30/3/2025-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Mar 29
- 4 min read
EU Launches €1.1 Billion Partnership Program for Photovoltaics, Materials, and Textiles
The European Commission has introduced three Horizon Europe partnerships to boost photovoltaics, advanced materials, and textiles, aiming to enhance industrial resilience and sustainability.
With joint EU and private sector funding of €1.1 billion by 2030, the initiatives align with the European Green Deal and REPowerEU. Additionally, Spain received approval for a €700 million energy storage program supporting battery storage and renewable integration, reinforcing Europe's energy transition and supply chain resilience.
CDU/CSU and SPD Push to Cut Electricity Prices by Five Cents per kWh
Germany’s CDU/CSU and SPD aim to lower electricity prices by at least five cents per kilowatt hour through reduced electricity taxes and capped grid fees. Their coalition negotiations focus on expanding renewables, accelerating smart meter rollout, and improving photovoltaic subsidies.
Disagreements remain on nuclear energy and the Building Energy Act. Meanwhile, flexibility in energy storage and grid expansion is emphasized to stabilize prices and enhance sustainability. The plan aligns with Germany’s energy transition and industrial competitiveness goals.
Slower Renewable Expansion Could Cost Germany €65 Billion
A study by the Forum for Ecological Market Economy warns that slowing the expansion of wind, solar, and biomass by 25% could lead to €65 billion in investment losses and 65,000 fewer jobs by 2030. Green energy providers urge the new government to accelerate renewables instead of reconsidering targets.
Maintaining current expansion levels is essential for economic growth, job creation, and climate goals, reinforcing the need for a strong and consistent energy transition strategy.
Photovoltaic expansion in 2024: Lower Saxony continues record development
Lower Saxony's newly installed photovoltaic capacity grew from 1.5 GW in 2023 to over 1.6 GW in 2024, increasing total capacity by over 20% to nearly 8.8 GW.
Ground-mounted PV installations quadrupled, and the region saw its first floating PV system. Households drove expansion, with balcony solar systems gaining popularity. The state aims for 65 GW by 2035, requiring sustained annual growth. Officials emphasize continued policy support to maintain momentum in Lower Saxony’s renewable energy transition.
Research shows Germany’s investments in renewables are ‘paying back’
A study by Brandenburg University of Technology finds Germany’s renewable energy investments are largely paying off, with 80%-90% of subsidies for operational units already covered.
Newer installations of wind and solar are cost-competitive, often requiring minimal subsidies. The study quantifies renewable subsidies under various price scenarios, estimating future net subsidies between €26.7-€71.8 billion. Researchers emphasize wind and solar as cost-effective priorities, urging streamlined permitting and better integration strategies. Solar, combined with battery storage, is seen as key to the energy transition.
BVES: Home storage market collapses – commercial market wakes up
Germany’s energy storage market is in transition, with home storage sales plunging 40% in 2024, driving an overall market decline of 23% to €12.5 billion. Falling energy prices, legal uncertainties, and a weak construction sector are key factors.
Meanwhile, commercial and industrial storage is growing, up 23% to €1.6 billion, driven by cost-saving incentives. Large-scale storage rose 14% to €3.2 billion, though grid connection delays remain a challenge. Despite consolidation, BVES expects market recovery, with revenues projected to reach €14.2 billion in 2025, urging regulatory reforms to unlock further growth.
Borussia Dortmund plans to install the world's largest photovoltaic system on a stadium roof
Borussia Dortmund is set to install the world’s largest stadium photovoltaic system, a 4.2 MW solar array with 11,000 JA Solar modules, complemented by a 3.4 MWh battery storage system.
The system will generate 4 GWh annually, powering the club’s operations and reducing CO2 emissions by 1,800 tons. Meanwhile, Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium has launched a similar 3.9 GWh solar project, supporting climate-neutral goals with heat pumps and energy storage. Both initiatives highlight a growing trend of sustainability in sports infrastructure.
EnBW Expects Nearly €5 Billion Profit in 2024 Amid Energy Transition
EnBW reported an adjusted EBITDA of €4.9 billion for 2024, down from €6.4 billion in 2023, due to normalized energy market prices. Renewables contributed €1.2 billion, 30% less than the previous year. The company invested €6.2 billion, focusing on hydrogen-capable power plants and grid expansion. With renewables now comprising 59% of capacity, EnBW plans €40 billion in investments by 2030. The company anticipates slightly higher profits in 2025, urging policy clarity for future energy projects.
InnoEnergy Targets €160 Billion Cleantech Investment by 2030
InnoEnergy, a key investor in cleantech industrialization, aims to mobilize €160 billion in investments by 2030.
This aligns with the EU's Clean Industrial Deal and supports Europe's green transition. With a strong pipeline of scalable cleantech companies, InnoEnergy plans to raise capital, launch new funds, and expand strategic initiatives in batteries, photovoltaics, and green hydrogen. CEO Diego Pavia emphasizes the need for growth financing to drive industrial transformation and maintain Europe's leadership in clean technologies.
Solnet Group appoints Veli-Matti Heimonen as new CEO
The Solnet Group , a pan-European developer of smart solar solutions, has appointed Veli-Matti Heimonen as its new CEO effective March 1, 2025.
He succeeds Kaj Kangasmäki, who will continue to serve as a Senior Advisor at Solnet. Veli-Matti Heimonen (MSc. Econ.), one of the company's partners, previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Country Manager of the Solnet Group for Finland and has been instrumental in establishing the company's business in Germany since 2018.
In his new position, Veli-Matti Heimonen will primarily drive the Solnet Group's European expansion through partnerships with large corporate clients. This is part of a company realignment with a new strategy focused on future-proof solutions.
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