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.
Other topics in this issue:
- Agrivoltaics in focus: Italy emerges as a hotbed for innovative approaches, as solar and agriculture boost efforts to find common ground
- Winter blackouts, summer surges: In Ukraine, solar continues to play a key role in an energy system under constant attack
- Virtual power plants: Decentralized generation capacity aggregated under virtual power plants (VPPs) is entering the energy mainstream
- pv magazine Awards: Entries are open for our 2026 awards, and we highlight some of the top entries received so far
- The silicon loop: Returning recycled silicon back to the high purity needed for new solar cells remains a challenge, one being solved through incremental progress
- Hands on skills: Worldwide, solar is one of the fastest growing employers. Workers need the right set of skills to keep the energy transition going
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