Solarplaza Summit | Nordics

Renewables are headed for a long-term marriage: Energy Storage. Stand-alone and co-located BESS assets are defining the Nordics' energy landscape through new revenue streams and profitability opportunities. Traditional business models based on stand-alone PV appear harmful and outdated. We kick off the day by providing you with a clear snapshot of what is going on in the Nordics' BESS utility-scale market and how it is expected to shape over the next few years.

As the energy transition accelerates, the demand for power transmission and grid flexibility is rapidly increasing. This is particularly true in Denmark, where the national transmission system operator (TSO), Energinet, plays a pivotal role in supporting the evolving energy landscape. How can Energinet provide the necessary support to power producers during this new capacity ramp-up while ensuring system stability, flexibility, and reliability?

Optimizing battery energy storage systems (BESS) requires a clear understanding of both technical layouts and financial performance. This session will explore how different system configurations impact efficiency, safety, and revenue potential. Leveraging data and trends from real-life projects, we will examine best practices for BESS design, modeling approaches for layout optimization, and strategies to maximize revenue streams. Attendees will gain a practical view of the current adoption landscape, insights into key performance drivers, and a forward-looking perspective on how innovative layouts and modeling techniques can shape the future of energy storage economics.

The focus on revenue maximization and optimization in our industry is essential, as these revenues justify the significant investments in battery storage. There’s a fine balance between maximizing immediate revenues and ensuring the longevity of battery assets. Improper or excessive use can not only cut short the battery’s life but also limit its ability to operate at peak efficiency, leading to missed opportunities and increased maintenance costs. What can we learn from malfunctioning issues in the past, and what measures can we take to enhance battery longevity and improve ROI?

Safety remains one of the most critical concerns in the use of BESS. Despite advancements in technology and the implementation of strict standards at both the component and system levels, incidents involving battery fires have continued to occur in recent years. These events are particularly hazardous due to the high energy density of the cells and the potential for fire propagation to surrounding systems or installations. Such risks raise serious concerns not only for personal safety, but also for environmental protection and financial or insurance considerations. To address this challenge, we are introducing the highest level of safety assurance through a crucial large-scale burn test, designed to replicate worst-case scenarios and provide valuable insights for risk mitigation.

Operating across various European markets presents significant operational complexity for utility-scale BESS developers due to fragmented sourcing, varied compliance requirements, and inconsistent support. This session will outline how a pan-European orchestration model can streamline the execution process. It will cover how centralized procurement, unified certification standards, and coordinated logistics and after-sales service can enable more reliable and scalable deployment across the continent. Key points include:

Whether deployed as standalone systems or integrated into hybrid setups with REs, BESS trading strategies are critical for optimizing returns.
The question of where you can earn the most in the Nordics market depends on various factors, including market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, pricing mechanisms, and the specific use cases for BESS. Different trading strategies, such as frequency regulation, energy arbitrage, and ancillary services, offer specific revenue streams. Understanding these opportunities and tailoring strategies to the Nordics' unique energy landscape can maximize profitability.

As developers strive to navigate fluctuating energy prices and the uncertainties of the market, PPAs are seen as a crucial tool to provide financial stability and predictability. However, while PPAs offer numerous benefits, they also come with potential challenges and considerations that must be carefully managed. Are PPAs an effective hedge against market volatility, or do they introduce new layers of complexity that developers need to anticipate?

Driven by the energy transition, the Nordic power market is undergoing structural changes that are reshaping the investment outlook for PV and BESS. This presentation explores how evolving policy frameworks and future market design choices will impact the financial viability of these technologies. Key design shifts to consider include