A slew of lacklustre state-run auction results could threaten Europe’s ability to meet binding climate targets. The systems that have brought gigawatt levels of clean energy generation are ailing
Poor responses to renewable energy tenders are leading to questions over European auction design
POOR TURNOUT Developers were put off bidding in European tenders during 2022because strike prices failed to account for inflation
NEW CRITERIA In offshore wind, where developers have no alternative togovernment auctions, non-price criteria are starting to emerge
KEY QUOTE We need to get the auctions filled ...
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CASE STUDY: The Cornwall Local Energy Market in the UK trialled algorithms to optimise auctions of power increase or load reduction offers while allowing simultaneous purchases of flexibility by different levels of grid operation
Europe’s wind industry is well-versed in community engagement and has a track record in bringing employment and social benefits to populations close to projects. But developers still face opposition and frequently suffer setbacks, a problem that could mean renewable energy targets are missed if lawmakers fail to act
The world needs trillions of dollars in investments to slow down climate change and fulfill the objectives of the Paris Agreement, but simply throwing money at the problem will not be enough. To harness the force of climate finance, it needs to be made with a just transition in mind
Local community groups are often seen as being against renewable energy sites or other projects to support the energy transition. But there is a rise in different ownership and funding models that includes local residents who do want to support the quest for a decarbonised economy
The UK's offshore sector has ambitious growth plans, but its permitting process could put its target at risk. Changes to the procedures could help accelerate deployment and provide a blueprint for other markets
A country with significant renewables potential and one of the fastest-growing heat pump markets worldwide, Poland’s energy transition is being hampered by a stubborn coal fleet and grid limitations. A growing level of support and investment among the general public may help ease its path
Grids need to accommodate a host of new and variable low-carbon assets, but who should manage how they operate and what they get paid remains a thought exercise despite the changes already happening
The ability of consumers to adjust their electricity demand in response to price signals and system operator requirements has a fundamental role to play in the energy transition
Network operators tasked with managing the steadily bigger swings in demand and supply that accompany greater uptake of solar and wind energy have had to choose between constraining clean generation, which adds to operating cost, or increasing grid capacity requiring capital expenditure. A less costly way is to buy system flexibility in a competitive but carefully coordinated process. Trials in areas of Britain challenged by grid constraints are producing encouraging results