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Hybrid wind and solar could expand output at Europe’s existing hydropower sites

Ember Energy estimates 25 GW of wind and solar additions are possible across Austria, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Portugal, Romania, and Spain, without drawing on new grid capacity.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Energy

OilPrice reports that a new Ember Energy report says existing hydropower sites in seven EU countries could be used for hybrid renewable projects, combining hydropower with wind and solar to raise clean energy output.

According to the report, 25 GW of wind and solar capacity could be added to hydropower plants across Austria, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Portugal, Romania, and Spain to enable hybrid operations.

Ember Energy also estimates that this approach could help the countries integrate 18% of the new renewables expected by 2030 without using additional grid capacity. The outlet adds that Ember says hybridisation could nearly double the use of existing grid connections, reducing the need for grid expansion.

The report further notes that eligible hydropower plants currently average 19% of their maximum output, and that adding wind and solar could raise wind output utilisation to 36% and solar utilisation to 31%, respectively, OilPrice said.

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