Power Market in Western Europe to 2020 - Government Policies Downplaying the Nuclear Energy Industry and Spurring the Growth of Renewable Energy

Additional Information

GBI Research’s report, “Power Market in Western Europe to 2020 - Government Policies Downplaying the Nuclear Energy Industry and Spurring the Growth of Renewable Energy” provides an in-depth analysis of the power market of selected Western European countries (France, Germany, Austria, The United Kingdom, Spain, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Portugal, Belgium and Italy). The report analyzes their regulatory framework and the infrastructure of their power sectors. It provides a detailed forecast of the installed capacity by thermal, hydro, renewable (solar PV, biomass, wind) and nuclear sources in each of the 12 countries up to 2020. The report, coupled with information on active and upcoming power plants in the countries, provides a comprehensive understanding of the 12 Western European power markets. It also provides information on the competitive landscape and market shares of some of the major companies in the respective countries.

This report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GBI Research’s team of industry experts.

Renewable Power to Become Second Most Important Source of Power, Surpassing Nuclear and Hydro

At present, the Western European region is heavily dependent on thermal fuel sources (coal, gas and oil) for power generation. For instance, countries such as Germany, the UK, Italy and the Netherlands generate more than 50% of power from thermal fuel sources. However, a change in the power generation mix in the region is expected in future due to a shift in focus by Western European countries to other fuel sources, such as solar and wind.

The commitment to curtail carbon emissions has led to growing investment in renewable power generation. Countries are planning to use supercritical technology, which has higher levels of fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Countries are actively augmenting capacity through renewable energy sources, such as wind, and solar photovoltaic. Countries such as Germany, France, the UK and Austria have set targets to generate 30%, 20%, 15% and 34% respectively from renewable sources by 2020/2025. In order to achieve these targets, the governments have undertaken several incentives in the form of tax relief, capital cost grants and subsidies.

GBI Research forecasts that renewable sources will increase their share in total installed capacity from 16% in 2010 to 33.5% in 2020 to become the second most important source of power generation in the region.

Western Europe Power Market (Selected Countries), Cumulative Installed Capacity by Type, MW, 2000-2020

Source: GBI Research

Share of Nuclear Power Resources to Go Down in the Total Installed Capacity

Due to problems with nuclear waste and the threat of potential accidents in nuclear power plants, nuclear power witnessed a decline over the last decade. With countries like Germany deciding to completely phase out nuclear power, the decline is expected to continue. In Germany, government authorities have decided to decommission all nuclear plants. Furthermore, authorities reached an agreement with energy firms, to limit the operational lives of nuclear power plants to an average of 32 years, deferring any immediate closures. Whereas in countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and Switzerland there are no upcoming projects for nuclear power generation and will subsequently be no increase in nuclear capacity during the forecast period. Some other countries like Austria and Norway have forbid the construction of nuclear power plants outright due to nuclear prohibition laws.

Germany Maintains its Leadership Position as the Biggest Power Market by Installed Capacity in Western Europe

Germany is the biggest power market by installed capacity among the Western European countries, with a share of 21.2% in the total installed capacity. France is the second largest market, with a share of 15.9%. It is closely followed by Italy and Spain with respective shares of 14.3% and 13.9%. The UK has a market share of 11.4% and is currently the fifth largest country by installed capacity in Western Europe.

Oligopolistic Market Structure in the Western Europe Power Industry

In most Western European countries, the major generating capacity is owned by the top three or four companies only. The top power companies contribute around 60-90% of installed capacity.

In France, close to 73% of the installed capacity is owned by the state owned public utility company Electricité de France (EDF). Similarly, in Belgium, close to 65% of installed capacity is owned by Electrabel S.A. In other countries, such as Austria, Sweden, Portugal and Italy, the largest power company contributes a share of 30-80% of the total installed capacity. For other countries such as the UK, Spain and the Netherlands, more than 50% of the capacity is owned by the top three or four companies.