The smarter E Podcast

Perovskite solar cells have promised to push photovoltaic efficiency to new heights for years. Now, with major manufacturers achieving crucial reliability milestones and the first large-format modules entering large-scale production, the technology is moving beyond the laboratory. But as the race to bring perovskites to market accelerates, a fundamental question remains: will production processes deliver on cost, efficiency, and durability? This week, host Jonathan Gifford speaks with two leading manufacturers pursuing different approaches to perovskite-silicon tandem solar technology at the Perovskite Connect 2026 event in Berlin. First, Fabian Fertig, head of R&D PV technology at Qcells, discusses the company's breakthrough in achieving independent certification for its two-terminal tandem modules – a significant step towards commercial viability. Fertig explains why reliability, rather than record-breaking efficiency, has been the real challenge, and how Qcells is preparing to scale production to gigawatt…

Germany helped pioneer the political frameworks that made solar a global success. But with daytime electricity prices falling, solar companies under pressure, and significant policy reforms taking shape, could the impressive solar and battery installation rates of recent years slow dramatically? This week, host Jonathan Gifford speaks with David Wortmann, founder and CEO of Berlin-based consultancy DWR eco, about the proposed overhaul of Germany’s Renewable Energy Act (EEG). The reforms could fundamentally change the financial returns that solar projects can deliver, with support for residential and commercial rooftops set to shrink. But it’s not all one way; utility-scale tender volumes under the same reforms are likely to increase. Wortmann argues that the main concern may be the speed of the reforms. As solar businesses are pushed towards self-consumption and market-based revenues, it appears that some are struggling to adapt. He discusses whether Germany can strike the right balance between rooftop and…

Europe has some of the world’s best solar researchers and strongest local markets. So why is so much of the PV manufacturing happening somewhere else? Recorded at the recent EU PVSEC scientific conference and exhibition in Rotterdam, host Jonathan Gifford explores this question with Gaëtan Masson, CEO of the Becquerel Institute and co-chair of the European Solar Manufacturing Council. They examine Europe’s increasingly unusual position within the energy transition: a major solar market with very little manufacturing of its own. Meanwhile, India, the U.S. and China are building enormous production capacity – often drawing on European research outcomes. So, can Europe leverage its solar knowhow to rebuild its industry? Masson argues that European-level industrial policy is required – particularly if manufacturers are going to attract the investment needed to scale. Jonathan also speaks with 2026 Becquerel Prize winner Delfina Muñoz, Research Director of the Solar Energy Department at CEA at INES. Much of…

Germany’s utility-scale battery deployment is hitting an inflection point. After years of projects piling up in development pipelines, utility-scale storage is arriving at gigawatt scale – just as Germany’s huge solar fleet drives electricity prices towards zero, or below, during sunny hours. For batteries that can shift that power into higher-priced periods, the opportunity is enormous. Host Jonathan Gifford speaks with Thaddäus Kreisig, Principal at Aurora Energy Research, about Germany’s forming battery boom – and how developers are building revenue stacks to make projects viable. The shift is striking: more than two-thirds of solar developers recently surveyed by Aurora said every project they plan to deploy will be co-located with a battery system. Falling battery-system equipment costs are strengthening the business case, while arbitrage, ancillary services, EEG revenues, and new financing models are opening up ways in which battery energy storage systems can pay off. But grid constraints remain a…

The Dunkelflaute has become one of the most persistent arguments against a fully renewable energy system. When the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing, where is our energy supposed to come from? Detailed new modeling from Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE suggests these “dark doldrums” are a challenge – but should not be enough to halt the energy transition. The bigger challenge to be overcome is how the flexibility needed to manage low-renewable energy periods can be embedded into the country’s energy system. Recorded at The smarter E Europe 2026 in Munich, host Jonathan Gifford speaks with Fraunhofer ISE senior scientist Charlotte Senkpiel about what it would take for Germany to reach climate neutrality with wind and solar at the heart of its energy system. And the result is not only good for the climate, it’s economically viable. The outcome of the Fraunhofer ISE study goes well beyond simply building more renewables. Batteries, electric vehicles, flexible demand, strengthened and smarter grids,…

Despite claims that the energy transition is losing momentum, solar and battery deployment continues to run ahead of forecasts – profoundly impacting electricity markets and the wider global energy system. Recorded at The smarter E Europe 2026 in Munich, host Jonathan Gifford is joined by Jarand Rystad, founder and CEO of energy analysts Rystad Energy, to examine where the transition stands today. Rystad explains why solar has consistently outpaced forecasts and how mass production, aggressive cost reduction, and rapid battery-technology deployment are driving continued expansion. But alongside the upside, the conversation turns to one of solar's biggest challenges: falling capture prices as abundant midday PV generation pushes down the value of electricity during daylight hours. Rystad argues that accelerating battery deployment is helping to address this imbalance, shifting excess generation, and ultimately making space for even more renewables. The conversation also explores how storage business models…

An increasing number of solar marketplaces have entered a new phase – one where achieving strong, ongoing installation rates depends heavily on system flexibility. Recorded live at The smarter E Europe 2026 in Munich, this episode of pod brings together two conversations that examine how solar marketplaces are changing in the face of this new reality, which includes falling capture prices and the rapid rise of battery energy storage. Host Jonathan Gifford is first joined by Edurne Zoco, Executive Director of Clean Technologies and Supply Chain at S&P Global, for a wide-ranging look at the major trends in global solar in 2026. Zoco explains why a temporary slowdown in installations masks a future continued growth trajectory, how batteries are becoming indispensable as solar penetration increases, and why the distributed market segment is gaining momentum across Europe. The episode then shifts to Brazil with Barbara Rubim, recently elected President of AB Solar, who outlines the obstacles facing what was one…

Innovation in solar business models and technology is front-and-center on this episode of The smarter E Podcast. Featuring two leaders from the U.S. solar industry, it explores how innovation across the solar value chain is taking the global energy transition in new directions. Recorded live at The smarter E Europe 2026 in Munich, host Jonathan Gifford speaks with two executives from companies that represent very different stages of the industry's evolution: one scaling and redefining an established global business, the other pushing a new generation of solar technology toward commercial reality. First, Howard Wenger, President of Nextpower, discusses the company's rapid transformation from a solar tracker specialist into a provider of integrated utility-scale solar and energy storage platforms. Following a series of strategic acquisitions – most recently the German mounting system manufacturer Zimmermann and battery storage integrator Prevalon – Wenger explains why combining hardware, software, and storage…

The future of energy was on display in Munich last week — and this isn’t hyperbole! While some still question how an industrialised nation like Germany can be powered by renewable energy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, The smarter E Europe 2026 offered some compelling insights. Through a major new study, an interactive exhibition, and the countless innovations showcased across the event, a pathway to a fully renewable energy system was laid out in remarkable detail. In this special on-site edition of the podcast, we capture the energy of the event itself, explore the technologies on display, and discuss some of the industry's most important developments. One theme stood out was the emergence of truly 24/7 renewable energy systems. Author, engineer, and consultant Tim Meyer joins the podcast to guide us through the special 24/7 Renewables exhibition at this year's event. He explains why electric mobility and vehicle-to-grid technology is a game changer for a solar-and-wind lead energy system.…

As Europe faces rising energy-security concerns, volatile electricity markets and growing grid congestion, a new generation of energy solutions is emerging that could turn these challenges into opportunities. Recorded live at The smarter E Europe 2026 in Munich, this episode explores how EVs, smart charging, and vehicle-to-grid technology are transforming cars into active participants in the electricity system. These “batteries on wheels” have the potential to be friends rather than foes when it comes to electricity network functionality. The Mobility House founder and CEO Thomas Raffeiner joins the pod to discuss the next phase of electrification and the company's renewed focus on energy services, following the sale of its fleet charging business. Raffeiner explains why fleet electrification is accelerating worldwide, how falling charging costs are bringing businesses closer to zero-cost and zero-emissions mobility – and why electric vehicles should be viewed as energy assets rather than as additional…

Recorded at the Tandem PV Workshop in Berlin, this week’s episode explores one of the most exciting frontiers in solar technology: perovskite-based tandem photovoltaics. Featuring two leading researchers from Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB), the conversations dive into why perovskites could unlock the next major step forward in solar efficiency – and what still needs to happen before the technology reaches mass commercialization. In the first interview, we’re joined by Professor Rutger Schlatmann, Head of the Solar Energy Division at Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, to unpack why silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells are attracting so much attention from researchers and industry. Rutger explains how conventional silicon technology is approaching its physical efficiency limits, and why adding a perovskite layer on top of silicon offers a pathway to significantly higher performance. In the second half of the episode, we speak with Angelika Harter, Group Lead Industrial-like Silicon Perovskite Tandem Baseline at HZB,…

Recorded at two recent industry events – the SolarPower Summit in Brussels and the Battery Business & Development Forum in Frankfurt – this week’s episode explores why batteries have become one of the most dynamic areas of the global energy transition. Featuring two industry heavy hitters, the conversations cover how BESS is transforming everything from electric mobility and charging infrastructure to renewable energy markets and grid management. In the first interview, we’re joined by Laurent Segalen, clean energy investor and host of the Redefining Energy podcast, to unpack why electrification is entering a new phase of growth. Laurent explains how falling battery costs, improving EV technology, and changing energy economics are accelerating the shift from fossil fuels to electricity – particularly across transport sectors such as cars, vans, and heavy-duty trucks. The discussion explores why electric trucks are becoming increasingly compelling from a business perspective, with lower operating and…

Recorded at the historic Berlin campus of technology and engineering giant Siemens, this week’s episode explores why Europe’s logistics industry is rapidly accelerating towards electrification – driven not only by decarbonization goals, but increasingly by energy security, operational resilience, and cost control. We’re joined by Marcel Rümenapf, Head of Sales for eMobility Europe at Siemens, to unpack how rising fossil fuel prices, dynamic electricity markets, and improving EV technology are transforming fleet economics for businesses across Europe. The conversation explores why logistics operators are now viewing electrification as a strategic advantage, particularly as electricity offers opportunities for smart charging, on-site solar integration, and far greater control over energy costs when compared with fossil fuels like diesel. A major focus of the discussion is how the complexity of large-scale fleet charging can be overcome. Marcel explains the ways in which smart charging software is becoming…

Recorded on-site at the SolarPower Summit in Brussels, this week’s episode captures the market developments and innovative young companies shaping Europe’s clean energy transition. We kick things off with renowned BloombergNEF solar analyst Jenny Chase, who joins us to unpack why batteries have become the defining technology conversation across Europe’s solar sector. As PV penetration rates continue to increase and negative pricing events become more common, Jenny explains why in this next phase of development, the industry’s challenge is managing flexibility, storage, and increasingly volatile power markets. The conversation touches on anticipated developments like changing energy-trading models, EV smart charging, and long-duration storage, while also exploring how software and intelligent asset management are becoming as important as the hardware itself. And Jenny flags battery revenue cannibalization as a trend to keep an eye out for. The second half of the episode features interviews with the four…

With the Strait of Hormuz disruption continuing to drive fossil-fuel costs higher, businesses big and small have been left looking for ways to cut energy costs. But, in contrast to energy crises of the past, today’s clean energy technology is mature, cost competitive, and ready to fill the gap. This week on the pod, we speak to James Allston of Orkestra Energy for a view on how European businesses are responding to sustained high electricity prices and growing volatility. Rather than reacting to headlines, he explains how structural forces – from rising network charges to falling battery costs – are accelerating the business case for solar and storage. We unpack how local market dynamics, in leading commercial and industrial (C&)I marketplaces such as the United Kingdom and Germany, are shaping very different “value stacks” for batteries, including managing peak demand, navigating negative pricing, and optimizing behind-the-meter savings. We also explore the next frontier for commercial energy users: EV…

As global energy markets face renewed volatility – from geopolitical flashpoints to supply disruptions – a key question is back in focus: how do we deliver energy security when fossil-fuel supply is no longer guaranteed? In this episode, we explore how flexibility – powered by EVs and batteries – is emerging as a frontline solution to energy security challenges. First, Gautham Ram (TU Delft) changes the narrative on EVs as a grid liability. Instead, he outlines how millions of electric vehicles could act as a vast, distributed storage network, effectively turning transport into a strategic energy asset. From smart charging to V2G, we explore how intelligent coordination – and not just new infrastructure – can ease grid congestion, absorb renewable generation, and reduce reliance on imported fuels. We also unpack the use cases driving AC vs. DC charging, bidirectional technology, and battery lifetimes – and why scaling these solutions will depend on standards, interoperability, and consumer confidence. Then,…

Energy security is back at the top of the global agenda and new ways to secure supply are evolving fast. In this episode of The smarter E Podcast, we explore how solar is moving beyond generation to play a critical role in stabilizing power systems and delivering energy security. First, Wood Mackenzie analyst Timothy Shen breaks down the rapid evolution of solar inverters – and how they are well equipped to meet the challenges of today’s changing power mix. Once seen as passive components, today’s advanced inverters can actively support the grid managing voltage, frequency, and providing reactive power in real time. As the energy transition accelerates, these capabilities are becoming essential to keeping power systems reliable, especially during disruptions. We also examine what recent grid failures reveal about the gap between older infrastructure and newer, more resilient technologies, and why the latest generation of inverters could help prevent future blackouts. In the second half of the episode, Dr…

As geopolitical tensions once again send shockwaves through global energy markets, the pressure to accelerate the energy transition has rarely been greater. In this episode of The smarter E Podcast, we explore how digital technologies and electrification are reshaping the energy system—and why smarter, more connected grids are becoming essential in navigating today’s crisis. Our first guest, Simon Evans, Global Digital Energy and Digital Twin Leader at Arup, explains what digitalization really means for electricity networks. As renewables, rooftop solar, EVs, and distributed assets multiply across the grid, traditional operating models are becoming increasingly complex. Digital technologies, including improved data sharing to digital twins and machine learning, can help system operators manage this growing complexity. But as Evans argues, the biggest hurdles are not technical. Regulatory frameworks, trust between stakeholders, and new approaches to secure data exchange will ultimately determine how quickly…

Recorded live in Barcelona at the Solar Quality Summit in February, this episode of The smarter E Podcast examines a critical question for the PV industry: are today’s solar modules built for long-term durability? As manufacturers push for higher efficiencies, larger formats, and lower costs, quality data is flashing warning signs. Drawing on insights from Kiwa PI Berlin’s latest Module Manufacturing Report, we explore a record 3.36% defect rate observed during pre-shipment inspections in 2025, and what’s driving it. Rear-side breakage in large-format, glass-glass modules is emerging as a major concern, with thinner 2 mm strengthened glass proving more fragile under real-world stress. At the same time, thinner frames, rapid factory ramp-ups, and geopolitical supply chain shifts are adding new layers of risk. The episode also dives into degradation challenges linked to TOPCon technology, including UV-induced degradation – and module meta-stability, which is proving challenging for accurate characterization.…

Battery capacity is getting bigger, storage duration longer, and batteries more central to how power systems operate. In this episode of The smarter E Podcast, we look at what’s driving the surge in battery capacity and why expectations for storage are shifting so quickly. Projects that would have seemed unrealistic just a few years ago are now moving into planning and achieving financial close. Lithium-ion batteries are expanding well beyond traditional short-duration applications, as falling costs and ongoing technical progress make longer discharge durations commercially viable. At the same time, rising renewable penetration is exposing a new challenge: extended periods when the power output from wind and solar output is low, for extended periods, and at the same time (the dreaded Dunkelflaute). These events are forcing system operators, utilities, and policymakers to rethink how much storage is needed – and for how long. The episode also explores the structural side of the transition: how market design,…

In this episode of The smarter E podcast, we unpack how bidirectional EV charging is reshaping Europe’s energy and mobility landscape, from market signals to real-world deployment at scale. We begin with a policy perspective, speaking with Adriana Fricke from Hubject – a company that is working at the intersection of e-mobility, regulation, and energy systems. As Europe pushes toward electrification, regulatory standardization and cross-industry alignment are emerging as critical enablers of bidirectional charging. And with hundreds of billions already invested into the EV ecosystem, the sector is moving beyond theory to now positioning EVs as the mobile energy assets that will support grid stability, cut system costs, and strengthen energy resilience across Europe. In the second part of the episode, we speak to Robin Berg, the Founder and CEO of We Drive Solar, about the shift from concept to practice by exploring how V2G is being deployed on the ground. We look at the rapid scale-up of bidirectional EV…

After a prolonged period of rock-bottom prices and manufacturing oversupply, solar PV pricing is starting to shift – and the implications could ripple across the global industry in 2026. In this episode of The smarter E podcast, host Jonathan Gifford digs into what’s changing beneath the surface of the PV supply chain, and why pricing dynamics are becoming impossible to ignore. In the first part of the episode, Jonathan is joined by Alex Barrows, Head of PV at CRU, and Molly Morgan, Senior Analyst, for a deep dive into the forces reshaping module costs. From surging silver prices to China’s VAT rebate changes, they unpack how upstream pressures are feeding through to cells, modules, and manufacturer margins – and what this means for technology choices in the years ahead. The conversation also explores the evolving competitive landscape between TOPCon, heterojunction, and back-contact cell architectures, and asks whether pricing discipline can realistically return to a sector still wrestling with structural…

Big batteries are taking off in Europe and are set to become a major contributor to the energy transition worldwide. In Europe, deployment has now reached a critical inflection point. Annual utility-scale BESS installations doubled between 2024 and 2025, while cumulative capacity surpassed 100 GW for the first time over the same period. These insights come from new analysis by Wood Mackenzie, led by EMEA principal analyst for energy storage Anna Darmani. Anna joined The Smarter E podcast to reflect on recent developments – and what’s next for utility-scale BESS deployment heading into 2026. Join host Jonathan Gifford for an overview of the key utility-scale battery trends and their impact on Europe’s energy markets. Follow The smarter E Podcast for more global insights into the clean energy transition, and don’t forget to rate and review if you enjoy the show!

Home may be where the heart is – but it’s also becoming a major player in the energy transition. In this episode of The smarter E Podcast, we explore how smart home energy management systems (HEMS) help households get the most out of distributed energy assets such as rooftop solar, home batteries, EV chargers, and heat pumps – making for lower energy bills, deeper decarbonization, and meaningful support for the wider energy system. Our first guest on this week'a pod, Irene Guerra Gil, Energy Market Expert at gridX, joins host Jonathan Gifford to break down the latest HEMS legislation in Europe and explain the real-world impact these technologies can have. We also turn to the commercial sector, where office buildings represent a huge opportunity for savings. Mark Bruno, CUBE Competition Chief Ambassador and Partner at Ampersand Partners, shares how behavioural change – and a bit of friendly competition – can drive major energy reductions and bring teams together. If you’d like to learn more about the CUBE…

UNSW has played an outsized role in the development of crystalline-silicon solar technology and the modern solar industry. Through its leadership of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP), it continues to help shape the future of solar innovation. ACAP brings together leading Australian solar research programs, works across the entire solar value chain, and collaborates closely with major global manufacturers – including industry giants in China. In this episode, UNSW researcher and ACAP Executive Director Professor Renate Egan joins host Jonathan Gifford to share the latest developments in solar research and discuss how technology will continue driving the PV industry in 2026. Follow The smarter E podcast for more global insights into the clean energy transition – and don’t forget to rate and review if you enjoy the show!

Where China goes, so goes the global energy transition. With its dominance across solar and energy storage supply chains, China’s every policy shift ripples through global clean tech markets. In 2025, that landscape is shifting fast: after nearly 200 GW of new solar capacity added early in the year, installations have slowed as the industry adapts to new policies. Meanwhile, manufacturers are facing overcapacity and hunting for new export markets. Frank Haugwitz, Senior Analyst at cleantech advisory Apricum, joins host Jonathan Gifford to break down the latest trends – and what to expect from China’s renewable energy industry through the end of the decade. Follow The smarter E podcast for more global insights into the clean energy transition – and don’t forget to rate and review if you enjoy the show!

Der Heimspeichermarkt entwickelt sich prächtig. Die Zahl der Solarstromspeicher wuchs das dritte Jahr in Folge um rund 50 Prozent. Insgesamt kamen im letzten Jahr in Deutschland schätzungsweise 88.000 neue Speicher hinzu, wie der Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft (BSW) berichtet. Dennoch fordert der Verband die Versiebenfachung der Batteriespeicherkapazität bis 2030. Doch wie soll das erreicht werden? Und welchen Beitrag leisten technische Innovationen? Darüber sprechen wir mit Carsten Körnig, Hauptgeschäftsführer vom BSW und Stefan Krokowski, Head of Marketing & Sales von LG Energy Solution. Timeline: 0.58: Über die aktuellen Entwicklungen und Treiber im Speicherbereich 3.33: Argumente für die steigende Nachfrage für Heimspeicher 7.32: Welche Vorteile bietet die Kombination Solar+Speicher? 12.49: Welche technischen Entwicklungen fördern die Energiewende besonders?

The off-grid solar sector is playing an essential role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Solar home systems and efficient appliances are keeping the lights on in health centres, powering local businesses and helping families stay connected and informed. Howewer, in the first half of 2020, global sales fell 26% compared to the same period in 2019, curbing the sector`s record breaking growth. But what are the current developments? Which regions are particularly affected? And what solutions are there? We talk about this with David Lecoque, CEO of Alliance of Rural Electrification (ARE). Timeline: 3.00: What do we mean by off-grid solar plants?4.02: Differentiation between micro-grids and stand-alone systems10.05: Which regions are particularly affected or dependent on off-grid systems?12.36: About regulatory and financial resources

Der Ausbau der Elektromobilität spielt sich nicht nur im öffentlichen Raum ab, er berührt auch ein wichtiges Wachstumsfeld an der Schnittstelle zwischen Energie- und Wohnungswirtschaft. Denn die öffentliche Ladeinfrastruktur wird nicht ausreichen, um die ambitionierten Ausbauziele zu erreichen. Daher kommt der privaten Ladeinfrastruktur eine große Bedeutung zu. Doch wie laufen die aktuellen Entwicklungen? Wie weit sind wir mit Lademöglichkeiten im Unternehmen? Und welche Rolle spielt die Wohnungswirtschaft? Darüber sprechen wir heute mit Konrad Benze, Leiter und Co-Founder von ChargeHere, dem Innovationsprojekt der EnBW und Johannes Brodführer, CEO und Gründer von eliso, dem herstellerunabhängigem Spezialisten für Ladeinfrastruktur.

Green Hydrogen. If we want to reach our climate goals of decarbonizing by 2050, it has an essential role to play, especially in steel production, the chemical industry, the heating market or the transport sector. The big question is though – how big will the role of hydrogen really be? Which market dynamic could you count with? And what are reliable numbers behind the hype? We talk about that with Alexander Esser, energy economist at Aurora Energy Research. Timeline: 2.51: What market development are we looking at for the coming years?4.52: What is the prediction for the employment in sectors such as heavy duty transport or the heating sector?9.02: About the EU Commission's hydrogen strategy13.59: What are the effects of the hydrogen deployment on renewables?

Tübingen will bundesweit beim Klimaschutz eine Vorreiterrolle einnehmen und als erste Stadt in Deutschland bis zum Jahr 2030 klimaneutral sein. Der Tübinger Gemeinderat hat Ende 2020 ein dickes Klimapaket geschnürt. Es sieht ein milliardenschweres Programm mit 20 Bausteinen vor. Doch wie sehen die Maßnahmen konkret aus? Und ist das Ziel bis 2030 überhaupt realistisch? Darüber sprechen wir mit Boris Palmer, Oberbürgermeister der Universitätsstadt Tübingen. Timeline: 0.50: Was kann Tübingen besser als andere Städte? 2.40: Was versteht man eigentlich unter Klimaneutralität?3.27: Wie kam die parteiübergreifende Zusammenarbeit zustande?5.18: Über das Klimapaket und die verschiedenen Maßnahmen in Strom, Wärme und Mobilität8.56: Wer finanziert die Maßnahmen?

If we want to reach our goal of supplying heat, electricity and mobility mainly with renewable energy already by 2050, we have to reinvent the grid as well as the business models and invest in research to fill some significant technological gaps. One of the approaches where these exact three pillars come together is the so called bidirectional charging technology and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems. V2G not only helps to reduce the climate impact of mobility. But also offers massive economic advantages. But what exactly is behind it and what role does V2G play in the context of the new energy world? We discuss this today with Prof. Dr. Göhlich from the Mobility2Grid research campus in Berlin.

2020 has been a surprising year for the european solar industry. Contrary to many official prediction in the beginning of the pandemic – the solar power technology industry just had it’s second best year in history. So how did this happen? How did the market change and which countries benefitted the most? We talk about this with Michael Schmela, Executive Advisor, head of market intelligence and a member of the leadership team of SolarPower Europe. Timeline: 1.38: What are the forecasts for the European solar market for the coming years? 7.40: About the largest EU solar markets Germany, Netherlands and Spain 12.50: What are the effects of the positive news? 15.45: Recommendations for policymakers

Das Jahr 2020 könnte tatsächlich als das Jahr in die Geschichte eingehen, in dem die Elektromobilität ihren Siegeszug antrat. Reine Elektroautos sind begehrter denn je, insgesamt stieg die Zahl der neu zugelassenen PKW mit reinem Elektroantrieb um mehr als 200 Prozent zum Vorjahr. Doch wie nachhaltig ist die Entwicklung? Und was sind die möglichen Gründe, aber auch Hindernisse für eine von Elektromobilität geprägten Zukunft? Das verraten uns Marcus Fendt, Geschäftsführer von The Mobility House sowie Checrallah Kachouh, Co-CEO und CTO von Compleo. Timeline: 1.26: War das Jahr 2020 rückblickend das Jahr der Elektromobilität? 4.30: Wie ist der Status Quo bei der Ladeinfrastruktur? 10.15: Zum Börsengang von Compleo 12.32: Welche disruptive Kraft besitzt Elektromobilität? 14.50: Sehen wir bald reine Elektrotankstellen im großen Stil?

Can we actually build a reliable and at the same time affordable and climate-friendly energy system? Hans Korteweg and his colleagues at COGEN Europe say ‘Yes!’. Actually they’ve made it their mission to implement this vision in Europe. In this episode you will learn what we actually mean, when we talk about cogeneration, the fields and industries which could benefit from this approach and it’s potential for Europes economy and job market. Timeline: 2.20: What exactly is Cogeneration and how does it work? 4.19: What role does Cogeneration play in the overall context of the new energy world? 7.08: About the key findings of the Study "The role of Cogeneration 2050" 13.25: Hydrogen in the context of Cogen? 16.10: What about potential for use in Cogeneration in large scale?

Wasserstoff ist das Trend-Thema der neuen Energiewelt. Für viele ist die Wasserstoffwirtschaft ein großer Hoffnungsträger. Sei es von Seiten der Politik, die im Frühjahr 2020 mit der nationalen Wasserstoffstrategie aufhorchen ließ, oder auch am Aktienmarkt. Mit grünem Wasserstoff lässt sich der Klimawandel bremsen und die Energiewende meistern, davon sind viele überzeugt. Doch wie weit sind wir bei der Nutzung von grünem Wasserstoff, wie nachhaltig ist H2 und wieviel steht uns überhaupt zur Verfügung? Darüber sprechen wir mit Jeannette Uhlig, Teamleiterin Klimaneutrale Energieträger bei der Deutschen Energie-Agentur (dena).

Die E-Mobilität boomt. Teilweise bleibt das Angebot von Lademöglichkeiten an manchen Stellen noch hinter den Erwartungen zurück. Dabei spielen Ausbau, Dichte und Zuverlässigkeit der Ladeinfrastruktur eine Rolle, langfristig aber wird es entscheidender sein, wie die Ladetarife aussehen und wie die Abwicklung der Ladevorgänge durch die eMobility Service Provider (eMSP) gestaltet wird. Wo stehen die unterschiedlichen Anbiter in der Nutzergunst? Mit welchen Angeboten werden sich OEMs, Energieversorger und Roaming-Dienstleister im Wettbewerb künftig erfolgreich positionieren können? Darüber sprechen wir mit Dr. Axel Sprenger, Geschäftsführer von USCALE.

Hydrogen and Power-to-X technologies in Europe are booming. After all, clean hydrogen has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions enormously and make a decisive contribution to climate protection. But what opportunities does hydrogen offer Europe and the German and European engineering industry? What can the massive expansion of hydrogen technologies in Germany and Europe achieve? This is what Dr. Carola Kantz, Deputy Managing Director of the VDMA Power-to-X for Applications working group, will tell us. Timeline: 2.53: What exactly are we talking about when using the term Power-to-X? 6.47: What would this potentially mean for the local economy and job market 8.42: How are other important industry nations/ regions look at hydrogen / Power-to-X? 11.48: What does the Ramp-up look like in numbers at the moment?

Der Speichermarkt in Europa und speziell in Deutschland boomt. Die Zahlen vorhandener Heimspeicher gehen stark nach oben, sogar im Pandemie-Jahr 2020 verzeichnet die Branche stabile Wachstumsraten. Klimafreundliche Lösungen sind gefragter denn je, besonders in der Kombination von PV und Speicher sowie der Autarkie sehen viele eine Riesenchance. Doch was wird wird sich im Zuge der EEG-Novelle tun, wo geht die Reise hin und welche volkswirtschaftlichen Einflüsse könnte diese haben? Darüber sprechen wir mit Aurélie Alemany, Geschäftsführerin der SENEC GmbH. Timeline: 3.02: Wie sieht der deutsche Speichermarkt in zehn Jahren aus? 4.02: Was sind die aktuell spannendsten Technologien? 6.40: Wo bestehen die größten Potentiale von Energiespeichern? 12.10: Welche Rolle spielt die Elektromobilität bei Entlade- und Laderaten? 15.05: Welche Auswirkungen wir die EEG-Novelle auf den Speichermarkt haben?

Die Elektromobilität nimmt endlich Fahrt auf, in Europa und ganz besonders in Deutschland. Immer bedeutender werden dabei auch sektorenübergreifende Lösungen und Innovationen aus erneuerbarem, grünen Strom. Woher kommt dieser erfreuliche Boom? Was müsste die Politik tun, damit auch die breite Masse mehr Interesse hat? Und welche neuen Geschäftsmodelle könnten sich aus der Koppelung von PV und E-Auto ergeben? Darüber sprechen wir mit Thomic Ruschmeyer, Vorstandsvorsitzender des Bundesverbandes Solare Mobilität (BSM). Timeline: 3.02 Thomic Ruschmeyer über sein erstes Elektromobil 7.50 Welche neuen Geschäftsmodelle bieten sich für die E-Mobilität? 11.40 Welche wirtschaftliche Chancen bietet die E-Mobilität? 12.55 Welche Synergien ergeben sich durch E-Mobilität und PV?

The expansion of renewable energies in the electricity sector is progressing worldwide. However, according to a report by the international network for renewable energies of the 21st century (REN21) little progress is still being made in the heat and transport sectors. In the latest episode of The smarter E Podcast, CEO Rana Adib talks about why, if you look at the numbers, the world wide energy transition, effectively is only an electricity turnaround, what role economic stimulus packages play to improve this situation and if hydrogen is the or only one solution.

Seit dem Jahr 2000 gibt das EEG die Rahmenbedingungen für Ausbau und Förderung der erneuerbaren Energien vor. Anfang kommenden Jahres soll mit dem EEG 2021 die aktuelle Novelle in Kraft treten, die im September als Referent-Entwurf vorgestellt wurde und derzeit im Bundestag beraten wird. Eine Studie von EuPD Research in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft hält diese Neufassung vor allem für PV-Anlagen für problematisch, die nach 20 Jahren aus der Förderung fallen. Warum droht ein flächendeckender Rückbau noch funktionstüchtiger PV Anlagen? Und was macht ihren Weiterbetrieb auf Basis der neuen Gesetzesgrundlage unwirtschaftlich? Darüber sprechen wir mit Carsten Körnig, Hauptgeschäftsführer des BSW und Dr. Martin Ammon, Geschäftsführer des Forschungsinstituts EuPD Research.

Sowohl Deutschland als auch die europäische Union streben bis Mitte des Jahrhunderts ein klimaneutrales Energie- und Wirtschaftssystem an. Der bedarfsgerechte Ausbau des Übertragungsnetzes ist deshalb ein zentrales Element für das Gelingen der Energiewende. Doch was bedeuten die Ziele für das Stromnetz? Reichen die bisher geplanten Maßnahmen aus, damit wir bis 2050 ein klimaneutrales Energiesystem erreichen und falls nein, woran hapert es? Darüber sprechen wir heute mit Christian Schorn, Leiter Anlagenbetrieb der TransnetBW GmbH. Die angesprochene Studie finden Sie hier: https://bit.ly/2YAmTOT

Städte und Kommunen, kurzum alle urbane Gebiete sind für einen Großteil der globalen Emissionen verantwortlich. Bei der Umsetzung der Energiewende hin zu Klimaneutralität nehmen sie somit eine zentrale Rolle ein. Viele Städte und Kommunen treten dabei jedoch auf der Stelle, ihre Nachhaltigkeitsziele und die Ziele des Pariser Klimaabkommens zu erreichen. Was hindert sie dabei und welche Lösungsansätze gibt es für eine effiziente, dekarbonisierte und zukunftsfähige Energieversorgung? Darüber sprechen wir mit Dr. Norbert Reuter, Geschäftsführer der Stadtwerke Konstanz (SWK).

Using 20% of it’s land surface for solar plants the United Arab Emirates could produce enough green green hydrogen for export to match its current oil & gas revenue. Whether and when the UAE will reach that percentage is unclear. But what is certain, is that the UAE like many other countries in the MENA region regard hydrogen as the new green oil. Thus they are heavily investing in solar and wind energy and working on becoming a leader in green hydrogen export. Hence in this episode we want to shed a light on the role of Dubai, and the MENA region for the new energy world. On board as the expert of the episode is Cornelius Matthes, most notably he is the Senior Vice President of Dii desert energy, one of the most well-known large scale undertakings in the MENA regions.

Einst war die deutsche Solarindustrie Weltspitze. Dann brach sie zusammen. Jüngste Entwicklungen im ostdeutschen "Solar Valley" deuten darauf hin, dass die Branche nun vor einem Comeback steht. Der Schweizer Maschinenbauer Meyer Burger will nicht mehr nur Maschinen für die Solarproduktion anbieten, sondern selbst Zellen und Module herstellen. Solarzellen sollen aus Bitterfeld, Module aus Freiberg, aus ehemaligen Solarstandorten in Ostdeutschland, kommen. Und das ab Mitte 2021. Aber wie will man sich gegen die Konkurrenz aus Fernost durchsetzen? Darüber sprechen wir mit Meyer Burger CEO Gunter Erfurt.

Die Digitalisierung der Energiewende kommt an einen entscheidenden Punkt: Der Smart Meter Rollout hat Anfang 2020 begonnen, die Definition weiterer Anwendungsfelder kommt voran. Gleichzeitig zeigt sich zum Beispiel beim Ausbau privater Ladeinfrastruktur oder bei der Integration von PV-Anlagen nach dem Auslaufen der EEG-Förderung wie wichtig ein kostengünstiger, sicherer und unkomplizierter Datenaustausch für das Entstehen von Marktlösungen ist. Die digitale Infrastruktur ist zwingende Voraussetzung für das Gelingen der Energiewende. Aber wie weit sind wir auf diesem Weg? Wo sind die dringlichsten Handlungsfelder? Damit sprechen wir mit Robert Spanheimer, langjähriger Experte für Energiepolitik und Bereichsleiter beim Digitalverband BITKOM für das Thema Energie.

Die Zahl der Neuanmeldungen von Elektrofahrzeugen steigt derzeit rapide an. Bis 2030 rechnen Experten mit einem Anteil von 40 bis 50 Prozent, aber wie umweltfreundlich sind BEV´s wirklich? Bezahlen wir die Mobilitätswende mit massiven Verlusten von Arbeitsplätzen? Gibt es bald lange Schlangen an den wenigen Ladesäulen oder gar einen Blackout? Das und mehr verrät uns Kurt Sigl, Gründer und Präsident des Bundesverbandes eMobilität e.V.

Mobility and transport are one of the few sectors in which emissions still grow. This is not due to lacking improvements in vehicle technology, transport infrastructure, and the energy systems – but mainly due to a still growing demand for mobility for both people and goods. Existing mobility and transport innovation could help curb demand and emissions but this is far from enough. So – What can we do? Jennifer Dungs, Thematic Field Leader Energy for Transport and Mobility, InnoEnergy, tells us what the solutions might look like. Jennifer Dungs, Thematic Field Leader Energy for Transport and Mobility, InnoEnergy, tells us what the solutions might look like.

Auch 2020 droht schon wieder eines der trockensten Jahre in Deutschland zu werden, und eines der heißesten weltweit. So eindringlich, wie die Wissenschaft vor den Folgen einer ungebremsten Pandemie warnt, so warnt sie auch vor den Folgen der globalen Klimakrise. Wir haben weder die Zeit noch ausreichende Mittel, um diese Krisen nacheinander zu lösen. Die Wirtschaft braucht jetzt einen Doppelten Booster: Ein Wachstums- und Investitionsprogramm, das sowohl einen kräftigen Wachstumsschub auslöst als auch die Herausforderung Klimaneutralität annimmt. Doch wie kann das erfolgreich gelingen? Welche konkreten Gesetze, Vorgaben und Maßnahmen sind notwendig, um die Energiewende zum Erfolg zu führen? Das verrät uns Dr. Patrick Graichen, Geschäftsführer der Denkfabrik Agora Energiewende. Die angesprochene Studie "Energiewende im Kontext von Atom- und Kohleausstieg" finden Sie hier: www.thesmartere.de/de/news-presse/download-bereich/publikationen