Are the Kremlin’s power market reforms in danger?

Did you know we could be seeing the end to Russia’s power sector liberalisation? Russia’s state controlled energy giant
Gazprom and Ranova a private-sector investment fund are planning to merge their interests in the nation’s six largest generating companies. Such a proposal
would create a new company dominating 25% of Russia’s power sector. It would
also increase state influence over the power sector, due to Gazprom being a
partially privatised energy utility.

Who will this benefit?

The proposed company would certainly bring new benefits, in terms of economies of scale,
improved access to new investment funds, resources and specialist expertise in
many related fields from district heating to solar power.http://www.oxfordprospect.co.uk/Are-the-Kremlin’s-power-market-reforms-in-danger.html

World Energy Market Prospects 2011

A quick look at various aspects of the power generation sector for
investors

Renewables

From my expertise experience, renewables need to make greater strides before it is
truly competitive, i.e. does not need governments to distort the market. At
present, more money is to be made in the companies servicing renewable
installations than investing in them, so have a look at
consultancies.

Why hydro has a
future

I think the hydro sector has great possibilities, which in Europe will mean
upgrading generating capacity at hydro station dams along major rivers, such as
the Danube. Similar potential exists in the United States to upgrade existing
facilities in an environmentally friendly manner.

However, the main obstacle is the anti-hydro ideology amongst some environmentalists in
North America. In addition, new hydro power schemes both larges and small are
likely to be constructed in Russia, South East Asia and South America in the
next few years.

Wind prospects look good in the Arctic

As for wind, I think the proposed North African Desertec scheme has its financial, market and political problems. http://www.oxfordprospect.co.uk/World-Energy-Market-Prospects.html

Norway: Europe’s Powerhouse?

Today, Norway is a global oil and gas exporter, what is less well known. Norway is becoming an increasingly important supplier of electricity to Europe’s power markets. This largely state owned power sector has been a significant player in the Scandinavian sector. Norway’s extensive hydropower resources have kept the lights on in Copenhagen, when the wind has failed to turn Denmark’s fleet of wind turbines.  http://www.oxfordprospect.co.uk/Norway-Europe’s-Powerhouse.html