DNV GL, a Norway-based global quality assurance and risk management company, will conduct a feasibility study for combined solar and energy storage solutions for the Turkish Ministry of Energy, the company said Tuesday.
'The aim of the study is to provide the Ministry's Renewable Energy General Directorate with best practices for a possible integration of energy storage in the upcoming solar auctions,' a press release said.
The project is part of Turkey’s strategic plan to reach its national renewable energy target of 30 percent by 2030.
As part of this strategic ambition, the ministry announced in late February that it will issue another two gigawatts (GW) of renewables projects in the summer, one of which will consist of solar.
With this new tender, the government aims to reach its goal of 5 GW of installed solar capacity by 2023.
'After completing its first auction rounds for both wind and solar, the Turkish government now aims to verify whether the integration of storage solutions in the next solar auctions have the relevant potential to further lower the cost of energy,' the statement said.
'Within the next three months, DNV GL will review and analyze storage technology worldwide to identify specific prequalification and technical specification requirements that can lead to lower Levelized Cost of Energy from solar power in Turkey,' it added.
Andreas Schroter, executive vice president for Central Europe and Mediterranean region at DNV GL, praised the 'exemplary step' Turkey has taken by considering storage solutions in the auction system.
'With their experience from the past wind and solar auctions, the time is right to identify a holistic renewable energy approach,' Schroter said.
He added that with experience gained from solar and storage projects in other parts of the world, the company is looking forward to supporting the Turkish government with its local team in Turkey to help meet their targets.
Operating in more than 100 countries, DNV GL delivers testing and advisory services to the energy value chain including renewables and energy efficiency.
By Hale Turkes
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr