PV based electrification of the economy: Designing & optimising PV systems supporting industrial electrification and promoting participation in electricity markets (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Expected Outcome:Large PV systems such as utility scale PV are evolving towards higher voltage architecture (>=3kV) with the objective to minimize losses and improve system efficiency at lower costs. The intention is to integrate also storage into such (hybrid) PV systems offering flexibility. It is consequently essential to build a blueprint for the implementation of high voltage large PV systems and the development of Direct Current (DC) networks around strategic end users for high voltage demand (industrial sites, servers, electric vehicle charging stations…). Understanding the factors that influence the performance and economics of these system architectures will help system planners evaluate the potential benefits of such hybrid resources that could support an increasing future industrial electrification. Another crucial challenge to address in ensuring the continued growth of new investments in solar PV, is the increasing occurrence of zero or negative prices in the electricity market, which dramatically hurt the profitability of operating solar PV assets. To tackle this challenge, PV participation to ancillary services is a way forward, which would reduce significantly system operating costs and PV curtailment and improve system reliability and PV profitability. The coupling/pooling with other generation assets or storage/demand assets is also to be considered.Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes as indicated for the proposed scope (high voltage DC PV systems or PV participation in electricity markets):Scope 1: High-voltage DC PV systems: Highly efficient PV systems, optimal utilisation of generated PV electricity, energy savings;Decreased levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) and affordable electricity for industrial users. Scope 2: PV participation in electricity markets: Increased social profitability of PV by participation to ancillary services;Energy efficient, cost competitive and flexible contribut