Innovations in Energy: Reflecting on Intersolar Europe 2025

Attending Intersolar Europe 2025 in Munich was an eye-opening experience. This leading exhibition for the solar industry showcased the active energy landscape, providing insights and networking opportunities that will undoubtedly shape our efforts back in New Zealand.

One of the most striking themes throughout the conference was the prominence of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), especially in commercial and industrial sectors. It was interesting to see how discussions have evolved from simply questioning the necessity of storage solutions to a focus on execution and how well these systems are integrated and scaled. As New Zealand aims to enhance its renewable energy output, investing in high-quality, scalable storage solutions is key.

The emphasis on quality control in utility-scale solar projects was another significant trend. The industry’s growing insistence on installation standards reflects a shift in global expectations. It’s no longer sufficient to rely solely on Tier 1 equipment; consistent, monitored execution during installation is becoming non-negotiable. As we scale our utility-scale solar projects in New Zealand, we must prioritise the upskilling of our workforce, develop robust quality assurance processes, and leverage effective monitoring tools to ensure that we meet these emerging standards.

Another stand-out topic was Agrivoltaics. In Europe, the push towards innovative dual-use solutions, supported by subsidies, is gaining momentum. However, Europe’s heightened expectations goes beyond mere coexistence of livestock and solar panels, signalling that New Zealand must also rethink our approach. We need to demonstrate genuine agricultural value through thoughtful land-use integrations. This is a chance for us to engage with the agricultural sector to create partnerships that unlock mutual benefits while enhancing our renewable energy landscape.

The conference also highlighted the importance of energy optimisation software. The rapid advancement in digital tools for optimising the interaction between hybrid generation, storage, and grid management was impressive. With AI-powered energy management platforms taking centre stage, we need to recognise that in New Zealand, our digital journey must begin at the outset of our renewable projects. Embracing these technologies early in the process will be crucial for our competitive advantage.

Reflecting on these trends, three key takeaways stand out for New Zealand’s approach to renewable energy:

1. 1. Agrivoltaics Needs a Reframe: The EU is setting a high bar. NZ needs to think bigger than co-location – we must prove real agricultural value. What crops or land-use integrations make sense here? Can we partner with the agri-sector to unlock mutual value?

1. 1. Install Quality is the Next Bottleneck: As utility-scale solar and BESS ramp up in NZ, ensuring consistent installation standards will be critical. Do we have the workforce, the QA processes, and the monitoring tools to scale without compromise?

1. 1. Software as a Differentiator: Integration and optimisation software will be the secret sauce of the next phase of renewables. NZ projects must start thinking digitally from day one.

As I returned to New Zealand from Intersolar Europe 2025, I was reminded of the need for our industry to be proactive. Europe’s rapid advancements in renewables should inspire us to align with global best practices. The future of our energy landscape is not solely about hardware. It’s about how we deploy, monitor, and optimise every aspect of our efforts, fostering a seamless connection between the ground and the cloud.

The road ahead is paved with challenges, but with thoughtful reflection on what I learned in Munich, I am optimistic that New Zealand can rise to the occasion and lead in the renewable energy revolution.