Economic Recovery: Financing Utilities Investments
Introduction Driven by legislative requirements and strategic diversification opportunities, Europe's leading utilities must finance conventional forms of power generation as well as record levels of low-carbon power generation in a rapidly evolving energy market environment. Features and benefits
Analysis of key recent deals and outlook
Review of the investment strategies of main European power utilities
Energy asset investment projections for 2020
Europe Financing Utilities Investments
Highlights The economic downturn has had a dampening effect on power demand, due largely to lower industrial activity. It also took its toll on energy infrastructure investment initiatives, particularly in renewable energy, as risk-averse investors retreated to safe havens. Markets and energy companies acting on their own are unlikely to deliver the necessary technological breakthroughs as a result of delays in obtaining the necessary environmental and construction permits, an issue compounded by difficult access to finance and lack of adequate risk-mitigating instruments. Investors have expressed strong concerns about the scale and diversity of funds needed, the recent and potentially protracted contraction of capital markets, and new legislation that would reduce banks' ability to lend. They have also called for more transparent and stable policy making that addresses limitations on both supply and demand sides. Table Of Contents OVERVIEW Catalyst Summary THE CURRENT EUROPEAN POWER AND INVESTMENT LANDSCAPE European power market landscape Technological diversity Geographic diversity European power investment landscape State of play in 2010