18 December 2009: Wood pellets are underpinning the emergence of a new commodities business in biomass. The key driver is bioenergy and Pöyry expects double digit growth in pellet markets over the next five years. These are the main findings of the study 'Wood Pellets - The Bioenergy Feedstock Solution? Global market, players and trade to 2015' undertaken by Pöyry Forest Industry Consulting, a leading global expert in bioenergy and biomass procurement strategies. The wood pellet market is immature and the reliability of data on trade, prices, production capacity and actual production varies considerably between countries. Through this study Pöyry has established an authoritative base of reliable data and analysis which can be used for strategic decision-making by existing or prospective market participants.

Pöyry has carried out extensive primary and secondary research into the wood pellet sector. The primary research consisted of a large number of discussions with key industry players and participants along the whole global supply chain (pellet mills, pellet users, OEMs, traders) and various industry sources. As well as a review of the current and future global wood pellet business, the study also provides detailed country profiles for 27 major and emerging markets. To obtain a brochure, and to download an order form, please click here.

First results from the study 'Implications of intermittent generation on gas markets'

15 December 2009: The study looking at the impacts of a high-renewables world on the gas industry is now well underway. The first results are promising and provide a very good insight on how markets would cope with a more volatile gas demand.

The study has already been joined by ten member companies from GB, Ireland and France and is still open to new members. For an opportunity to join the study, or to obtain further information, please click here.

Pöyry to sponsor 2010 Irish Renewable Energy Summit

12 December 2009: Pöyry is pleased to be sponsoring the 2010 Irish Renewable Energy Summit. Organised by Energy Ireland, the Summit, which is the major annual event for the Irish renewable energy sector, takes place on Thursday 21st January 2010 in the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk. The Summit is designed to focus on the major issues surrounding the enormous benefit Ireland can derive by optimising development of its renewable resources. Plenary sessions will focus on overcoming the challenges to developing renewables, developing renewable technologies and meeting Ireland's renewable energy targets in 2020. Stephen Woodhouse, from Pöyry, will speak at the Summit on the topic of reforms to market arrangements that may be required as a result of a high level of wind penetration on the system.

Register for the seminar online at www.energyireland.ie or telephone +353 (0) 1 661 3755. You can download a copy of the Summit programme here.

Urgent action needed to create a low carbon Britain

11 November 2009: Pöyry Energy Consulting has undertaken two studies into the viability of low carbon technology on behalf of the CCC ahead of its first progress report, published in Parliament today.

The reports assess what is required to achieve the timelines, but Pöyry does not make any judgement on whether the targets themselves are desirable.

The first Pöyry report looked at the challenges of delivering increased levels of wind power throughout the UK while the second study focused on the steps to establish the commercial viability of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).

For a copy of the first report, please click here.

For a copy of the second report, please click here.

Implications of intermittency - market madness?

08 October 2009: An article by James Cox of the Pöyry Oxford office was recently published in New Power. The article explores the implications of wind intermittency on the BETTA market; how prices, load factors and plant use may change; and asks whether the design of BETTA needs a rethink.

For a copy of the article, please click here.

Implications of intermittent generation on gas markets - new multi-client study just launched

08 October 2009:Drawing on the recently completed study on the implications of intermittency on electricity systems, Pöyry Energy Consulting is now looking at the impacts of a high-renewables world on the gas industry. With large volumes of wind on the system, gas plant will be required to flex their generation significantly, leading to greater variation in gas demand than currently. The aim of the study is to answer the question 'How will the impact of intermittent generation affect the wholesale gas markets in GB and Ireland?', based around areas of investigation as varied as gas prices, system operation and market arrangements.

The study has already been joined by ten member companies from GB, Ireland and France and the model development has already begun. For an opportunity to join the study, or to obtain further information, please click here.

New ILEX Energy Report for the UK Renewable Electricity market from Pöyry Energy Consulting

30 September 2009: Pöyry is pleased to announce the release of the September 2009 edition of the ILEX Energy Report 'The Value of Renewable Electricity in the United Kingdom'.

Pöyry is the leading provider of energy price projections in Europe and this report includes our latest price projections for each element of value of renewable electricity available to UK generators:

Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs);

wholesale electricity prices;

Levy Exemption Certificates (LECs);

imbalance costs; and

embedded benefits.

The report also provides preliminary analysis of the impact of changes on the RO that are necessary to facilitate the UK meeting its 2020 renewable energy targets.

As a complete guide to the UK renewables support system the report contains a fully updated description of the policy, regulatory and market environment. This includes the UK's Renewable Energy Strategy, ROC banding, network charging arrangements and contracting structures.

For further information on this report please click here.

SEM consultation on the principles of dispatch and market schedule

18 September 2009: Pöyry Energy Consulting was appointed by the IWEA to review the SEM Consultation Paper 'Principles of Dispatch and the Design of the Market Schedule in the Trading and Settlement Code' (SEM-09-073), which was issued on 8 July 2009. In this Note we report the outcomes from our review. The views expressed are our own; they have been developed independently of the IWEA and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of that organisation.

A copy of the note can be found here.

Pöyry Energy Consulting published in energy journals

28 July 2009: An article authored by Nazrin Mehdiyeva of the Oxford office was published in the July/August edition of the European Energy Review.

The article explores the complex issues surrounding Russia's policy of pipeline diversification and the difficulties associated with the EU's 'Nabucco project' that aims to bring Caspian gas to the markets, bypassing Russia.

A copy of the article entitled "Nabucco's window of opportunity" can be found at this link .

The issue of gas imports in Europe and the repercussions of Russia missing its key production targets as a result of delayed investments are explored further in an interview by Nazrin Mehdiyeva to Platts, published in the International Gas Report on 06 July 2009.

A copy of the interview can also be found here.

New report published by DECC from Pöyry Energy Consulting

20 July 2009: Pöyry Energy Consulting is pleased to announce the publication of 'Qualitative issues in the design of the GB Feed-In Tariffs', a report to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). The report is a supporting document for the government's Consultation on Renewable Electricity Financial Incentives launched on July 15.

The report provides a comprehensive review of how a Feed in tariff (FIT) scheme would work, explores the implications of different design options, and the experiences of other FIT schemes. It seeks to identify the appropriate FIT design, given the UK Government objectives, which would deliver effectively on the take up of small scale electricity producing renewables, while maximising cost efficiency and minimising distortions to the existing Renewables Obligation support scheme.

The report can be found on the DECC website, at this link.

To download a copy of the report, please click here.

Impact of intermittency: How wind variability could change the shape of the British and Irish electricity markets.

01 July 2009: A ground-breaking study by leading global energy analysts Pöyry Energy Consulting has revealed for the first time how the electricity markets will be profoundly affected by the growth of wind energy. The report, called Impact of Intermittency, provides a unique insight into how the electricity sector in the UK and Republic of Ireland could look by 2030.

This new study highlights the potential hurdles and opportunities facing operators and investors in the energy sector.

The study looks at:

the likely scale of future wind power and the impact on thermal plant;

the reserve needed on the system to maintain current reliability standards;

how market prices will be affected and whether too much wind could collapse prices to zero;

whether interconnection between the two markets can provide the 'golden bullet';

how the country's market arrangements will cope; and

whether power station investment is an attractive proposition.

A summary version of the main report is available publically and can be downloaded from this link.

For a copy of Pöyry's methodology, please click here.

The press release accompanying the report is available from this link.

New offering from Pöyry - Russian gas in Europe: is there enough gas to go around?

03 June 2009: Pöyry Energy Consulting is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new report, which looks in detail at the state of Russian gas supplies both now and into the future. The report asks the main question facing Europe's gas market today - would Russia have enough gas supplies to service the multitude of export obligations?

This study is essential reading for any market participant who wants to understand gas production patterns in Russia, the extent to which Russia will diversify its exports towards the Asia-Pacific region and the routes via which gas will be transported to Europe over the next 20 years. It is unique in giving the first comprehensive analysis of Russia's supplies together with a political analysis of Russia's current energy policies, which would make it invaluable for anyone interested in the effect Russia will have on Europe into the future.

For further information on the study, please click here.

Implications of intermittency - study now finalised

21 May 2009: Pöyry Energy Consulting has just completed a major study on the implications of wind intermittency on the wholesale markets of GB and Ireland. This study is unprecedented in terms of its scope and scale, and has been joined by four major utilities (including three of the 'big six'), two grid companies, two regulatory bodies and two major wind developers. It has covered entirely new ground, and has given the first comprehensive analysis of the impact of wind on market players, along with commercial and strategic insights.

This study will be of particular interest to any market participant who wishes to understand how the electricity market may evolve until 2030, including utilities, wind developers and new entrants.

The final report from the study, along with bespoke presentations, is still available to new members. For further information on the study, please click here.

Additionally, Pöyry is planning to carry out further studies to examine in more detail other aspects of the impact of large volumes of wind.

Please click on the following links for more information on these follow-on studies:

Implications of intermittency on the gas market

Investment environment for new build

Tipping points

The potential and costs of district heating networks - a report to DECC by Pöyry Energy Consulting and Faber Maunsell (AECOM)

05 May 2009: The Minister of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Lord Hunt has launched the Pöyry Energy Consulting / Faber Maunsell (AECOM) report on district heating at the Local Authority Community Heating Summit.

District heating is a system where the heat for an area is produced centrally, and hot water or steam is transported to the buildings through a network of pipes. It is a potentially important option available to communities and developments seeking to lower fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions, given the economies of scale and opportunities to use a variety of low-carbon and renewable sources to generate the heat.

The report provides an assessment of the potential costs and benefits of district heating, calculating the potential in the UK and assessing the economic and non-economic barriers to further investment and deployment. The report will feed into the evidence base for the DECC Heat and Energy Saving Strategy which seeks to understand the range of factors affecting deployment of district heating.

A full copy of the report can be accessed by clicking here. Additionally, an executive summary is also available, which can be accessed from this link.

Joint Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage Study released

01 May 2009: A joint study into CO2 storage capacity under the North Sea by the Scottish Centre for Carbon Storage, the Scottish Government and industry partners has been released today. The study, titled 'Opportunities for CO2 Storage Around Scotland', finds that there is a capacity for storing at least 4,600 to 46,000 million tonnes of CO2 in saline aquifers and depleted oil and gas fields around Scotland. Pöyry made a significant contribution to the study, completing the Economic Modelling, Business Risks, Business Models, Appropriate Support, and Alternative Carbon Abatement Options sections of the report.

The press release for this study can be found at http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/sccs/regional-study/CO2-JointStudy-PressRelease.pdf.

The report can be downloaded at http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/sccs/regional-study/CO2-JointStudy-Full.pdf.

Pöyry Energy Consulting to sponsor leading Irish energy conference

01 May 2009: Pöyry is pleased to continue its support for Energy Ireland, Ireland's leading energy conference, which is now in its 13th year. This year's conference takes place in Croke Park conference centre, Dublin on 10th & 11th June, where Pöyry will be hosting a workshop. Stephen Woodhouse, Director of Pöyry Energy Consulting will address the workshop, where the topic will be 'Can the predict and provide approach to electricity provision survive the winds of change', looking at the implications of high levels of wind on the Irish and GB energy markets and electricity systems.

Further information on the conference, including the full programme, is available online at www.energyireland.ie. Alternatively, you can click here to download the programme.

New ILEX Energy Report for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland from Pöyry Energy Consulting

05 March 2009: Pöyry is pleased to announce the release of the February 2009 edition of the ILEX Energy Report 'Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland Electricity Market Report'.

The report provides a comprehensive description of the Single Electricity Market (SEM) covering both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The report has been updated to take into account all major developments in the market and gives an overview of the first year of the SEM.

Included in the report are Pöyry's wholesale electricity price projections under three main market scenarios, for the period 2009 to 2030, with a full description of the corresponding input assumptions. The projections for the SEM are modelled using EurECa, Pöyry's integrated European modelling platform. This ensures consistency with corresponding projections in all European countries.

Those parties interested in this report can click here for further information.

New ILEX Energy Report for the GB Electricity market from Pöyry Energy Consulting

20 February 2009: Pöyry is pleased to announce the release of the February 2009 edition of the ILEX Energy Report 'Projections of the Price of Wholesale Electricity in Great Britain'.

This report provides a comprehensive description of the power market in Great Britain and is one of the leading sources of projections of wholesale electricity prices in the GB market. These price projections are used extensively by project developers and financial institutions to assess potential new power projects and plant acquisitions.

The report has been fully revised and updated in light of recent developments, particularly with regards to the EU 2020 renewable targets and Phase III of the EU-ETS. The recent falls in commodity prices and reduced outlook for demand have also been considered.

The behaviour of opted out plants under the Large Combustion Plant Directive is analyzed in detail, as well as examining the proposed EU Industrial Emissions Directive and what this might mean for existing thermal generators.

This edition also includes an additional "recession" sensitivity which explores the potential downside risk to prices in the coming years as a result of the global financial crisis.

Those parties interested in this report can click here for further information.

News from Pöyry Energy Consulting

05 February 2009: A review of the past year, together with a look ahead at 2009 has been written by Phil Hare, Managing Director of Pöyry Energy Consulting. To access the electronic version now available online, please click here.

Technical report for National Grid

03 February 2009: National Grid have commissioned a report from Pöyry Energy Consulting to provide an expert opinion on whether the Network Model proposed by National Grid NTS meets the objectives set out in the Gas Transporter Licence. This study examined the capabilities of new network analysis software and included a high-level examination of its underlying mathematics. The report details Pöyry Energy Consulting's findings.

To download a copy of this report, please click here.

Latest edition of Know How Wire available

22 January 2009: The latest edition of our client magazine - Know How Wire - is now available. This edition focuses on the work the Pöyry Group does in energy and contains articles by David Cox, Phil Hare and Gareth Davies from our Oxford office. Please go here to download a PDF version. Alternatively, if you require a printed copy please contact , PA to David Cox and Matt Brown.

Video interviews now available

05 January 2009: Pöyry experts are regularly asked for comment by the media on energy issues. Please follow this link to see recent BBC TV news interviews where David Cox comments on gas and oil prices.