At the “Storage and Renewable Leadership Forum”, organised by Strategic Energy Corp, renewable energy experts discussed the challenges hindering the development of projects in Europe. One of the key voices in the discussion was Carlos Hernández, Operations Manager for International Projects at Forte Renewables, who identified three critical barriers: permitting processes, financing, and supply chain dependency.

According to Hernández, obtaining permits remains one of the biggest bottlenecks in the expansion of renewable energy. “The ability to secure permits, land availability, and, most importantly, grid saturation are significant hurdles, not only in Europe but also in various international markets”, he explained. Bureaucratic complexity and long processing times delay project execution and complicate large-scale implementation.

The first event of the year by Strategic Energy Corp was a two-part virtual session, co-organised with Mobility Portal Europe and Strategic Energy Europe. Strategic Energy Corp partnered with Future Energy Summit (FES) to host this encounter, as FES is the leading platform for renewable energy discussions in Spanish-speaking countries.

Notably, on 24 June, the third edition of FES Iberia 2025 will take place at Colegio Caminos (Auditorio Betancourt, C. de Almagro, 42, Chamberí) in Madrid. (Relive the previous edition here). The encounter will feature companies such as Iberdrola, Nextracker, Engie, Grenergy, Statkraft, Acciona Energía, Red Eléctrica, and EDP Renovables, alongside key representatives from Spain’s regional governments and Latin America. Key discussion topics will include solar and wind energy, energy storage, green hydrogen, distributed generation, PPAs, auctions, and new projects.

Grid saturation and the need for digitalisation in permitting

One of the most pressing concerns raised by Hernández was the increasing saturation of the power grid in several European countries. “Many projects are struggling to connect to the grid due to capacity constraints”, he explained.

This limitation not only delays the deployment of new projects but also increases costs and jeopardises the economic feasibility of investments.

To tackle this, Forte Renewables suggests leveraging technology such as artificial intelligence to streamline the permitting process. “Implementing AI could significantly reduce waiting times and make the approval process more efficient”, stated the specialist.

Additionally, he proposed that governments should set clear deadlines for project approvals, ensuring that developers and investors have a predictable framework for their ventures.

The financing challenge: Mitigating risks through diversification

Beyond regulatory hurdles, securing financial stability for projects remains a major concern. “Uncertainty in electricity prices, particularly with the increasing penetration of solar energy during peak hours, affects the economic outlook for investors”, noted Hernández.

To address this, he emphasised the importance of financial structuring and risk mitigation strategies. “Project developers need to adopt a comprehensive approach that includes cost mapping, strategic risk assessment, and revenue diversification”, he explained. One key strategy is hybridising renewable projects with energy storage solutions, which not only optimises grid usage but also allows developers to capture better price signals.

Additionally, Hernández highlighted the importance of due diligence throughout all project stages, from the Greenfield phase to operation and maintenance. “Having a robust technical and financial assessment is fundamental to ensuring long-term project viability”, he affirmed.

The risks of supply chain dependence

Another significant challenge for renewable energy projects in Europe is the reliance on global supply chains, particularly from China. “The dependency on key suppliers creates uncertainties that can disrupt the implementation of projects”, Hernández warned.

With geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions affecting the availability and cost of components, the executive stressed the need for diversification in sourcing strategies. “Developers must anticipate potential supply chain disruptions and integrate risk-mitigation measures into their procurement processes”, he suggested.

Towards a sustainable and resilient energy future

Looking ahead, Hernández expressed optimism about technological advancements in energy storage, permitting digitalisation, and improved financial mechanisms. However, he reiterated that the success of the renewable energy transition will depend on addressing the critical challenges outlined in the discussion.

“To unlock the full potential of renewable energy, we need efficient permitting processes, stable financial frameworks, and resilient supply chains”, he concluded. As the industry continues to evolve, collaboration between governments, developers, and financial institutions will be essential in shaping the future of renewable energy in Europe.