Energy transition
Renewables in Europe: A roadmap for fundamental reform
Subsidies have proven successful at bolstering the share of electricity generated from renewable sources across Europe, but have also created some nasty side effects. Those undesirable consequences could be rectified by a more market-based approach,…
German renewables shift welcomed by energy firms
A push to increase the number of German renewable energy producers that directly market their output has received a positive reception from energy trading firms, which are likely to benefit from the changes
EC's Ristori takes on Ukraine, subsidies and EU integration
Dominique Ristori was appointed as EC director-general for energy earlier this year. In an exclusive interview, he speaks to Mark Pengelly about energy security in the wake of Ukraine, European integration, energy subsidies and the development of shale…
Quant energy models need greater emphasis on fundamentals
Boom in shale oil and gas extraction, and growth in renewables underline importance of reflecting fundamental factors in quant models, argue experts
OIES trying to fuel debate on energy markets, says Fattouh
Unlike other research houses, the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies does not toe a single editorial line and occasionally publishes opposing views on the same topic. But far from being a drawback, that is what makes the institute great, argues…
Renewables subsidy shift brings opportunity for energy firms
Germany began encouraging renewable generators to directly market their own production in 2012, reflecting a trend of giving renewables greater exposure to wholesale markets across Europe. That could spell an opportunity for more well-established energy…
A can-do attitude
Axpo Trading & Sales aims to optimise the production of Switzerland-based utility Axpo, but is increasingly offering the same service to external clients, including renewable generators. Energy Risk talks to Domenico De Luca, head of international…
EMR may rescue UK renewable PPA market
UK Electricity Market Reform expected to give boost to flagging power purchase agreement market for renewable generators
Concerns remain on plans to bolster UK renewables via CFDs
The UK government hopes to deliver a healthy boost to low-carbon generation through a market for contracts-for-difference. While electricity market participants are upbeat about the proposals, there are lingering concerns about how effective it will be…
Lending an expert hand in energy management
Effective energy monitoring and management can deliver significant savings to a business’s bottom line.
Co-ordinating energy management and procurement
Advertisement feature: For businesses with flexible energy supply contracts featuring in-built Volume Tolerances, a co-ordinated approach to energy management and procurement should ensure energy savings are reflected on the bottom line.
Danske Commodities chief reflects on altered energy landscape
While Europe’s traditional energy firms have been suffering, Danske Commodities saw a 75% leap in profits for 2012. Chief executive Torben Nordal Clausen speaks to Gillian Carr
The importance of trading to smart energy business models
Expertise in energy trading is vital to the success of smart energy business models, which rely on integrating decentralised generation assets with the wholesale energy market. That presents an opportunity for firms with the right skills, argue Jim…
Noble Group swipes E.on and JP Morgan heads
Morgan Stanley commodity marketing head leaves; APX names new chief executive; Citi expands European power and gas sales; Clean Energy hires senior energy trader; Barclays names head of US power and gas trading
Turning points: Torsten Amelung, Statkraft
As the proportion of power generated from renewables goes up, the business model of traditional utilities is increasingly under threat, says Torsten Amelung, Statkraft’s senior vice-president of trading, origination and business development. He speaks to…
Renewable PPAs find favour among corporates
A small but growing number of companies are using renewable energy power purchase agreements to lock in cheap forward electricity prices. But it may take some time before going green becomes a sound risk management strategy for all firms, writes…
Japan faces soaring cost of ditching nuclear power
After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan announced ambitions to phase out the use of nuclear generation. But faced with bulging energy imports and high prices, official enthusiasm for the plan has waned. By David Hayes
Q&A: Gary Demasi, director of global infrastructure, Google
As Google seeks to satisfy its enormous power needs from renewable sources, it has been on a shopping spree to buy green energy in the wholesale market. Gary Demasi, who oversees the firm's energy procurement, speaks to Alexander Osipovich about the deals
Lack of critical mass in biomass
Growth in the use of biomass has led clearing houses to list derivatives referencing the organic fuel source, while some experimentation has also taken place within the over-the-counter markets. But these efforts are yet to yield substantial success. Jay…
Cutting edge: Marketing of renewable energy in the German market
Power generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar has considerable influence on power markets in Western Europe. Björn Naundorf and Peter Stagge present a study in which they investigate the impact of renewable generation on intraday…
Lynda Clemmons joins NRG Energy
Lynda Clemmons, a pioneer in the field of weather derivatives and emissions trading, has been hired by NRG Energy to help run its green technology team