Counting the cost of Europe’s capacity payments
European countries are increasingly paying out subsidies to conventional power plants, including in nations where supply shortages do not look likely to be an issue in the short or medium term.
Yesterday
Japan faces nuclear challenge
Nuclear generation is central to Japan’s emission reduction goals, but setbacks, further delays and potential political shifts could change the country’s plans for nuclear power.
6 November 2019
Offshore wind on the rise
Offshore wind trails behind onshore capacity in countries which lead in wind power generation. However, growth in offshore wind could be huge.
5 November 2019
South Korea eyes Asian super-grid to support energy transition
The country is backing the concept of a giant super-grid through which it would import renewable power from China underpinned by Russian LNG.
1 November 2019
Coal and renewables threaten to undermine gas-to-power in China
China’s refitted fleet of fuel-efficient and less-polluting coal plants and increased state spending on renewables blur the outlook for the country’s gas-to-power sector.
30 October 2019
European coal plants see improved profit margins in October
Higher prices for front-month power contracts and relatively low coal prices have resulted in better profit margins for coal-fired generators this month.
24 October 2019
Carbon border tax could mean end to free EUAs
The combination of a carbon border tax and the end of free allocation of EUAs for European industries would be a supportive policy for renewables and gas.
24 October 2019
Revised law may boost Polish coal production
The amendment would allow for the development of new coal mines without regional or local approval, possibly setting back Poland's switch to renewables and gas.
15 October 2019
Russia tightens grip on Europe’s coal market
Lower shipping rates and a relatively weak ruble allowed Russia to strengthen its position as Europe’s main coal supplier in Q2.
11 October 2019
Oldest US carbon market may double in size with new members
Cap-and-trade looks set to take a big step forward in the land of its birth, which should benefit gas and renewables over coal.
9 October 2019
France’s nuclear challenge
Problems affecting French nuclear reactors hit European gas and power prices last month. As France is a major regional electricity exporter, the future of its nuclear output will have an impact on Europe’s power balance.
8 October 2019
Pressure mounts for action on emissions
Last month’s UN Climate Action Summit heard louder calls for greater action in the fight against climate change.
7 October 2019
EU carbon prices see sell-off on economic woes
EU carbon allowances have traded lower recently, with fears over a global recession and a hard Brexit weighing on prices.
7 October 2019
Gas gains EU power market share in Q2
Lower prices for gas versus coal and higher prices for EU carbon allowances helped gas gain market share in the European power mix over the second quarter of this year.
7 October 2019
Ireland-France power link brings both risks and rewards
The Celtic Interconnector may reduce Ireland’s reliance on gas-fired power, but it will expose the Irish market to periods of supply shortages on the continent.
3 October 2019
Nuclear worries boost UK outlook for gas-to-power
The challenges facing the UK’s nuclear industry mean gas looks well-placed to defend or increase its market share and play a back-up role for renewables over the next decade.
27 September 2019
Hungary’s 2030 pledge to end coal likely to be too optimistic
Gas is in a good position to squeeze coal in Hungary’s power mix from 2020, but the country is unlikely to completely phase coal out by 2030 despite recent pledges.
26 September 2019
Ghana looks to renegotiate IPP contracts
Ghana’s government is stepping in to renegotiate take-or-pay arrangements with independent gas-to-power producers, a move that faces strong opposition but could help speed up gasification of the economy.
26 September 2019
Greek coal shutdown requires radical rethink
Greece’s plan to phase out coal-fired power by 2028 will require major changes to the country’s generation mix, ostensibly with more reliance on renewables and gas.
25 September 2019
Europe’s retreat from coal forces shifts in seaborne trade
Lower demand for coal in Europe means major suppliers are shipping more to Asia instead, potentially keeping a lid on price gains in the short term.
24 September 2019Viewing 1-20 of 101 articles