The rise of hybrid power plants is reshaping Europe’s renewable energy landscape, combining solar, wind, and battery storage to enhance grid stability and cut costs. As industry leaders gather at Intersolar Europe in May, discussions will focus on the latest developments, regulatory challenges, and future prospects for these integrated energy systems.
Several large-scale hybrid power projects are already under construction across Europe. In Portugal, a site is being developed with a 365-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) system, a 264 MW wind farm, a 168 MW battery storage unit, and a 500-kilowatt (kW) electrolyser to produce green hydrogen. In Spain, another project integrates solar and hydropower, while in Bulgaria, a hybrid plant will consist of 238 MW of solar, 250 MW of wind, and 250 MW of battery storage.
Falling Costs Drive Hybrid Power Growth
The rapid expansion of solar power is a key factor behind the hybrid energy boom. Global photovoltaic capacity has grown tenfold in under a decade, rising from 200 gigawatts (GW) in 2015 to 2,000 GW in 2024. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts this figure will reach 6,000 GW by 2030.
Falling component prices have played a crucial role in making hybrid projects more viable. Over the past 15 years, photovoltaic equipment costs have dropped by 85%, while battery storage costs have fallen by 90%. A 2024 study by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) found that the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for solar farms in Germany now ranges between 4.1 and 6.9 eurocents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). When paired with battery storage, costs rise to between 6.0 and 10.8 cents per kWh—still significantly lower than fossil fuel power generation.
By comparison, brown coal-fired power plants now generate electricity at costs between 15.1 and 25.7 cents per kWh, hard coal plants at 17.3 to 29.3 cents, and nuclear power at up to 49 cents per kWh. These figures indicate that hybrid power plants are not only a more sustainable energy source but also a cost-effective one, benefiting businesses and households alike.
Boosting Grid Efficiency and Stability
Battery storage plays a vital role in the success of hybrid power plants, allowing excess electricity to be stored when prices are low and released when demand peaks. This energy arbitrage function helps stabilise the grid while maximising profitability.
Hybrid systems also improve grid connection efficiency. In Germany, for example, overbuilding capacity by 250%—incorporating both wind and solar—could increase grid connection point utilisation to 53%. In contrast, single-source power plants operate at much lower utilisation rates, with solar averaging 13% and wind 33%.
Intersolar Europe to Spotlight Hybrid Power Advancements
Intersolar Europe, one of the world’s largest solar industry events, will be held from 7–9 May in Munich. Experts will gather to explore the latest trends in hybrid power plants, with sessions focusing on matching energy generation with demand.
The conference is expected to attract over 3,000 exhibitors and more than 110,000 energy professionals. As hybrid energy solutions continue to gain traction, the event will highlight how these projects are shaping the future of renewable electricity in Europe.