Are low profits to blame for the energy transition lagging?
Jul 9, 2024
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Author Brett Christophers discusses how low profits hinder the energy transition. Challenges include competition, market volatility, and design issues. The importance of stable renewable energy projects and power purchase agreements are highlighted. More stability needed for larger scale renewables. Are PPAs the solution?
Low profits hinder energy transition progress due to market volatility and limited stability mechanisms.
Challenges in the energy transition span technological, economic, political, and social dimensions, requiring innovative solutions.
Government initiatives and consumer demand are driving sustainable infrastructure expansion, supporting clean energy advancements.
Deep dives
Discussion on the Challenge of Volatility in PV and Wind Investment
Volatility in power market prices is a significant obstacle to financing solar and wind projects, impacting profits. Banks and financial institutions avoid funding projects solely reliant on merchant prices due to volatility. Stability-providing mechanisms are limited, giving the power to stable buyers in negotiations, resulting in lower profitability for developers.
Interview with Brett on Energy Transition Challenges
Brett discusses the complexity of challenges in the energy transition, combining technological, economic, political, social, and cultural factors. The book analyzes the slow pace of renewable energy deployment due to economic obstacles, proposing innovative solutions beyond relying on the private sector. Geographical disparities in energy transitions highlight the need for global cooperation for effective decarbonization.
Impressions and Feedback on Brett's Book
Feedback on Brett's book has generally been positive, with industry and financial institutions acknowledging its accuracy regarding economic challenges in renewables. Critiques have arisen from 'Catenians' heavily invested in levelized costs, rejecting the book's evaluation of economic obstacles. The book has evoked critical responses regarding its analysis, although most opinions acknowledge its credibility.
Innovative Approaches to Energy Transition Challenges
Exploration of innovative responses to challenges such as Tennessee's rapid EV charging infrastructure expansion showcasing increased consumer demand for electric vehicles. Government investments in sustainable infrastructure like EV charging stations are transforming the market and supporting the transition toward clean energy technologies.
Debate on Government Intervention in Energy Transition
Debate surrounding Labour's proposed 'Great British Energy' entity in the UK election campaign highlights the emerging role of governments in renewable energy initiatives. The discussion centers on the entity's function as an energy production or investment company, showcasing evolving government strategies to stimulate private sector investments in renewables.
Ethical Considerations in Literary Sponsorship
Exploration of the ethical implications of literary festival sponsorship by asset management companies involved in fossil fuel investments. Striking a balance between campaign demands for divestment and building collaborations to navigate complex moral and ethical challenges within climate activism. Analyzing the multifaceted impact of sponsorship on cultural events and the broader energy transition discourse.
Author of ‘The Price Is Wrong’, Brett Christophers, joins the show to discuss the theories in his book.
On a recent episode of the show, host Ed Crooks was joined by Melissa Lott and Joseph Majkut to discuss two books that were generating a lot of interest in energy circles. One of those, The Price Is Wrong, argues that inadequate profitability is the key reason why the transition to low-carbon energy is not moving fast enough to address the threat of global warming.
There are plenty of interesting and provocative points raised in the book, so it made sense to hear them direct from the source. Ed and Melissa are joined by author and academic Brett Christophers to dissect the main points: the challenges and obstacles faced by renewable energy projects in terms of profitability and investment, and the true impact of these on progressing the energy transition.
Christophers says that low returns in renewables are a result of competition, volatility in wholesale power markets, and the design of energy markets – ‘returns are lower in renewables because there’s too much money chasing too few projects.’ Ed and Melissa weigh in with their thoughts on this. Plus, they discuss the importance of market design, the role of power purchase agreements, and the need for stability in renewable energy projects. There’s a definite need for more stability-providing sources to make renewable energy projects bankable on a larger scale. Are PPAs the answer?