The power puzzle – 06 – 2026

The power puzzle

Energy security remains the topic of the moment, as elevated fossil fuel prices strengthen the already solid case for renewable energy. In Europe, the more than 400 GW of solar already connected to grids is estimated to be saving billions of euros in avoided oil and gas costs.

In this issue of pv magazine, we look at how solar is positioned to meet soaring electricity demand from planned AI data centers and other sectors keen to make the switch to electricity.
Grids across Europe are beginning to adapt to the challenge of negative price hours, with markets like Spain and Poland begin to deploy energy storage at scale, and more advanced markets like Great Britain and Germany exploring innovative business models for the significant battery capacity they have built.

Even so, many in the industry remain frustrated by high levels of solar curtailment, long wait times for grid connection, and uncertainty around future market direction. And the frustration extends to Europe’s manufacturing sector, where the lack of a coordinated strategy makes many projects difficult to implement, even as policymakers recognize some of the risks that come with dependance on imports from a single region.