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May 6, 2025
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Landmark report demonstrates safety, cybersecurity, higher yield of SolarEdge PV systems

VDE Renewables found in its new report that SolarEdge’s advanced safety capabilities minimize photovoltaic system risks and effectively prevent fire hazards, while exceeding international PV safety regulations. SolarEdge has robust cybersecurity mechanisms, essential to mitigating risks associated with cyberthreats, and its solutions bring higher energy yields for both simple and complex roofs.

A new report by VDE Renewables, a subsidiary of the VDE Group, has demonstrated that SolarEdge’s inverter and Power Optimizer-based PV systems deliver measurable advantages in advanced safety, cybersecurity and higher energy production across a wide range of installation types.

In its in-depth assessment of Module-Level Power Electronics (MLPE) topology and SolarEdge’s approach to PV systems, the report highlights how SolarEdge’s advanced safety features reduce PV system vulnerabilities and exceed international PV safety standards. Reviewed and validated by VDE Renewables, the integration of multiple protective mechanisms including Sense Connect proactively identifies and addresses faulty connections long before abnormal temperature is reached.

SafeDC™, rapid shutdown, and module-level monitoring was reported to provide a proactive approach to risk mitigation to ensure a significantly higher level of protection for system operators, maintenance personnel, and emergency responders.

Photo: SolarEdge’s inverter + Power Optimizer solution shown to produce higher energy yields for both simple and complex roofs (4% and 10.5% more power, respectively)

Unsecure PV systems becoming more vulnerable to cyberthreats

The VDE Renewables report also emphasizes cybersecurity as a top priority in PV systems, noting that as solar technology becomes increasingly digitized and interconnected, unsecure PV systems also become more vulnerable to cyberthreats.

With PV systems now integral to energy infrastructure, the consequences of cyberattacks can extend far beyond individual installations, raising wider concerns around grid security and resilience. In this context, VDE Renewables validated SolarEdge’s strong cybersecurity credentials, recognizing its comprehensive, built-in defence architecture and highlighting its robust cybersecurity mechanisms that mitigate risks associated with cyberthreats.

These mechanisms comply with leading international cybersecurity regulations, including IEC 62443, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and ISO/IEC 27001. Additionally, SolarEdge’s solution includes encrypted communication protocols, secure remote firmware updates, multi-level access control, continuous monitoring, and penetration-tested system architecture.

SolarEdge provides residential solutions bolstering output on complex roofs by 10.5%

VDE Renewables also validated the performance of SolarEdge’s residential solution against leading traditional string inverter systems, even when using multiple MPPTs. The report confirms results that show a 4% increase in energy production on simple (single facet with no shading) rooftops and an impressive 10.5% increase on complex rooftops.

These gains are attributed to SolarEdge’s use of MLPE-based Power Optimizers and advanced Buck and Boost technology. The VDE Renewables report highlights the SolarEdge ONE energy optimization platform that helps maximize saving potentials with support for both fixed and dynamic electricity tariffs, as well as design advantages such as the ability to use longer strings, enabling lower BoS costs and larger systems within the same roof area – further contributing to overall energy yield.

Gruenewald: SolarEdge’s technology demonstrates its strategic market position in safety, cybersecurity, and performance

The report was sponsored by SolarEdge to evaluate its Power Optimizer-based PV system.

Arne Gruenewald, Project Manager Batteries and Energy Storage Systems, VDE Renewables: “Our assessment shows that SolarEdge’s technology demonstrates its strategic market position in safety, cybersecurity, and performance – criteria that are essential for the technology’s long-term viability and trust.”

VDE Group offers quality assurance services for the global renewable energy sector.

Christian Carraro, General Manager Europe, SolarEdge: “We welcome VDE Renewables’ validation of our technology, being a trusted partner for quality assurance, risk minimization and certification. As the solar industry grows and evolves, it’s essential that we continue to prioritize not just performance, but also safety and cybersecurity. This report encourages us to keep raising the bar and deliver technologies that support more powerful and secure energy solutions.“

About SolarEdge

SolarEdge is a global leader in smart energy technology. By leveraging world-class engineering capabilities and with a relentless focus on innovation, SolarEdge creates smart energy solutions that power our lives and drive future progress.

SolarEdge developed an intelligent inverter solution that changed the way power is harvested and managed in photovoltaic systems. The SolarEdge DC-optimized inverter seeks to maximize power generation while lowering the cost of energy produced by the PV system.

Continuing to advance smart energy, SolarEdge addresses a broad range of energy market segments through its PV, storage, EV charging, batteries, and grid services solutions.

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May 6, 2025
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Electricity system in Spain, Portugal collapses

Power was out today throughout Spain and Portugal as well as in Andorra and parts of southern France, in one of the most serious such incidents so far, on a European scale. The European Commission’s Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera and other officials from the EU and the affected countries said there are no indications of sabotage or cyberattack.

Grid operators and electricity producers are gradually restoring the power supply after a massive outage struck the Iberian peninsula today. Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez convened the National Security Council. It is one of the most serious blackouts in Europe in many years. The outage spread throughout Spain and Portugal.

Power was out in Andorra and, briefly, in parts of southern France. Transportation and telecommunications were heavily affected.

Spanish TSO Red Eléctrica de España called it a “collapse of the Iberian electricity network.” The company said it would take six to ten hours to restore it. Notably, the production system is relying almost completely on photovoltaics and wind farms at the moment, so just a few hours of solar power production remain.

The outage paralyzed major cities including Madrid, Barcelona and Lisbon and caused disturbances in the European grid. The European Commission’s Executive Vice President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition and Commissioner for Competitiveness Teresa Ribera said there were no indications that “any kind of sabotage or cyberattack” was behind the grid collapse.

According to the Government of Portugal, the incident started from outside the country

According to the Government of Portugal, the incident started from outside the country and, apparently, in Spain.

Shares of solar, wind power production in Spain breaking records

In the spring and autumn, when there is little to no demand for heating or cooling, electricity grids in most of Europe are sometimes strained from surges in high solar and wind power production, amid a lack of energy storage and flexibility capabilities that would balance the surplus.

On April 16, the Spanish electricity system achieved total coverage for the first time with renewable energy sources. At one point during the day, wind and solar met 100.6% of demand. Then on April 21, solar power generation was equivalent to a record 78.6% of domestic demand for a moment.

Reid: The massive outage occurred while prices are negative in electricity markets across Europe

“Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica has so far blamed a power ‘oscillation’ on the power outage. We still don’t know the cause but it looks like problems at the Spanish-French power interconnector led to the Spanish grid operator islanding their power system and I would say at this point they lost control,” said Gerard Reid, investor and strategic advisor in energy, finance and geopolitics.

It has also proven difficult to restore power with multiple black start (restart) procedures taking place, but the issue is that at the time of the blackout there were no conventional power units in operation, he pointed out. Reid added it makes the restart complicated and stressed that Europe requires enhanced grid-scale battery storage solutions, including for black start capabilities.

He also highlighted the fact that the massive outage occurred while prices are negative in electricity markets across Europe.

Of note, a grid incident last summer left much of the Western Balkans and parts of Croatia out of power for several hours.

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May 6, 2025
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Engie Romania takes over 54 MW wind power project

Engie Romania has completed the acquisition of a 54 MW wind power project located in Mereni in central Romania.

Engie Romania said the Mereni wind project is located in Constanța county, an area with high wind potential, recognized for its superior yields in green energy production.

The project represents a strategic step in expanding the company’s renewable energy portfolio and supports its goal of reaching an installed capacity of 1 GW by 2030, according to Engie Romania, a subsidiary of the French energy giant Engie.

The project was acquired in a “ready-to-build” stage, with all necessary building permits in place to begin construction. Installation is scheduled to begin later this year, with commissioning scheduled for 2027, according to a press release.

The Mereni wind farm will deliver 180 GWh of renewable energy annually

With an estimated annual production of 180 GWh, the Mereni wind farm will deliver renewable energy equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 90,000 households. Engie estimates that this amount of electricity can support the operation of about 20 medium-sized data centers with 1 MW of continuous power each.

Cristian Buzan, Deputy General Manager of Engie Romania, underlined that this acquisition reflects the company’s constant commitment to actively contributing to the energy transition by developing a diversified portfolio of renewable projects.

Engie Romania currently operates an installed capacity of 211 MW from renewable sources

“We continue our evolution with concrete steps, supported by the ambition to be a trusted partner for our customers, offering sustainable and competitive solutions, adapted to their long-term needs,” Buzan noted.

Engie Romania currently operates an installed capacity of 211 MW from renewable sources. The portfolio comprises three wind farms with a combined capacity of 178 MW and five photovoltaic plants totaling 33 MW. These assets are located in different regions of the country.

The company’s latest projects are its first 57 MW hybrid power plant and the acquisition of an operational 80 MW wind farm.

Its next move is to put into operation a 37.2 MWp solar power plant in Ariceștii Rahtivani, Prahova County.

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May 5, 2025
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Army joins forces with municipality, energy company, road firm to install solar panels in Slovenia

The Sunčana Vipava solar power project has brought together several key stakeholders in Slovenia – state electricity producer Soške Elektrarne Nova Gorica (SENG), the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia (MORS), road management firm Družba za Avtoceste v Republiki Sloveniji (DARS), and the Municipality of Vipava.

The Sunčana (Sunny) Vipava project envisages installing solar power plants with a total capacity of 20 MW along highways, near military barracks, and on municipal land.

The initiative is seen as a strategic move towards achieving greater energy independence, enhancing energy supply security, and promoting sustainable development through advanced photovoltaic solutions, in both military and civilian areas, according to SENG.

The company operates 28 hydropower plants, with a combined capacity of 346 MW, on the Soča River and its tributaries, and is part of the Holding Slovenske Elektrarne (HSE) group.

In the Vipava municipality, SENG has identified several potential sites for harnessing solar energy, located adjacent to military barracks, along highways, and on municipal land.

The Vipava municipality intends to establish business zones in the vicinity of the future solar plants

The primary objective for all parties involved in the agreement is to maximize the utilization of solar potential, in conjunction with modern technologies such as hydrogen, SENG underlined.

The estimated potential at these sites is substantial, and it is currently financially viable to install solar panels with a total capacity of 20 MW. Additionally, the Municipality of Vipava plans to develop business zones in the vicinity of the future photovoltaic plants.

SENG and DARS have had a longstanding collaboration, initiated in July 2023, when the two state-owned companies agreed to develop solar power plants next to highways and signed a contract to build the first one in the southern region of Primorska.

SENG stressed the Sunčana Vipava project is one of its several green initiatives. The company plans to open its largest solar power plant at Kanalski Vrh before summer. The plant, located near the Avče pumped storage hydropower plant, will have a total capacity of 8 MW, and its first, 2.9 MW phase is nearing completion.

The official opening of the first phase is scheduled for early June.

Slovenia’s army involved in various energy projects

Photo: SENG

The involvement of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia (MORS) and Slovenian Armed Forces in energy projects is not a surprise.

In April 2023, a public-private partnership was initiated to build photovoltaic plants at the Edvard Peperko military barracks in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. A year later, MORS launched the Defense Resilience Hub Network in Europe (RESHUB) project, which envisages establishing self-sufficient energy hubs.

In addition to highways and military barracks, Slovenia plans to install solar panels along railways, demonstrating its commitment to placing solar energy facilities in degraded or underutilized locations.

A cooperation agreement for this project was signed by Vipava Mayor Anton Lavrenčič, Slovenian Minister of Defense Borut Sajovic, DARS Board Member David Skornšek, and SENG CEO Mitja Gorjan.

Gorjan explained that SENG’s responsibilities include preparing project and investment documentation for the installation and construction of solar power plants at the Mlake military training ground, along military infrastructure and the highway, and in other locations within the Municipality of Vipava.

According to HSE CEO Tomaž Štokelj, the locations for energy facilities in the Vipava region present excellent opportunities for the multifunctional use of space.

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May 5, 2025
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Nordex Group – from a sketch on the wall to a leading Western wind turbines developer

Nordex Group, one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The company’s portfolio in Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro recently reached a total of 1 GW in installed capacity and projects under development, underscoring Nordex’s strong commitment to supporting Southeastern Europe’s energy transition goals.

Nordex will participate in the leading regional conference, the Belgrade Energy Forum, and take this opportunity to mark this milestone. At the event, Anne-Catherine de Tourtier, Vice-President Mediterranean, will contribute to discussions as a panelist, and the company will host an anniversary celebration.

It was back in the early eighties, in Denmark, that Flemming Pedersen and his two sons, Carsten and Jens, had a vision: develop innovative products that could generate electricity in a cost-effective way while protecting environment. To put this idea into practice, they devised a wind turbine which they first sketched on a wall.

They built the first 65 kW turbine, installed on the family property and made it work.

This was the starting signal ; in 1985, Carsten and Jens Pedersen founded Nordex A/S in Give, laying the foundations for Nordex as a company.

The founders had a vision to generate cost-effective power with no impact on the environment

A lot has changed in 40 years. Nordex Group has become one of the world’s leading Western manufacturers of wind turbines, successful around the globe and the market leader in Europe. Technology and the industry have been developed at an impressive pace.

Electricity from wind power has become cost competitive. A strong focus on innovation and cost of energy (COE) has significantly reduced the cost per kilowatt-hour, turning wind into the cheapest source of electricity in many regions.

A crucial role in protecting the planet from climate change

One thing has not changed in the four decades of the Nordex story: Developing and delivering clean power plants that make 100% renewable energy a reality for the world, is still the shared mission and driver of today’s more than 10,900 Nordex Group employees, and its valued partners and clients around the globe.

The company kicked off the 40th anniversary series by thanking its customers, suppliers, colleagues and friends who have made its journey of innovation and growth possible.

“A special thank you to the Pedersen family for following a vision and believing in a technology that was once perceived by many as an utopian dream, and today recognized as playing a crucial role in protecting our planet from climate change, safeguarding it for generations to come!” said Vice-President Mediterranean Anne-Catherine de Tourtier, who will participate at Belgrade Energy Forum next month.

The first Nordex-branded wind turbine

In 1986, just one year after the company was founded, the first Nordex-branded wind turbine started to produce energy. Developed by the visionary Pedersen brothers and Nordex’s inaugural employee, Knud Buhl Nielsen, the N27 marked the beginning of a groundbreaking journey towards sustainable energy production.

The firm rented the tallest crane in Denmark to lift the first N27 turbine in 1986

Looking back on this milestone, Carsten Pedersen fondly recalls: “The first real Nordex turbine was the N27 with a rotor diameter of 27 meters, on a 30-meter tubular tower which we erected at our factory in 1986. At that time, it was one of the biggest turbines on the market and we thought that it was really big. We had to rent the tallest crane in Denmark to erect it.”

From today’s perspective, the whole development process in the early stages of Nordex seems truly adventurous. In the absence of a computer, the design was done by hand, and the loads were calculated using a pocket calculator.

However, it’s safe to say that both processes were conducted thoroughly and expertly. “The turbine actually kept running for 30 years, as we did not dismantle it until 2016,” remembers Jens Pedersen.

Three decades since the company’s first 1 MW wind turbine

Looking back, based on the first steps with the N27, it seems that “thinking big” was the beginning of the Nordex Group natural approach. A further humble milestone was accomplished today: 30 years of producing turbines of the megawatt class. In 1995, Nordex introduced the worldwide first series-produced megawatt turbine, the N52, with 1 MW.

Today, Nordex’s Delta4000 series boasts a rated power more than 45 times that of the N27, showcasing the remarkable advancements in technology and engineering expertise. Over the past 40 years, the rotor diameter has increased 6.5-fold, reaching an impressive 175 meters, with its swept area increasing accordingly by a factor of 42. Today, Nordex wind turbines are manufactured with capacities ranging from 4 MW to 7 MW.

Anniversary celebration at BEF 2025 is affirming Nordex’s commitment to the Balkans

The global company is marking its 40th anniversary at the upcoming Belgrade Energy Forum, affirming its commitment to the Balkans.

Vice-President Mediterranean Anne-Catherine de Tourtier is one of the speakers in the panel discussion ‘Energy revolution underway – uniting efforts to deliver green, intelligent and sustainable energy solutions’.

Organized by Balkan Green Energy News, BEF 2025 will be held on May 14 and 15 in Serbia’s capital city.

Belgrade Energy Forum is a central meeting point for representatives of regional and international institutions, organizations and the business community from the region, Europe, and beyond.

Make sure you register on time via this link.

In the evening on May 14, Nordex is organizing its anniversary celebration party for all the participants at the conference.

The group is actively focusing on the Balkan market, with a robust presence across the region, currently involved in six projects in Croatia, three in Serbia, and one in Montenegro.

“We have successfully contracted 1 GW in Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro, encompassing 222 wind turbines across 16 wind farms. Our team in the Balkans region has grown to over 30 employees, reflecting our significant investment in local talent and development,” said Managing Director for Serbia Vladimir Kolarević.

Nordex highlighted the Balkans as one of its key growth areas, with several ongoing projects in other countries within the region as well. As a crucial partner in the energy transition, the wind turbine manufacturer leverages its footprint and network in Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro to enter new markets and drive sustainable development, according to the update.

The company is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and has installed so far 57 GW of wind power capacity in over 40 markets.

In Turkey, one of its manufacturing hubs, Nordex received orders for more than 1 GW in 2024. And then 750 MW was booked in the country just in the first quarter of this year.

As for the other markets tracked by Balkan Green Energy News, a notable example is Greece, where Nordex surpassed 1 GW.

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May 5, 2025
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Hungary’s MVM inks deal with Çalık Holding, Ansaldo Energia for combined cycle gas turbine power plant

Hungarian power utility MVM signed an agreement with a consortium of Turkey-based conglomerate Çalık Holding and Italian company Ansaldo Energia, which are tasked with building a 1,000 MW combined cycle gas turbine power plant at the Tiszaújváros site in northeast Hungary.

It is the second time this year that MVM contracted the construction of gas-fueled and hydrogen-ready facilities at sites of former power plants running on fossil fuels. Two months ago, the company signed a deal with domestic firms Status KPRIA and West Hungária Bau, and Egypt-based Elsewedy Electric for a 650 MW power combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) at the Mátra Power Plant.

Now the contract for the development of a modern CCGT power plant was signed by MVM Tisza Power Plant Ltd. of the MVM Group, Çalık Holding, the consortium lead, and Ansaldo Energia.

The agreement marks the beginning of turnkey execution planning, procurement, and construction of what is expected to be Hungary’s most efficient large-scale power plant, the companies said.

Lantos: No new baseload power plant has been built in Hungary in more than 15 years.

The power plant is expected to supply an average of 7,500 GWh of electricity annually. It will also be prepared to use hydrogen.

The two-member consortium was awarded the construction and long-term maintenance of the gas turbines at the public procurement tender.

After the signing, Hungarian Minister of Energy Csaba Lantos lauded the deal as historic, noting that no new baseload power plant has been built in Hungary in more than 15 years.

“The new facility will play an important role in balancing renewable electricity production, thereby supporting the successful energy transition,” he added.

Mátrai: A modern, flexible generation capacity

Károly Mátrai, MVM Group CEO, said a modern, flexible generation capacity would replace the previously decommissioned traditional power plant. Of note, it was a gas power plant.

The facility to be built at the Tiszaújváros site will leverage existing electricity grid connections, a cooling water system, and access to natural gas at a nearby point, Mátrai underscored.

According to Fabrizio Fabbri, Ansaldo Energia CEO, the MVM Tisza power plant will be the country’s most efficient, ready to meet Hungary’s growth and increasing energy needs. He said his company would bring its most advanced gas turbine technology, suitable for hydrogen use.

Ahmet Çalik, President of Calik Enerji Swiss, said the company is honored to contribute to Hungary’s energy supply and enhance its energy security.

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