Achieving ‘grid parity’ with a photovoltaic installation means solar energy becoming cheaper than electricity traded on the grid. Its arrival heralds a milestone in the history of energy production. It means solar energy being commercially viable without any subsidies or state support.
It is a journey some countries have already completed, while others are now on the way. Find out more about what ‘grid parity’ means, its significance, where it’s happened and where next.
R.E.THInk Talk:
Benedikt Ortmann, MANAGING DIRECTOR BayWa r.e. Solar Projects GmbH
What is 'grid parity' and what does it mean for renewable energy and the renewable transition? Watch this film for the answers.
The story of the first and largest subsidy-free, utility scale solar plant. How it was made possible and the transformational milestone it represents for the future of clean energy.
In many markets around the world,
solar power is now the most cost effective
power generation source.
R.E.THInk Talk:
Bruce Douglas,
Deputy CEO, SolarPower Europe
Find out more about how advances in technology and business models have helped reach the grid parity milestone and where grid parity is now spreading in Europe.
Simon Kornek,
Head of Continental Long Term Portfolio, Statkraft
At Statkraft we’ve been working towards the market integration of renewables for many years. Being part of one of the first grid parity projects is a real milestone for us and shows that we are on track with our ambition to be a leading provider of green energy to our international customers. Don Rodrigo also demonstrates that the full market integration of renewable energy is now possible.
We’ve opted for a 15 year PPA as a long-term perspective is very important for market based investment. We’ve been investing in hydro plants for more than 120 years, so long-term is in our DNA. We appreciate the importance of the PPA duration to tap into important funding sources, which is why we’ve worked on a structure that provides such a long tenure. Needless to say, this duration is only worth value on the back of a strong balance sheet, which we can provide being a Norwegian state owned company.
Statkraft is planning annual investments of around 1 billion EUR in renewable energy in the period 2019-2025. In addition to large upgrades of Nordic hydropower, the company has an ambition to reach 6000 MW of onshore wind and 2000 MW of solar until 2025. Statkraft also has an ambition to triple its volumes managed on behalf of customers.
Now that costs of wind and solar power are coming down so quickly worldwide, we hope for a push from the private sector for renewable energy – and even higher acceptance for renewable power globally.
Statkraft strives for being a leading provider of market solutions for renewable energy – integrating the production and consumption of renewable power into the market. For developers and producers of renewable power, we offer risk management and provide energy management and hedging solutions. On the power consumption side, i.e. for power intensive industry, industry & commercial customers, and retail power companies, we will be a major provider of physical energy management and power supply, green value, hedging solutions, and distributed energy solutions.
In his position as editor of one the industry's leading media titles, Jonathan has a unique perspective on the arrival of subsidy free solar seen through the many stories PV Magazine has covered on this topic. He shares his views and some fascinating insights with us.