Why some European utilities are finally learning to love PV

PV remains a four-letter word for many European utilities due to its potential to upend their traditional business model. But the tides are turning steadily as industrial giants move into the sector, and the advantages for early movers will be substantial.

Hydropower has long been the favoured source of renewable energy among utilities for its dispatchability, with onshore wind coming on strongly in recent years for its relatively low cost and technological maturity.

Most utilities that have embraced PV are recent converts, but many, such as Italy’s Enel Green Power (EGP), have rapidly become devotees.

Through its subsidiary Enel.si, EGP has become Italy’s leading installer of rooftop PV systems, putting up more than 160MW for 12,000 customers last year. In addition to its plans to install several hundred megawatts of mostly utility-scale Log in to read complete article.

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