Solarplaza Summit | Belgium

Monday 27 November 2023

19:00

Pre-Conference Networking Event

Tuesday 28 November 2023

Program


09:00

Welcoming Words by Solarplaza & Chairperson

10 min.

Dena Metaxa

Solarplaza

Session Topics:

Session 1

Panoramic Market Outlook

09:10

"The Future Success of the EU: Planning Past 2030": How Changes and Developments in Legislations, Policies and Regulations will Impact the RE Market

presentation

20 min.

On 14 March 2023, the European Commission proposed to reform the EU's electricity market design following the recent energy crisis. The proposal includes revisions of a number of regulations and directives in an attempt to “ensure structural improvements, well focused investments and regulatory measures for the long-term competitiveness of the EU and its Member States”.

Session Topics:
  • Deep-dive into the new framework of energy distribution within the country
  • Impact & new opportunities arising
     

09:30

Market Overview: What’s Happening in the RE Market & Where is it Going

presentation

20 min.

National objectives and targets, as well as technological advances, keep shaping the Belgian RE landscape at a rapid speed. This session examines how the future of the Belgian energy sector is being transformed, what parameters will impact it and how it compares to other EU countries. 

Session Topics:
  • Outlook on the Belgian renewable energy market vs. Europe 
  • Challenges & opportunities 
  • Main market drivers and expected beneficiaries
  • Renewables integration and international societal responsibility
     

09:50

Criss-Cross: Looking at Grid Connection Through New Lenses

panel

40 min.

Belgium has one of the highest interconnection capacities shared with neighbours (when comparing the share of market maximum capacities to the peak consumption of each country). However, with various  grid limitations, electrical energy utilities are currently facing unprecedented pressure as they strive to enhance, modernise, and construct transmission system infrastructures capable of accommodating the growing influx of renewable energy. This undertaking necessitates substantial effort and investment, often undertaken to meet government objectives and targets.

moderator

Guy Vandendungen

Pulsar Power

Session Topics:
  • An overview of the most recent grid developments & challenges
  • Leveraging novel technologies and tools 
  • Navigating the hurdles of permitting and licensing processes and the differences between the three regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels) 
  • Impact of cross-border Interconnectedness
     

10:30

Networking Coffee Break

Session Topics:

Session 2

Development & Financing

11:10

Solarcoaster Ride: Exploring Challenges & Prospects in a Volatile Market

presentation

20 min.

Although the energy market is experiencing rapid expansion, its trajectory remains uncertain. The introduction of new technologies presents unparalleled opportunities, but simultaneously, soaring electricity prices throughout Europe may overshadow the effects of price cannibalization, which poses a threat to the long-term profitability of renewable energy. This session will analyse the risks involved and explore the most viable short- and long-term strategies to ensure a stable and profitable market growth. 

Jesse Hettema

Aurora Energy Research

Session Topics:
  • Impact of market volatility on risks and opportunities, considering both national and international perspectives
  • Investment challenges & opportunities
  • Addressing the threats posed by price cannibalization and potential solutions
     

11:30

Taking a 360° Turn Around Power Purchase Agreements

panel

60 min.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have emerged as a popular mechanism for stimulating the energy transition. However, when entering a long term agreement it is essential for all parties involved to be proactive and well-informed about the risks and considerations of drafting and negotiating PPAs. This session will deep dive into PPAs from the following angles: 

Kobe Cannaerts

Greenpulse

Session Topics:
  • Main Issues & Consideration for PPA Contracting
  • Legal Tips & Tricks
  • Financing & Bankability
  • Corporate PPAs
  • Discussion / Q&A
     

12:30

How Storage Solutions & Hybritisation may Transform the RE Market

presentation

20 min.

Storage solutions can provide new market opportunities for renewable energy by enabling greater integration of intermittent renewable sources into the grid, while supporting mitigation of variability of renewable energy production, providing a stable and reliable supply of electricity. Additionally, storage solutions can help to reduce energy costs by allowing businesses and households to shift their energy consumption from peak to off-peak periods. But is it all so rosy? This session will look at possible next steps to implement and leverage storage solutions for renewable energy in the Belgian market:

Session Topics:
  • Developing policies and incentives to encourage investment in energy storage technologies.
  • Improving the costs and effectiveness of energy storage systems
     

12:50

Networking Lunch

Session Topics:

Session 3

New Perspectives

14:00

How to Navigate & Secure the Future of the Belgian RE Market

panel

40 min.

Session Topics:
  • Increase local sourcing
  • Sourced in an ESG responsible way
  • Fostering skilled workforce
  • New PV Plants vs Repowering
     

14:40

Are we Ready? Tackling Flexibility in the Hybrid Energy Future

presentation

20 min.

As the energy transition gains momentum and complexity, it necessitates the development of adequate Pan-European infrastructure to support the transition. Among the critical components, electricity grid flexibility and hybridisation may play a crucial role in facilitating new possibilities for the future. This session aims to explore the opportunities and challenges of making the Belgian grid more flexible and adaptive to the increasingly volatile and agile energy landscape.

Guy Vandendungen

Pulsar Power

Session Topics:
  • Assessing the cost-effectiveness of various grid flexibility solutions
  • Identifying suitable technologies and their integration into the grid
  • Exploring System Operation Challenges & Game Changers
  • Discussing financial mechanisms to support grid flexibility projects
  • Negative Pricing
     

15:00

Shooting Through the Roof: Achieving New Milestones for Self Consumption

presentation

20 min.

Nearly 10% of EU buildings are currently equipped with solar rooftop installations and the implementation of the EU solar rooftop mandate is set to boost the deployment. Simultaneously, the electrification of transportation and heating is being propelled by the increasing use of electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps. This panel of experts will explore these trends in sector integration through innovative business models, new technologies and legislative adoptions for new market opportunities.

Session Topics:
  • Factors driving the adoption of rooftop solar PV, as well as the challenges faced.
  • Business models and considerations for financing of self consumption systems
  • Considerations for virtual net metering
  • Mandatory installation of rooftop solar panels on high energy-consuming buildings in flanders
     

15:20

Networking Coffee Break

Session Topics:

Session 4

PV Life & Afterlife

16:00

The Growing Significance of O&M in an Evolving Market

presentation

20 min.

As the solar industry matures, so do its assets, experienced operations and maintenance (O&M) become of increasing essence. This case study will give hands-on insights on the importance of O&M in a growing solar market and discuss strategies for managing solar assets. 

Session Topics:
  • Assessing the true cost of O&M 
  • Taking asset management to the next level through novel technologies
     

16:20

Design & Operation of Successful Solar PV

panel

40 min.

In the pursuit of enhancing reliability, cost-efficiency, and competitiveness, the photovoltaic (PV) industry is continuously innovating its products. This ongoing innovation aims to develop financially sustainable projects throughout the lifespan of a power plant. To achieve this, it is crucial to employ appropriate system designs and implement well-planned operations and asset management strategies.

Session Topics:
  • Overcoming challenges in operating profitable PV projects.
  • Advancements in PV system design and product enhancements.
  • Best practices for effective operations and asset management of solar plants.
     

17:00

Quiz Game with Prize to Win

15 min.

Session Topics:

17:15

Networking Drinks

Session Topics:

Need any help?

We got you. Send out an email to our team and we are here to help.

Dena Metaxa
Project Manager

For questions about the program and content of the event:

[email protected]
Ward Schuuring
Business Developer

For questions regarding partnership opportunities:

[email protected]
Jessica Medina
Project Coordinator

For practical questions regarding our activities:

[email protected]