Energy transition
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
Special report: Renewables
This month's special report looks at the future for global renewables markets with a focus on the derivatives markets in European biodiesel and US ethanol and a look at funding challenges for US wind and solar projects.
US biofuels: beyond ethanol
Growth in the US ethanol market is slowing as the government rethinks its support for the industry. What does that mean for biofuels traders and could ethanol’s pain be biodiesel’s gain? Alexander Osipovich reports
European biodiesel: a market on hold?
The European biodiesel market is currently dealing with a combination of falling prices, market supply shifts and regulatory uncertainty. Jay Maroo talks to market experts about their outlook for this challenging marketplace. Jay Maroo reports
Off-take deal targets West coast REC demand
Long-term REC off-take deal hedges West coast renewable energy compliance needs out to 2030; RECs demand expected to increase
Has the bubble burst for Italy's renewables market?
The recent legal changes relating to the renewables energy sector in Italy, which will retroactively cancel all industry incentives, has caused strong opposition from energy players. Catia Tomasetti and Gabriele Malgeri outline the changes
Biomass exchange: catalyst for European renewables?
The opening of a new Rotterdam-based biomass exchange is being hailed as the first step toward a functioning market for renewables within Europe. Ned Molloy reports
Impact of German nuclear phase-out on European energy markets
Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear power by 2022 could have wide-ranging implications for European power and gas markets, especially in the short term
Sponsored statement: Navita
Many foreseen and unanticipated events are conspiring to push utilities, operators and producers critically closer towards smart energy preparedness. Navita Systems’ Anette Nordskog and Jo Morten Sletner discuss the move
Updated: Renewables groups urge Lords to wave through feed-in tariff cuts
Industry associations urge House of Lords not to reignite feed-in tariff row
Sponsored webcast: Assessing supply and demand dynamics for energy commodities in Russia
This OpenLink webcast brings together a panel of industry experts to discuss the development of local energy markets in Russia.
Estimating the impact of US energy efficiency programmes
Increased interest in energy efficiency and demand response programmes in the US power markets has led to the birth of the negawatt – a tradable resource now gaining prominence in the industry. But estimating the impact of these programmes is not easy,…
US renewable energy: A carrot and stick approach
Pauline McCallion examines current risks surrounding the development of renewable energy resources in the US