progress and Projections

presentation

25 min.

An overview of the solar energy market in the Balkans, highlighting recent developments and future projections.

Session Topics:

09:55

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

presentation

25 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.

Panos Kefalas

Aurora Energy Research

Session Topics:

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

10:20

Navigating the Balkans: Policy Dynamics and Integration Insights

panel

40 min.

Delve into how policy changes, permitting complexities, and EU integration are shaping the energy landscape in the Balkans. This panel features insights from international developer Acciona, utility leader E.ON, law firm Wolf Theiss, and EASE, discussing strategic adaptations and opportunities within the region's evolving regulatory framework.

Aljoša Pleic

Acciona Energía Croatia

Saša Jovičić

Wolf Theiss

Andreas Rörig

E.ON Group

Margareta Rončević

EASE - The European Association for Storage of Energy

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.

11:00

Morning Networking Break

Session Topics:

Session 2

Technological Innovations and Solutions

11:45

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:

12:00

Advancements in PV Module Efficiency

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.

Session Topics:

12:15

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

panel

45 min.

Explore how the Balkans can integrate cutting-edge global solar technologies to enhance project efficiencies and reduce costs. This panel, moderated by a distinguished law firm, brings together a leading solar module manufacturer, an innovative developer, and a data specialist, focusing on practical applications of advanced solar hardware and data-driven solutions for the region.

moderator

Božidar Milošević

Karanovic & Partners

Gordan Pejic

CWP Global

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.

13:00

Lunch Networking Break

Session Topics:

Session 3

Financing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

14:30

Investment Hotspots in the Balkans

presentation

20 min.

Presentation on the most attractive markets for solar investments within the Balkans.

Session Topics:

14:50

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.

Rosemary Colaert

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.

15:10

Financing Solar Futures: Diverse Strategies from European Experts

panel

40 min.

Join this compelling panel featuring leaders from Privredna banka Zagreb, Erste Bank, Nofar Energy, NGEN Smart Trading, and ACER to explore multifaceted financing strategies for solar projects. Discover insights on loans, leasing, and capital market trends that enhance the viability and investment appeal of solar ventures in the Balkans. This session offers valuable insights for those looking to enhance their understanding of financial strategies in solar project development.

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 Smart Trading

Vedrana Jelusic Kasic

Privredna banka Zagreb d. d.

Andreea Gilicel

Nofar Energy

Ante Krečak

Erste Bank

Session Topics:

PPA Innovations: Explore the evolving landscape of Power Purchase Agreements and their impact on solar project finance.
Loan and Leasing Options: Assess various financing mechanisms, including traditional loans and leasing models, for solar developments.
Capital Market Insights: Examine the influence of capital market trends on funding availability and investment strategies.
Regulatory and Financial Synergies: Discuss how regulatory changes are shaping financial strategies in the solar sector.

15:50

Afternoon Networking Break

Session Topics:

Session 4

Energy Storage and Grid Integration

16:15

Storing Success: Lessons in Energy Storage from Across Europe

presentation

20 min.

Explore key lessons from Europe's leading energy storage projects. This presentation highlights how innovative storage solutions and technologies used across Europe can enhance grid stability and support renewable integration in the Balkans.

Session Topics:

16:35

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.

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:

17:15

Empowering Tomorrow: EvKlips’ Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future

presentation

15 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.

Session Topics:

17:30

Closing Remarks

presentation

5 min.

Teodora Tompea

Digi24

Session Topics:

17:35

Closing Networking Drinks

Session Topics:

Solarplaza Summit | Balkans

Registration & Welcome Coffee

Welcome by Solarplaza

Market Overview and Policy Framework

Keynote Opening: The Solar Landscape in the Balkans: Progress and Projections

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

Navigating the Balkans: Policy Dynamics and Integration Insights

Technological Innovations and Solutions

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

Advancements in PV Module Efficiency

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

Financing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

Investment Hotspots in the Balkans

Evolution of the Bankability of Energy Storage Projects

Financing Solar Futures: Diverse Strategies from European Experts

Energy Storage and Grid Integration

Storing Success: Lessons in Energy Storage from Across Europe

Overcoming Grid Integration Challenges

Empowering Tomorrow: EvKlips’ Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future

Closing Remarks